Sandalwood
Sandalwood
Sandalwood or Svetchandan is also known as Srigandha as per Ayurveda. It is one of the oldest and most precious sources of natural fragrance with immense medicinal and commercial significance.
Sandalwood tea helps in managing the liver and gallbladder problems due to its hepatoprotective property. Mental problems might also be improved by consuming Sandalwood tea.
Sandalwood oil has various benefits for the skin. Topical application of Sandalwood oil on the face helps promote skin cell growth. Generally, it is considered as the best remedy for headaches when applied in the form of paste or oil. Inhalation of Sandalwood oil also helps to manage respiratory infections that work by reducing the inflammation in the lung airways due to its anti-inflammatory property.
As per Ayurveda, Sandalwood has Sita (cold) property, so individuals sensitive to cold should take Sandalwood under medical supervision. It is also advisable to avoid the excess intake of Sandalwood as it might cause gastrointestinal disturbances[2][25].
Sandalwood tea helps in managing the liver and gallbladder problems due to its hepatoprotective property. Mental problems might also be improved by consuming Sandalwood tea.
Sandalwood oil has various benefits for the skin. Topical application of Sandalwood oil on the face helps promote skin cell growth. Generally, it is considered as the best remedy for headaches when applied in the form of paste or oil. Inhalation of Sandalwood oil also helps to manage respiratory infections that work by reducing the inflammation in the lung airways due to its anti-inflammatory property.
As per Ayurveda, Sandalwood has Sita (cold) property, so individuals sensitive to cold should take Sandalwood under medical supervision. It is also advisable to avoid the excess intake of Sandalwood as it might cause gastrointestinal disturbances[2][25].
What are the synonyms of Sandalwood?
Santalum album, Srikhanda, Svetchandana, Sandale Avyaj, Chandan, Sukhad, Safed Chandan, Shrigandhamara, Shrigandha, Chand, Chandanam, Chandana maram, Sandanam, Ingam, Gandhapu Chekka, Manchi Gandham, Tella Chandanam, Sriga, Sandal Safed[1].
What is the source of Sandalwood?
Plant Based
Benefits of Sandalwood
Modern Science View
Sandalwood oil might be beneficial in preventing Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs). It has an antibacterial property that inhibits the growth and multiplication of the bacteria in the urinary tract. It also has a diuretic property that helps flush out toxins from the body by increasing the frequency of urine[6][7][19][25].
Ayurvedic View
Urinary tract infection is described under the broad term of Mutrakcchra in Ayurveda. Mutra means ooze and krichra mean painful. Thus, dysuria and painful urination are called Mutrakcchra. In the case of urinary tract infection, Sandalwood oil helps to control the burning sensation. This is because of its Mutral (diuretic) and Sita(cold) properties. It increases urine flow and reduces the symptoms of UTI like a burning sensation during urination.
Tips for using Sandalwood oil in urinary tract infection
1. Take a few drops of sandalwood oil.
2. Mix it with one teaspoon of raw sugar.
3. Have it to get quick relief from the symptoms of UTI.
4. Please ensure the purity of sandalwood oil before consuming it.
Tips for using Sandalwood oil in urinary tract infection
1. Take a few drops of sandalwood oil.
2. Mix it with one teaspoon of raw sugar.
3. Have it to get quick relief from the symptoms of UTI.
4. Please ensure the purity of sandalwood oil before consuming it.
Modern Science View
Enough scientific evidence is not available to support the role of Sandalwood in managing sore mouth and throat. However, gargling with diluted Sandalwood oil might help in managing sore throat[24].
Ayurvedic View
Sore mouth and throat is a condition which occurs due to an imbalance of Pitta dosha. Sandalwood oil helps manage sore mouth and throat due to its Pitta balancing and Sita (cold) properties. These properties help to balance the aggravated Pitta dosha and reduce soreness of the mouth and throat.
Tips for using Sandalwood oil
1. Take a few drops of Sandalwood oil.
2. Dilute it with water.
3. Gargle once or twice a day with it to get rid of the symptoms of sore mouth and throat.
Tips for using Sandalwood oil
1. Take a few drops of Sandalwood oil.
2. Dilute it with water.
3. Gargle once or twice a day with it to get rid of the symptoms of sore mouth and throat.
Modern Science View
Fever is a condition which occurs due to an imbalance of Pitta dosha which leads to increased body temperature. Sandalwood helps manage fever due to its Pitta balancing property. It also reduces body heat due to its Sita (cold) properties.
Tips for using Sandalwood oil in fever
1. Take a few drops of Sandalwood oil.
2. Mix it with one teaspoon of raw sugar.
3. Have it to get quick relief from the symptoms of fever.
4. Please ensure the purity of Sandalwood oil before consuming it.
Tips for using Sandalwood oil in fever
1. Take a few drops of Sandalwood oil.
2. Mix it with one teaspoon of raw sugar.
3. Have it to get quick relief from the symptoms of fever.
4. Please ensure the purity of Sandalwood oil before consuming it.
Ayurvedic View
Sandalwood oil is used in the management of fever due to its antipyretic property. It lowers body temperature and thus reduces fever[2][28].
Modern Science View
Sandalwood powder might help in the management of Liver problems due to its hepatoprotective property. The antioxidants present in Sandalwood helps fight against free radicals and prevents liver cell damage. It also helps in the easy removal of gallstones from the gallbladder and thus manages gallbladder associated problems[25][26].
Ayurvedic View
Tips for using Sandalwood powder for liver problems
1. Take 1-3gms of Sandalwood powder (Edible) or as directed by the physician.
2. Have it with water or honey before taking meals to improve the functions of the liver.
3. Please ensure the purity of Sandalwood powder before consuming.
1. Take 1-3gms of Sandalwood powder (Edible) or as directed by the physician.
2. Have it with water or honey before taking meals to improve the functions of the liver.
3. Please ensure the purity of Sandalwood powder before consuming.
How effective is Sandalwood?
Insufficient evidence
Fever, Liver disease, Sore throat, Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Precautions when using Sandalwood
Advice from Experts
Important
Ayurvedic View
It is advisable to ensure the quality of Sandalwood before using it for medicinal purposes as it might contain certain adulterants.
Modern Science View
Sandalwood, when consumed in high doses, might lead to certain problems like gastrointestinal disturbances. So, it is advisable to consult a physician before using Sandalwood[5].
Breastfeeding
Modern Science View
Since enough scientific evidence is not available about the use of Sandalwood during breastfeeding. So, it is advisable to avoid the use of Sandalwood during breastfeeding[3].
Patients with kidney disease
Modern Science View
It is advisable to avoid the use of Sandalwood in patients having kidney problems as it has nephrotoxic property. It might cause further damage to the kidney in such patients[3][5].
Pregnancy
Modern Science View
It is advisable to avoid the use of Sandalwood or consult a physician before using Sandalwood during pregnancy[3].
Side Effects
Modern Science View
Nausea
Upset stomach
Blood in urine[3].
Upset stomach
Blood in urine[3].
How to use Sandalwood
1. Sandalwood Powder
a. Take 1-3gms of Sandalwood powder (Edible) or as directed by the physician.
b. Have it with water or honey before taking meals to improve the function of the liver.
c. Please ensure the purity of Sandalwood powder before consuming.
2. Sandalwood Oil
a. Take a few drops of Sandalwood oil or as directed by the physician.
b. Mix it with one teaspoon of raw sugar.
c. Have it to get quick relief from the symptoms of UTI.
d. Please ensure the purity of Sandalwood oil before consuming.
a. Take 1-3gms of Sandalwood powder (Edible) or as directed by the physician.
b. Have it with water or honey before taking meals to improve the function of the liver.
c. Please ensure the purity of Sandalwood powder before consuming.
2. Sandalwood Oil
a. Take a few drops of Sandalwood oil or as directed by the physician.
b. Mix it with one teaspoon of raw sugar.
c. Have it to get quick relief from the symptoms of UTI.
d. Please ensure the purity of Sandalwood oil before consuming.
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
Sandalwood powder does not expire. However, its colour and odour might change with time, if not stored properly, due to moisture.
Modern Science View
Sandalwood oil is commonly used as a fragrance enhancer. It has a warm, woody odor. It is used in incense, cosmetics and perfumes. It has a pleasing aroma that calms the mind by relaxing the central nervous system. This property of Sandalwood acts as a powerful aid in meditation.
Modern Science View
The sweet scents of Sandalwood oil make it a good pairing for floral essential oils like Lavender and Jasmine. Sandalwood also blends well with citrus oils like Bergamot or Grapefruit. You can also blend Sandalwood essential oil with warm, spicy oils like Frankincense.
References
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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.