Chandana - Santalum album

One of the most revered gifts of ancient India to the world has been the Indian sandalwood, also known as Chandana in Sanskrit. The heartwood is considered sacred and the paste made by grinding the heartwood of the tree.

For centuries, Indian sandalwood oil (SWO) has been a popular ingredient in Ayurvedic medicine as well as traditional Chinese medicine. The active ingredient of sandalwood album oil, alpha-santalol, has been used as a remedy for a number of ailments including common cold, urinary tract infections, digestive problems among others. 

Sandalwood paste and oil are presumed coolants, with the wood paste being used as an ointment to dissipate heat as well as act as a beauty enhancer. 

 Ayurvedic Action

Health Benefits

Mental health

Aromatherapy with sandalwood oil promotes calmness, reduces stress and improves sleep quality. These are markers of alertness and sandalwood oil also helps to reduce anxiety. 

UTI

Sandalwood oil has an antibacterial property and diuretic property that helps inhibit the growth and multiplication of the bacteria and flush out toxins from the body by increasing the frequency of urine.

Liver Health

Hepatoprotective property of Sandalwood powder helps in the management of Liver problems. Antioxidants present in Sandalwood help fight against free radicals and prevent liver cell damage.

Kidney stones

Diuretic property of the sandalwood increases the production and frequency of urine which helps in easy removal of the kidney stones from the body.

For the treatment of urological problems, a dose of 1 to 1.5 g daily is recommended for no more than 6 weeks. Sandalwood oil should be dosed in a resistant coating that protects against stomach secretions. The oil should not be ingested in its natural state.

Acne

Sandalwood helps in acne. It has an astringent property which controls oil production and prevents acne breakouts. It also has antiseptic and soothing properties which help in managing skin irritations.

Dosage and side effects (only after consultation with an Ayurvedic doctor).

• Part used: Heart wood, Oil.
• It is strictly advised to consult a doctor before taking it during pregnancy, lactation or if you have any chronic disease.

References:

1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16783696/
2. https://www.healthline.com/health/what-is-sandalwood