{"id":155386,"date":"2022-02-07T13:56:18","date_gmt":"2022-02-07T08:26:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/blog\/?p=155386"},"modified":"2026-03-02T09:46:20","modified_gmt":"2026-03-02T09:46:20","slug":"ayurveda-uses-benefits-side-effects-precautions-of-sandalwood","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/blog\/ayurveda-uses-benefits-side-effects-precautions-of-sandalwood\/","title":{"rendered":"Sandalwood: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects & More!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n<\/head>

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Table of Contents<\/p>\nToggle<\/span>

Introduction<\/a><\/li>
Other Names of Sandalwood<\/a><\/li>
Properties of Sandalwood<\/a><\/li>
Potential Uses of Sandalwood<\/a><\/li>
How to Use Sandalwood?<\/a><\/li>
Side Effects of Sandalwood<\/a><\/li>
Precautions to Take with Sandalwood<\/a><\/li>
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)<\/a><\/li>
References<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n \n <\/span>\n $\"Join$ \n <\/a>\n
<\/span>Introduction<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nSandalwood refers to the wood (heartwood) from tree species belonging to the family Santalaceae<\/em> and genus Santalum<\/em>1<\/a><\/sup>. The wood from these trees has a characteristic aromatic fragrance. There are many species of trees that fall under this genus, of which the East Indian sandalwood (Santalum album)<\/em> and Australian sandalwood (S. spicatum<\/em>) are the most prominent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These are the two species that are mainly used to produce sandalwood oil. The Indian sandalwood grows up to 30 feet in height and is a small evergreen tree the wood is fragrant with yellow to maroon flowers, oval leaves and dark red-black fruit2<\/a><\/sup>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is a tropical tree found all over the country, with the majority growing in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The other states where they grow are Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, Manipur, and Madhya Pradesh 1<\/a><\/sup>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Did you know?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Sandalwood oil is widely used in the fragrance industry in the United States. [source: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov<\/a>]<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Sandalwood has been used in traditional medicine in the United States for its anti-inflammatory properties. [source: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov<\/a>]<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Sandalwood is considered a sustainable and renewable resource in the United States. [source: usda.gov<\/a>]<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Sandalwood trees take approximately 15-20 years to reach maturity in the United States. [source: arborday.org<\/a>]<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Sandalwood is a high-value crop in the United States, with the potential for significant economic benefits. [source: extension.psu.edu<\/a>]<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Other Names of Sandalwood<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
It is known by different names in different vernacular languages like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Agarugandha, Bavanna, Chandala, Bhadrasri in Kannada, <\/li>\n\n\n\n
Chandanam, Chandana-mutti in Malayalam<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Gandhachakoda in Marathi<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Valgaka in Oriya<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Anukkam, Asam, and Sandhanam in Tamil<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Sandal and Safaid in Urdu, etc 3<\/a><\/sup>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
The Indian sandalwood, commonly called chandana in Sanskrit, has been in use for ages in India. It is considered a sacred part of Hindu customs. Usually, the oil extracted from the wood is used.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Properties of Sandalwood<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The beneficial properties of sandalwood are listed in the section below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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It may be used due to its antioxidant activity<\/li>\n\n\n\n
It may have anti-inflammatory properties<\/li>\n\n\n\n
It may have anti-proliferative (inhibit cell growth) activity<\/li>\n\n\n\n
It may show anti-microbial properties 4<\/a><\/sup>.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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I recently came across a study that says that, according to preliminary research, ingesting a combination of white sandalwood, tamarind, and neem may help vaginal discharge and pain in women having a vaginal infection. Sandalwood is known for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.<\/p>\nDr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)<\/a><\/strong><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Potential Uses of Sandalwood<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThe sandalwood is the central part of the tree with a characteristic fragrance. The oil extracted from this sandalwood is referred to as the East Indian sandalwood oil and is used in different health conditions. Also, the wood can be powdered and used as well 5<\/a><\/sup>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. Potential Uses of Sandalwood for Skin<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
$\"skin$ <\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
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Potential Uses of Sandalwood for Psoriasis:<\/strong>\u00a0Psoriasis is a skin condition in which the patient develops itchy, scaly, and red patches commonly on the elbows, knees, trunk, and scalp. When applied topically on the sites where the psoriasis plaques (patches) are present, sandalwood has been shown to have reduced the severity of the disease in the studies. This is due to its potential anti-inflammatory property6<\/a><\/sup>.\u00a0This information is insufficient and require more human trials to suggest the uses of sandalwood for psoriasis. Therefore, people should speak to your doctor and only use sandalwood if prescribed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Potential Uses of Sandalwood for Wrinkles, Scars & Skin Darkening:<\/strong>\u00a0Over the years, it has been used as an important cosmetic product. Traditionally, sandalwood is used as an anti-ageing product as it reduces wrinkles, scars, and the darkening of the skin. This is due to its toning, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory actions7<\/a><\/sup>.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Potential Uses of Sandalwood for Wounds:<\/strong>\u00a0Owing to its potential anti-microbial actions (i.e., anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral actions) along with its anti-inflammatory effects, sandalwood may help in wound healing and is used for the same7<\/a><\/sup>.\u00a0However, more research is required to prove such claims.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Potential Uses of Sandalwood for Eczema:<\/strong>\u00a0Eczema is a medical condition where patches of the skin become dry, scaly, red, and cause itching leading to bleeding. Sandalwood oil may be applied on the skin helps in the management of the condition due to its anti-inflammatory action7<\/a><\/sup>.\u00a0Consult a dermatologist before using sandalwood for eczema.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Potential Uses of Sandalwood for Acne:<\/strong>\u00a0Its usefulness in treating acne is due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties7<\/a><\/sup>. The studies available for this effect of sandalwood are insufficient. Thus, you should consult a dermatologist before using sandalwood for acne.<\/li>\n<\/ul>
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