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Sandalwood (Santalum album)

Botanical Information

  • Family: Santalaceae
  • Common Names: Sandalwood, White Sandalwood, Chandan
  • Parts Used: Heartwood, Essential Oil

Description

Santalum album, commonly known as Sandalwood, is a slow-growing evergreen tree native to India, Indonesia, and Australia. The fragrant heartwood is highly valued in Ayurvedic, Unani, and Traditional Chinese Medicine for its calming, cooling, and antiseptic properties. Sandalwood is widely used for skincare, respiratory conditions, meditation, and mental clarity.

Historical and Traditional Uses

  • Used in Ayurveda to cool excess heat, calm the mind, and support skin health.
  • Traditionally employed in religious rituals, meditation, and aromatherapy.
  • Used in Unani medicine for urinary tract disorders and inflammation.
  • Applied topically for acne, eczema, and other skin conditions.
  • Historically used as a remedy for respiratory ailments, fevers, and digestive discomfort.

Constituents

  • Santalols (α-santalol, β-santalol)
  • Sesquiterpenes
  • Tannins
  • Flavonoids

Actions

  • Cooling and calming
  • Antiseptic
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Mild astringent
  • Diuretic
  • Expectorant

Medicinal Uses

1. Skin and Wound Healing:
Sandalwood is used to soothe inflamed skin, acne, eczema, and minor wounds due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

2. Mental Clarity and Relaxation:
Sandalwood essential oil is known for promoting relaxation, reducing stress, and enhancing meditation.

3. Respiratory Health:
Traditionally used as an expectorant to support lung function and ease coughs and bronchitis.

4. Digestive and Urinary Tract Support:
Used in Unani medicine as a cooling diuretic to relieve urinary tract infections and digestive inflammation.

5. Fever and Heat-Reducing Properties:
Employed to cool excess body heat in cases of fever, heatstroke, or inflammatory conditions.

Preparation and Dosage

Infusion (Tea from Wood Chips):

  • 1-2 tsp of finely ground sandalwood chips per cup of warm water. Steep for 10-15 minutes. Drink up to twice daily.

Tincture:

  • 2-5 ml taken up to twice daily.

Essential Oil (Topical Use or Aromatherapy):

  • Dilute with a carrier oil and apply to skin for skincare benefits or use in a diffuser for relaxation.

Paste (For Skin Conditions):

  • Mix sandalwood powder with water or rosewater and apply to inflamed skin.

Precautions and Contraindications

  • Pregnancy and Lactation: Essential oil should be used with caution; consult a healthcare provider.
  • Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may be sensitive to topical applications.
  • Sustainability Concerns: Due to overharvesting, use ethically sourced or sustainably cultivated sandalwood.
  • Excessive Use: Long-term internal use may affect kidney function; use in moderation.

Energetics (Traditional Medicine Perspectives)

  • Ayurveda: Cooling and balancing for Pitta and Vata, but may increase Kapha in excess.
  • Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM): Clears heat, calms the Shen, and supports Lung and Stomach meridians.
  • Traditional Western Herbalism: Used for relaxation, skin health, and spiritual clarity.

Combinations

  • For Skin Health: Combine with turmeric and neem.
  • For Mental Clarity: Combine with frankincense and lavender.
  • For Respiratory Support: Combine with licorice and holy basil.

Harvesting and Storage

  • Harvesting: Heartwood is collected from mature trees (often over 20 years old) for medicinal use.
  • Drying: Wood is air-dried before being ground into powder or distilled for essential oil.
  • Storage: Store sandalwood powder and essential oil in airtight containers away from direct sunlight.

Modern Research

Studies confirm Santalum album’s anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and calming effects, reinforcing its traditional applications.

Sandalwood remains a valuable herb in both traditional and modern herbal medicine, particularly for relaxation, skin health, and respiratory support. Due to its high demand, sustainable sourcing is essential.