It is an
important medicinal plant that is used in the treatment of various ailments.
The botanical name for Red Sandalwood is Pterocarpus santalinus Linn which
belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is known as Raktachandan mainly used for
skincare cosmetic purposes.
English – Red sandalwood
Hindi – Lalchandan
Telugu – Erra chananam
Gujarati – Ratanjali
Malayalam – Tilapaparni
Kannada – Rakta Chandana
Tamil – Sivaffu chandanam
Arabian – Sandal Ahamar
Parsi – Sandal Surh
Bengali – Rakta Chandan
Marathi – Tambada chandan
This species is widely distributed in
India and Sri Lanka. It usually grows in a dry deciduous forest in southeastern
Ghats.
It is a moderate deciduous tree that grows
at the height of 10m and 0.9-1.5 m in diameter. The bark of this tree looks
like crocodile skin and the wood is hard dark red. The leaves are alternate,
petiolate which grows up to 50-150 cm in diameter. The flowers are bisexual and
branched sparingly. The flowering starts from February to April and the fruits
are 5 cm long and 4.5cm in width.
Parts used: Heartwood, bark
Taste: Bitter, Sweet, pungent
Potency: Cold
On
chemical compound analysis of Sandalwood, it includes
Pterocarpol, Santalin A,B pterocarptriol,
Pterocarpodiolone, Lupenediol, Pterostilbene, Homopterocarpin
ACTIONS:
Anti-inflammatory
Anti-oxidant
Anti-diuretic
Astringent
Hyperlipidemic
Antiseptic
Anti-bacterial
Gastroprotective
Hepatoprotective
Anti-aging
Antipyretic
Anthelmintic
Aphrodisiac
Anti-hyperglycemic
The paste obtained from the wood is used
as a tea to treat chronic dysentery and it is also used to treat diabetes and
boost the immune system
It is also used in the treatment of boils,
inflammation, ophthalmia, sore eyes, headache, and inflamed limbs
In India red sandalwood oil is used as
medicinal and pharmaceutical preparations
The
dose of the drug used according to the physician
Powder:
3-6g in divided dose
Consuming
excessive quantity may cause gastrointestinal disturbances
Sandalwood
contains some adulterants so it is better to consult with the doctor before
consuming it
Do
not use this herb if you are allergic to the chemical constituents of Red
Sandalwood
In
some cases, the use of red sandalwood on the skin may cause dermatitis
Less
information is available regarding the use of red sandalwood in patients during
pregnancy and breastfeeding. Kindly consult with the doctor
Stomach ulcer
Traditional
view: According to Ayurveda, ulcer occurs due to the imbalance of Pitta doshas
and indigestion which leads to irritation, burning sensation, and swelling. The
use of red sandalwood helps to control ulcers by balancing the Pitta and also
reduces the symptoms associated with ulcers by its cold potency.
Take the
required amount of red sandalwood powder and mix it with water or honey.
Consume it before your meals to improve digestion. Use this remedy to reduce
the symptoms associated with ulcers.
Modern
view: Due to its gastroprotective effect it helps to decrease gastric acid production
in the stomach and it also prevents gastric cell damage which occurs due to the
free radicals by its antioxidant effect.
Edema:
Traditional
view: According to Ayurveda, edema occurs due to an imbalance of Vata and Pitta
doshas. The use of red sandalwood helps to reduce the inflammation by balancing
Pitta and by its anti-inflammatory properties
Take the
required amount of red sandalwood piece and rub it with water and make it as a thick
paste and apply this paste on an affected area to reduce the swelling
Modern
view: Due to its anti-inflammatory activity red sandalwood reduce edema by
inhibiting the inflammatory mediators which are responsible for inflammation.
It also decreases the fluid build-up in the tissue
Cough:
According
to Ayurveda, cough occurs due to the imbalance of Kapha doshas which leads to
the accumulation of mucus in the lungs and cause blockage in the air passages.
The use of red sandalwood helps to balance the Kapha by rubbing the paste on
the chest to prevent mucus formation and treat cough
Dysentry:
Traditional
view: According to Ayurveda, dysentery is called Pravahika which occurs due to
the imbalance of Kapha and Vata activity. The use of red sandalwood helps to
decrease the inflammation and prevent bleeding by its cold and absorbent
(Grahi) effect
Modern
view: Due to its astringent effect it helps to decrease the secretion of mucus
in the intestines and treat dysentery
Diabetes:
Traditional
view: According to Ayurveda, diabetes occurs due to the imbalance of Vata and
Kapha doshas which cause an imbalance in the level of insulin. The use of red
sandalwood control the blood glucose level by balancing the Kapha and Tikta
(bitter) properties
Modern
view: Due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties the use of red
sandalwood increase the secretion of insulin by preventing the pancreatic cell
damage
Wound healing:
Traditional
view: According to Ayurveda, due to its healing, anti-inflammatory and cold
properties helps to reduce inflammation, burning, and irritation and it also heal
the wound quickly
Take the
required amount of red sandalwood piece and rub it with water and make it as a thick
paste and apply this paste on an affected area to reduce the wound
Modern
view: Due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial properties
it helps to contract and closure wounds. It also helps in the formation of
collagen and also heals the wound quickly
Headache:
According
to Ayurveda, a headache occurs due to the imbalance of Pitta dosha, the use of
red sandalwood helps to reduce the headache by balancing the Pitta and by its
cold potency
Take the
required amount of red sandalwood powder and mix it with water or with rose
water. Apply this paste on an affected area to get rid of the headache
The Red Sandalwood comes in various formulations
includes
Red sandalwood powder:
Take the
required amount of red sandalwood powder and mix it with water or with rose
water. Apply this paste on an affected area to get rid of the headache
Red
sandalwood piece
Take the
required amount of red sandalwood piece and rub it with water and make it as a thick
paste and apply this paste on an affected area to reduce the wound
Is Red sandalwood
powder available in the market?
Yes, it is available in the market and it can be brought
from online websites or ayurvedic medical stores.
How to store Red
sandalwood powder?
It should be stored in an airtight container and keep the
medicines away from the heat and light and Do not keep the medicines reaching out to children
Is Redsandal wood good for skin?
Yes, it helps
to keep the skin clear, fresh and flawless
Can red sandalwood oil be used on the
skin?
Yes, mainly it
is used as a cosmetics purpose and keep the skin glow and moisture and it also
removes the excess oil from the skin
