Red Sandalwood
Red Sandalwood
Red Sandalwood, commonly known as Raktachandan, is a tree that is native and endemic to India. The wood part present at the centre of the trunk, also known as heartwood, is used for medicinal purposes.
Red Sandalwood is used for skincare and cosmetic purposes. Applying Red Sandalwood powder mixed with honey or rose water helps manage acne and scars due to its anti-inflammatory and healing properties.
As per Ayurveda, Applying Red Sandalwood paste on the wound helps in wound healing due to its Ropan (healing) property. Red Sandalwood bark helps lower blood sugar levels by enhancing insulin secretion due to its anti-diabetic property. Certain antioxidants present in Red Sandalwood bark helps manage high cholesterol levels. Taking a decoction of Red Sandalwood helps to manage dysentery due to its astringent property.
Red Sandalwood powder might cause allergic reactions like contact dermatitis in some individuals. So, it is advisable to consult a physician before using Red Sandalwood[6][7].
Red Sandalwood is used for skincare and cosmetic purposes. Applying Red Sandalwood powder mixed with honey or rose water helps manage acne and scars due to its anti-inflammatory and healing properties.
As per Ayurveda, Applying Red Sandalwood paste on the wound helps in wound healing due to its Ropan (healing) property. Red Sandalwood bark helps lower blood sugar levels by enhancing insulin secretion due to its anti-diabetic property. Certain antioxidants present in Red Sandalwood bark helps manage high cholesterol levels. Taking a decoction of Red Sandalwood helps to manage dysentery due to its astringent property.
Red Sandalwood powder might cause allergic reactions like contact dermatitis in some individuals. So, it is advisable to consult a physician before using Red Sandalwood[6][7].
What are the synonyms of Red Sandalwood?
Pterocarpus Santalinus, Raktachandan, Ratanjali, Raktchandanam, Shen chandanam, Atti, Sivappu chandanam, Lal chandan, Ruby wood
What is the source of Red Sandalwood?
Plant Based
Benefits of Red Sandalwood
Modern Science View
Red Sandalwood helps manage ulcers due to its gastroprotective property. It reduces the production of gastric acid in the stomach. It also has an antioxidant property that fights against the free radical and prevents gastric cell damage[6].
Ayurvedic View
Ulcer is a condition which occurs due to an imbalanced Pitta dosha and indigestion. This imbalance leads to inflammation, burning sensation, irritation or sometimes bleeding on the affected area. Red Sandalwood helps manage ulcers due to its Pitta balancing and Sita (cold) properties. It reduces the symptoms of ulcers like inflammation, burning sensation, irritation or bleeding and provides a cooling effect to the affected area.
Tips for using Red Sandalwood on ulcers.
1. Take 1-3gm (or as directed by the physician) of Red Sandalwood powder (Edible).
2. Have it with water or honey before taking meals to improve digestion.
3. Repeat it until the symptoms get reduced.
Tips for using Red Sandalwood on ulcers.
1. Take 1-3gm (or as directed by the physician) of Red Sandalwood powder (Edible).
2. Have it with water or honey before taking meals to improve digestion.
3. Repeat it until the symptoms get reduced.
How effective is Red Sandalwood?
Insufficient evidence
Stomach ulcers
Precautions when using Red Sandalwood
Breastfeeding
Modern Science View
Enough scientific information is not available about the use of Red Sandalwood during breastfeeding. So, it is generally advisable to avoid the use of Red Sandalwood or consult a physician before using Red Sandalwood during breastfeeding[2].
Pregnancy
Modern Science View
Red Sandalwood is safe to be taken in food amounts during pregnancy. But, it is generally advisable to consult a physician before using Red Sandalwood during pregnancy[4].
Benefits of Red Sandalwood
Modern Science View
Red Sandalwood helps manage edema due to its anti-inflammatory property. A study suggests that applying a paste of the Red Sandalwood inhibits the production of certain inflammatory mediators. This reduces the build-up of fluids in the tissue and prevents edema[3].
Ayurvedic View
Edema is a condition which occurs due to an imbalance of Vata and Pitta dosha which leads to swelling in the affected area. Red Sandalwood helps manage edema due to its Pitta balancing and Shothhar (anti-inflammatory) properties. It reduces inflammation and provides relief.
Tips for using Red Sandalwood in edema
1. Take a small piece of Red Sandalwood.
2. Rub it in normal water to make a slightly thick paste.
3. Apply it on the swelling area to get relief.
Tips for using Red Sandalwood in edema
1. Take a small piece of Red Sandalwood.
2. Rub it in normal water to make a slightly thick paste.
3. Apply it on the swelling area to get relief.
Ayurvedic View
Cough is a condition which occurs due to an imbalance of Kapha dosha. This imbalance leads to the formation and accumulation of mucus in the respiratory tract and creates an obstruction in it. In Spite of being Sita (cold) in nature, Red Sandalwood oil helps manage cough due to its Kapha balancing property. Rubbing Red Sandalwood oil on the chest or inhaling steam having Red Sandalwood oil prevents the formation of mucus and provides relief in cough.
How effective is Red Sandalwood?
Insufficient evidence
Cough, Oedema.
FAQs about Red Sandalwood benefits
Precautions when using Red Sandalwood
Allergy
Modern Science View
Red Sandalwood might cause contact dermatitis in some individuals. So, it is generally advisable to consult a physician before using Red Sandalwood[5].
FAQs about Red Sandalwood how to take
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
Red Sandalwood paste can be made by the following method:
1. Mix 1tsp of Red Sandalwood powder to 2 tsp of gram flour.
2. Add a few drops of fresh lemon juice and some rose water to it to make a paste.
3. Apply it on the affected skin area and let it dry.
4. Wash the face with cold and clean water.
1. Mix 1tsp of Red Sandalwood powder to 2 tsp of gram flour.
2. Add a few drops of fresh lemon juice and some rose water to it to make a paste.
3. Apply it on the affected skin area and let it dry.
4. Wash the face with cold and clean water.
Modern Science View
Yes, Red Sandalwood is safe to be taken in food amounts during pregnancy. But, it is generally advisable to consult a physician before using Red Sandalwood during pregnancy[4].
Modern Science View
Yes, Red Sandalwood fruit decoction might be useful in dysentery due to its astringent property. It helps in reducing the discharge of mucus secretions in the intestine. Thus, providing relief in dysentry[7].
Ayurvedic View
Red Sandalwood is useful in digestive disorders like dysentery. Dysentery is known as Pravahika in Ayurveda and is caused by vitiated Kapha and Vata doshas. In severe dysentery, inflammation of the intestine can also lead to the appearance of mucus and blood in the stools. Using Red Sandalwood helps reduce inflammation and controls bleeding because of its Grahi (absorbent) and Sita(Cold) properties.
Modern Science View
Yes, Red Sandalwood helps to manage cholesterol levels due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It lowers the level of total blood cholesterol, bad cholesterol (LDL) as well as triglycerides and increases the levels of good cholesterol (HDL)[6].
Modern Science View
Yes, Red Sandalwood is useful for various liver problems due to its hepatoprotective property. The antioxidants (such as flavonoids) present in Red Sandalwood fights against the free radicals and prevent liver cell damage. Thus, protecting the liver against various Liver problems[6].
Modern Science View
Yes, Red Sandalwood might help manage the symptoms of diabetes due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It prevents the damage of pancreatic cells and enhances the insulin secretion. A study suggests that heartwood and bark of Red Sandalwood are used for managing blood sugar levels[6].
Ayurvedic View
Diabetes is a condition which occurs due to an imbalance of Vata and Kapha dosha. This imbalance leads to disturbed insulin levels in the body. Red Sandalwood helps manage diabetes due to its Kapha balancing and Tikta (bitter) properties. It reduces the symptoms of diabetes and maintains a normal sugar level.
Modern Science View
Yes, Red Sandalwood oil is useful for wound healing due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. The constituents present in Red Sandalwood help in wound contraction and closure. It helps in the formation of collagen and new skin cells. Thus, it helps promote wound healing. It also prevents the risk of infection at the wound site due to its antibacterial property[6].
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Red Sandalwood or its oil can be used in wound healing due to its Ropan (healing) property. It also helps manage the condition of swelling, burning or irritation of wounds due to its Shothhar (anti-inflammatory) and Sita (cold) properties. It reduces the symptoms and helps in quick wound healing.
Tips for using Red Sandal on wounds.
1. Take a small piece of Red Sandalwood.
2. Rub it in normal water to make a slightly thick paste.
3. Apply it on the affected area to get relief.
Tips for using Red Sandal on wounds.
1. Take a small piece of Red Sandalwood.
2. Rub it in normal water to make a slightly thick paste.
3. Apply it on the affected area to get relief.
Modern Science View
Yes, Red Sandalwood might help manage headache due to its cooling and relaxing properties. A paste of Red Sandalwood can be applied on the forehead to get relief from headaches[7].
Ayurvedic View
Headache is a symptom which occurs due to an imbalance of Pitta dosha. Sandalwood helps manage headache due to its Pitta balancing and Sita (cold) properties. It reduces the headache and provides a cool and calming effect.
Tips for using Red Sandalwood in headache
1. Take 3-6gm (or as per your requirement) of Red Sandalwood powder.
2. Mix it with plain or rose water to make a paste.
3. Apply it on the affected area once a day to get rid of the headache.
Tips for using Red Sandalwood in headache
1. Take 3-6gm (or as per your requirement) of Red Sandalwood powder.
2. Mix it with plain or rose water to make a paste.
3. Apply it on the affected area once a day to get rid of the headache.
Modern Science View
Yes, Red Sandalwood is beneficial for boils as it has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It prevents the growth of bacteria and reduces inflammation. Red Sandalwood can be applied in the form of paste on boils and skin eruptions[7].
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Red Sandalwood is beneficial for boils due to its Ropan (healing) property. It also manages the condition of burning or irritation of boils due to its Shothhar (anti-inflammatory) and Sita (cold) properties.
Tips for using Red Sandalwood for boils.
1. Take a small piece of Red Sandalwood.
2. Rub it in normal water to make a slightly thick paste.
3. Apply it on the affected area to get relief.
Tips for using Red Sandalwood for boils.
1. Take a small piece of Red Sandalwood.
2. Rub it in normal water to make a slightly thick paste.
3. Apply it on the affected area to get relief.
Modern Science View
Yes, Raktachandan, commonly known as Red Sandalwood, is useful to keep skin fresh and spotless.
Ayurvedic View
Steps to follow:
Take 1 tablespoon of Raktachandan (Red Sandalwood) powder in a bowl.
Add 4-5 drops of rose water to the bowl
Mix the ingredients and apply the paste on the skin
Sandalwood powder gives cooling effects on the skin and helps reduce inflammation due to its Sita (cooling) nature.
Take 1 tablespoon of Raktachandan (Red Sandalwood) powder in a bowl.
Add 4-5 drops of rose water to the bowl
Mix the ingredients and apply the paste on the skin
Sandalwood powder gives cooling effects on the skin and helps reduce inflammation due to its Sita (cooling) nature.
Ayurvedic View
Red Sandalwood oil is used as the main ingredient in many cosmetic products to keep skin moisturized and glowing. Red Sandalwood oil works by removing excessive dryness of skin, thereby making it soft, supple, and glowing.
Ayurvedic View
Red Sandalwood can be used on the skin in the following ways to get instant relief from skin problems:
Take 2-3 drops of Red Sandalwood oil
Mix it with any carrier oil like Almond oil
Apply it on the skin by fingers and massage it in circular motions for 2-5 minutes and leave it
Take 2-3 drops of Red Sandalwood oil
Mix it with any carrier oil like Almond oil
Apply it on the skin by fingers and massage it in circular motions for 2-5 minutes and leave it
Modern Science View
Essential oils are highly concentrated and should be used with caution.
1.Avoid overusing essential oils.
2.Keep essential oils away from your eyes.
3.Don't use essential oils internally.
4.Don't use essential oils undiluted on the skin.
5. Keep in mind that the absorption is increased on damaged skin.
6. Test diluted essential oils on inconspicuous areas before general use.
7. Consult with a doctor before use if pregnant, breastfeeding, suffering from any medical condition, or taking any medication to avoid any side effects.
1.Avoid overusing essential oils.
2.Keep essential oils away from your eyes.
3.Don't use essential oils internally.
4.Don't use essential oils undiluted on the skin.
5. Keep in mind that the absorption is increased on damaged skin.
6. Test diluted essential oils on inconspicuous areas before general use.
7. Consult with a doctor before use if pregnant, breastfeeding, suffering from any medical condition, or taking any medication to avoid any side effects.
Ayurvedic View
There are different ways to use Red Sandalwood at home, some of them are listed below:
Add a few drops in your lotion or moisturizer
Add it to your face mask with rosewater
Heat it in a small kettle of water to scent your home
You can add it to your bathwater
Add a few drops in your lotion or moisturizer
Add it to your face mask with rosewater
Heat it in a small kettle of water to scent your home
You can add it to your bathwater
Modern Science View
Essential oils such as red sandalwood oil should not be applied directly on the skin as they are highly concentrated. You can mix some carrier oil with such essential oil to dilute its strong effect and facilitate its absorption. It would be best to do a patch test before using it on the skin.
How to do a patch test:
Dilute the essential oil in a carrier oil (like almond oil or coconut oil).
Take 1 drop of essential oil for 1 tablespoon of carrier oil
Rub the mixture into an area the size of a quarter on the inside of the forearm
If there is no allergic response within 24 to 48 hours, it should be safe to use.
How to do a patch test:
Dilute the essential oil in a carrier oil (like almond oil or coconut oil).
Take 1 drop of essential oil for 1 tablespoon of carrier oil
Rub the mixture into an area the size of a quarter on the inside of the forearm
If there is no allergic response within 24 to 48 hours, it should be safe to use.
References
- Balkrishnan A.Shapushpinkh.Ayurved Jadi Buti Rehsya. Danik Bhaskar.2017.
- https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-383/red-sandalwood
- Kumar D. Anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antioxidant activities of methanolic wood extract of Pterocarpus santalinus L. J Pharmacol Pharmacother.2011;2(3):200-202.
- Garg N. Ayurvedic drugs used in eye disorders. Educreation Publishing.2017.
- Gardner Z, McGuffin. American Herbal Products Association’s Botanical Safety Handbook, Second Edition.CRC Press. 2013.
- Bulle S, Reddyvari H, Nallanchakravarthula, et al. Pharmacogn Rev. 2016. 10(19):43-49.
- Azamthulla M, Balasubramanian R, Kavimani S. A review on Pterocarpus Santalinus. WJPR.2015;4(2):282-292.
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.