Red Sandalwood

Red Sandalwood (Pterocarpus santalinus), or Raktachandan or red sander, is a tropical tree species indigenous to southern India, especially the Eastern Ghats in Andhra Pradesh. The tree is famous for its unique deep red heartwood, prized for centuries for its medicinal, cosmetic, dye, and woodcraft uses. This medicinal tree lacks the distinct aroma of its white counterpart (Santalum album) but is valued for its deep, red hue and medicinal powers.
It has heartwood that contains santalins and pterocarpols which have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activity, making it a valuable resource in Ayurvedic medicine. It has been used for skin ailments, digestive problems, and as an astringent. Besides its medicinal properties, it has been widely used in producing fine furniture, musical instruments, and fabric dyes.
Due to being a hot commodity, its over-harvesting and illegal logging is now listed under the IUCN red list as an endangered species. However, due to overuse, India has placed strict laws on its harvest and trade to save this precious resource.

Source of Red Sandalwood

Red sandalwood (Pterocarpus santalinus), or red sander(s), is native to southern India, where it grows in the dry deciduous forests of the Eastern Ghats mountain range, in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. It is mainly confined to the hilly and rocky tract of Eastern Ghats at an elevation of 150 to 900 meters above MSL. It has been farmed and cut for thousands of years for its medicinal, carpentry, and dye uses.

Unfortunately, because it is so sought after for both household purposes and export, its population have been decimated. This has led to the Indian Government taking strong conservation measures, such as laws and regulations, to stop the illegal trade and ensure sustainable use.

This medicinal tree (Pterocarpus santalinus) has many other names from other cultures and places. Raktachandan or Rakta Chandan, the Sanskrit terms for red sandalwood, are commonly used across India. It is also known as Lal Chandan in Hindi. In Telugu, the local language of Andhra Pradesh, it is called Erra Chandanam. In Tamil, it is known as Shivappu Chandanam. In English, it is known as red sanders/ red sandalwood.

These geographical and regional names show the cultural importance of this medicinal tree, particularly in medicine, religious ceremonies, and the dyeing business. The names alone reflect the colour and the wood used for different traditional purposes.

It (Pterocarpus santalinus) has been known since ancient times for its medicinal uses, especially in Ayurveda. It has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, which account for Red Sandalwood's benefits. It is good for ulcers, oedema, and cough, but we delve into this here.

1. Stomach Ulcers

Red sandalwood’s anti-inflammatory and astringent properties help reduce stomach lining inflammation, aiding ulcer healing. Its antioxidants combat oxidative stress.

• Anti-inflammatory properties: It contains anti-inflammatory properties that help to decrease the inflammation and swelling of the stomach lining, thus alleviating the burning and pain sensations of an ulcer.
• Antioxidant activity: It contains natural antioxidants such as santalins, red sandalwood neutralizes free radicals and oxidative stress, prevents further ulceration, and aids in healing.
• Astringent action: It is an astringent which causes slight constriction of tissues, which is why it helps to heal.
• Digestive aid: It is traditionally utilised in ancient Ayurvedic medicine to balance digestive fire and increase gut health, which helps with the healing of ulcers.

2. Oedema

Red sandalwood acts as a natural diuretic and anti-inflammatory agent, reducing fluid retention and swelling. Enhances blood circulation to alleviate symptoms.

• Anti-inflammatory action: It contains anti-inflammatory agents that alleviate pain and swelling by reducing inflammation at the site of oedema.
• Natural diuretic: It is a mild diuretic that helps the body eliminate excess fluids, thereby reducing swelling in tissue affected by oedema.
• Improvement of blood circulation: One of the traditional uses of this medicinal tree is that it increases circulation, which would decrease the fluid retention in the tissues and, therefore, lessen the effects of oedema.

3. Cough

Red sandalwood is also an expectorant with anti-inflammatory properties, so it's good for coughs and other respiratory ailments.

• Expectorant properties: It aids in the loosening and expectoration of phlegm from the respiratory tract, making it especially useful in the treatment of wet coughs, where excess buildup of phlegm is a problem.
• Anti-inflammatory effects: It has anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe the throat and respiratory passages, reducing the irritation that causes coughs.
• Soothing action: It provides a cooling effect and helps relieve the constant itching sensation in the throat and lungs caused by chronic cough. It's used medicinally for many things, but one of its more traditional uses is to soothe dry, hacking coughs that seem to last forever.
• Immune-boosting: It's antimicrobial properties can support the body's defenses against bacterial and fungal infections. 

It is used in medicines, skincare, and cosmetic products. The following explains how to use it for various purposes.

1. For Skincare (Face Pack for Acne and Skin Brightening)

Step 1: Take 1-2 teaspoons of red sandalwood powder.

Step 2: Mix it with rose water or milk until it becomes a paste.

Step 3: Spread the paste all over the face, focusing more on the acne and dark spots.

Step 4: Let it dry for 15-20 minutes.

Step 5: Rinse off with lukewarm water.

It prevents acne and dark spots and has antimicrobial and antioxidant properties that help clear up the complexion.

2. For Stomach Ulcers (Oral Use)

Step 1: Make a herbal decoction of 1-2 grams of red sandalwood powder boiled in water.

Step 2: Let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes.

Step 3: Strain the decoction and allow it to cool.

Step 4: This unique mixture should be taken once every day to help cure ulcers.

It has astringent anti-inflammatory properties that help to shrink and calm the inflammation and irritation in the stomach lining.

3. For Calmness 

Step 1: Apply sandalwood oil to the forehead and temples, massaging gently in circular motions for relaxation.

Step 2: Relax in a quiet environment for 10-15 mins.

You can also use the sandalwood oil in a diffuser to purify every room of your home.

4. For Cough (Herbal Tea)

Step 1: Take about one teaspoon of its powder.

Step 2: Put it in a cup of hot water and let it steep for 10 minutes.

Step 3: Strain the tea and add honey for taste.

Step 4: Take it 1-2 times a day for cough relief.

It can soothe and open the breathing passages while mellowing the cough.

5. For Oedema (Topical Application)

Step 1: Mix red sandalwood powder with a small amount of warm water to create a thick paste.

Step 2: Apply this paste to the affected swollen area.

Step 3: Leave it on for 30 minutes before washing it off with luke warm water.

The anti-inflammatory properties of this medicinal tree help reduce swelling and pain associated with oedema.

Red sandalwood (Pterocarpus santalinus) has a lot of medicinal and cosmetic uses, but some contraindications must be taken into account to avoid harmful reactions:

• Allergic Reactions: It can cause skin allergies or irritation in some people when applied to the skin. Do a patch test before applying it all over the body. If irritation occurs, discontinue use immediately.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: During pregnancy, the use of this medicinal tree should be limited and only undertaken under the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider.
• Internal Use: Red sandalwood should only be taken orally in small doses and under the advice of a medical professional. If overly consumed, it could cause stomach upset or even allergic reactions, especially in people who already have digestive problems.
• Drug Interactions: Those who are on medications for high blood pressure, diabetics, or anyone with a chronic condition should consult a doctor before taking it. There has not been much research on how it interacts with prescription drugs, and it might interfere with the drug's performance.
• Sustainability: Always ensure that red sandalwood is sourced from certified, sustainable, and legal suppliers to support the Government’s conservation efforts.

• Red sandalwood (Pterocarpus santalinus) offers medicinal benefits, especially for skin health, respiratory conditions, and ulcers.
• It has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activity and is used in both traditional medicine and cosmetics for this reason.
• Allergies can be tested through patch tests, and healthcare providers should be consulted before any internal use, especially in pregnant women or people taking other medications.
• While it has various therapeutic applications, excessive consumption may lead to gastrointestinal discomfort, underscoring the importance of moderation.
• It is endangered, so ensure the harvesting is done sustainably and legally.

Red sandalwood (Pterocarpus santalinus) is a remarkable natural remedy with health benefits, particularly valued in Ayurvedic medicine. From easing stomach ulcers and soothing coughs to reducing oedema and enhancing skin health, its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties make it a versatile healing agent. Whether applied topically or taken internally in moderation, red sandalwood supports overall wellness. However, caution is necessary;  proper dosage, allergy checks, and medical advice are essential, especially during pregnancy or when on medications. Due to its endangered status, choosing sustainably and ethically sourced red sandalwood is vital to preserve this precious medicinal resource for future generations.