Benefits, Uses, Dosage, Side Effects & Clinical Applications
Botanical Name: Santalum album
Family: Santalaceae
Sandalwood, known as Chandana in Ayurveda, is one of the most valued cooling herbs in classical Ayurvedic medicine. Beyond its divine fragrance and spiritual importance, sandalwood holds powerful medicinal properties—especially in managing Pitta-related disorders such as acidity, burning urination, skin inflammation, and stress headaches.
At our Ayurvedic clinic, sandalwood is prescribed after detailed assessment of Prakriti (body constitution), Dosha imbalance, and digestive strength (Agni).
🌿 Ayurvedic Properties of Sandalwood
According to classical texts like Charaka Samhita and Bhavaprakasha:
- Rasa (Taste): Tikta (Bitter), Madhura (Sweet)
- Guna (Qualities): Laghu (Light), Rooksha (Dry)
- Veerya (Potency): Sheeta (Cooling)
- Vipaka: Katu (Pungent after digestion)
- Dosha Action: Pacifies Pitta and Kapha
Sandalwood is categorized under:
- Daha Prashamana (Relieves burning sensation)
- Varnya (Improves complexion)
- Vishaghna (Anti-toxic group)
श्रीखण्डं चन्दनं न स्त्री भद्रः श्रीस्तैलपर्णिकः |
गन्धसारो मलयजस्तथा चन्द्रद्युतिश्च सः ||११||
स्वादे तिक्तं कषे पीतं छेदे रक्तं तनौ सितम् |
ग्रन्थिकोटरसंयुक्तं चन्दनं श्रेष्ठमुच्यते ||१२||
चन्दनं शीतलं रूक्षं तिक्तमाह्लादनं लघु |
श्रमशोषविषश्लेष्मतृष्णापित्तास्रदाहनुत् ||१३||
कालीयक (पीत चन्दन)
| कालीयकं तु कालीयं पीताभं हरिचन्दनम् | हरिप्रियं कालसारं तथा कालानुसार्यकम् | कालीयकं रक्तगुणं विशेषाद् व्यङ्गनाशनम् ||१४|| |
रक्तचन्दन
| रक्तचन्दनमाख्यातं रक्ताङ्गं क्षुद्रचन्दनम् | तिलपर्णं रक्तसारं तत्प्रवालफलं स्मृतम् ||१५|| रक्तं शीतं गुरु स्वादुच्छर्दितृष्णाऽस्रपित्तहृत् | तिक्तं नेत्रहितं वृष्यं ज्वरव्रणविषापहम् ||१६|| |
🔥 Top Health Benefits of Sandalwood
1️⃣ Sandalwood for Burning Urination & UTI
Sandalwood is traditionally recommended in urinary disorders, as mentioned in Chakradatta.
It helps in:
- Burning urination
- Blood in urine
- Urinary tract irritation
- Excess body heat
Its cooling and mild diuretic action soothes the urinary system and reduces inflammation.
2️⃣ Sandalwood for Acidity & Gastritis
Due to its strong Pitta-pacifying nature, sandalwood is helpful in:
- Hyperacidity
- Acid reflux
- Gastritis
- Mouth ulcers
- Heat-related headaches
It reduces internal heat and calms digestive irritation.
3️⃣ Sandalwood for Skin Glow & Pigmentation
Externally applied sandalwood paste is beneficial in:
- Acne
- Melasma
- Hyperpigmentation
- Sunburn
- Skin redness
- Excess sweating
It improves skin tone (Varnya effect) and reduces inflammation naturally.
4️⃣ Sandalwood for Stress & Headache
Application of sandalwood paste on the forehead is described in Charaka Samhita for relieving Pitta-type headaches.
It helps in:
- Stress headaches
- Migraine (heat type)
- Irritability
- Anger imbalance
- Palpitations
Sandalwood has calming effects on the nervous system.
5️⃣ Sandalwood for Premature Ejaculation
In controlled doses, sandalwood supports:
- Excess sexual excitation
- Premature ejaculation
- Shukrameha (spermatorrhoea)
- Heat-related reproductive weakness
It works by cooling the body and calming the mind.
🌳 White vs Red Sandalwood
There are two commonly known types:
| Type | Botanical Name | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|
| White Sandalwood | Santalum album | Internal medicine & cooling |
| Red Sandalwood | Pterocarpus santalinus | External skin applications |
White sandalwood is preferred for internal use, while red sandalwood is more commonly used in skin preparations.
💊 Dosage & Method of Use
Internal Use
- Powder: 250–500 mg once or twice daily
- Decoction: 20 ml twice daily
- Oil: 1–3 drops mixed in suitable medium
External Use
- Make paste with clean water
- Apply for 5–10 minutes
- Wash off gently
⚠ Always consult an Ayurvedic doctor before internal use.
🔬 Modern Research Insights
Scientific studies suggest sandalwood possesses:
- Anti-bacterial properties
- Anti-inflammatory action
- Antioxidant effects
- Mild anti-ulcer activity
- Diuretic properties
Its major active components include alpha and beta santalol.
⚠ Side Effects & Precautions
- Excess intake may increase Vata
- Use cautiously in asthma
- Pregnancy use under supervision
- Ensure authentic, pure source
🧠 Clinical Perspective
In clinical practice, sandalwood is often combined with:
- Pitta-reducing herbs
- Digestive correctives
- Urinary support formulations
- Skin-healing preparations
Treatment is always personalized based on Dosha imbalance and systemic involvement.
🌼 Patient-Friendly Summary
Sandalwood is a natural cooling herb that helps reduce excess body heat.
It may help with:
✔ Burning urination
✔ Acidity
✔ Skin pigmentation
✔ Acne
✔ Stress headaches
✔ Heat-related problems
It cools the body, calms the mind, and improves skin glow.
For safe internal use, always consult a qualified Ayurvedic doctor.
🌿 Conclusion
Sandalwood (Chandana) is more than a fragrant wood—it is a powerful Ayurvedic medicine with deep cooling, anti-inflammatory, and calming properties. From urinary disorders and acidity to skin health and stress management, its applications are vast.
When used appropriately under guidance, sandalwood remains one of Ayurveda’s most elegant and safe herbs for managing Pitta-related disorders.
Dr Abhijeet Shirkande MD, Ph.D
9975253664
