Thursday, 24 May 2012

Ayurvedic Benefits Of Sandalwood (Santalum album)

Sanskrit Name: Candanam

Other Name: None


Sacred associations: associated with Lord Dharukavaneswarar; used for rituals and ceremonies and in temples


Part used: wood and volatile oil


Energetics: bitter, sweet, astringent/cooling/sweet


Dosha effect: lowers pitta and vata, increases kapha or ama (in excess)


Dhatus: plasma, blood, muscle, marrow and nerve, reproductive


Systems: circulatory, nervous, digestive


Indications: eye diseases, cystitis, urethritis, vaginitis, acute dermatitis, herpes zoster, bronchitis, palpitations, gonorrhea, sunstroke


Actions: Antidepressant, antiphlogistic, antiseptic (urinary and pulmonary), antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, astringent, bactericidal, carminative, cicatrisant, diuretic, expectorant, fungicidal, insecticidal, sedative, tonic.
Precautions: high kapha, severe lung congestion; sandalwood is non-toxic, non-irritant, non-sensitizing.
Preparations: infusion (hot or cold), decoction, powder, medicated oil







 Sandalwood is a small, evergreen, parasitic tree native to tropical Asia. It has leathery leaves and small pinky-purple flowers. Trees must be over 30 years old before used in sandalwood production. Sandalwood is currently a threatened species, although there are large tree plantations in India and Australia to meet the demand for this sacred and aromatic tree. The leaf of the plant possesses anti-bacterial properties. The roasted resin of the leaves controls dysentery. The latex heals cracks in the hands and heels and eases swelling of the lungs when taken internally. The wood from the tree is used to make cartwheels and is also a popular building material for temples. The dry leaves of the tree can be used like sandpaper to rub and clean woodwork.

Sandalwood is one of the oldest perfume materials, with at least 4,000 years of uninterrupted use. It is used as a traditional incense, cosmetic, perfume and embalming material throughout the East. In Chinese medicine, it is used to treat stomach ache, vomiting, gonorrhea, choleric difficulties and skin complaints. In the Ayurvedic tradition, it is used mainly for urinary and respiratory infections and for acute and chronic diarrhea.

A few drops of sandalwood oil applied to the 3rd eye will relieve heat and thirst, and is good for fever or overexposure to the sun. It is used to treat respiratory problems: bronchitis, persistent coughs, laryngitis, and sore throat. Sandalwood is also used to treat diarrhea and nausea. Sandalwood is a mood elevator and has been used to alleviate depression, insomnia, nervous tension and stress-related complaints. Sandalwood helps the awakening of the intelligence. It helps open the third eye, to increase devotion and promote meditation. It also aids in the transmutation of sexual energy.

Sandalwood is used in skin care for acne, dry, cracked and chapped skin, aftershave, and as a moisturizer. Formerly sandalwood was used as a pharmaceutical disinfectant. It is used extensively in soaps, detergents, cosmetics, perfumes and incense. It is also used as a flavor ingredient in soft and alcoholic drinks.

India is the primary producer of the essential oil, particularly the region of Mysore, although some oil is distilled in Europe and US. It blends well with many essential oils, most notably, rose, lavender, bergamot, rosewood, geranium, vetvier, patchouli, myrrh and jasmine. In India, it is often combined with rose in the famous scent aytar. Australian sandalwood (S. spicatum or Eurcarya spicata) produces a very similar oil, but with a dry-bitter top note. Amyris is known as West Indian sandalwood but is not related and is a poor substitute.



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