Red Sandalwood

Red Sandalwood (Pterocarpus santalinus), also known as Raktachandan or red sander, is a tropical tree native to southern India, particularly the Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh. It is renowned for its deep red heartwood, which has been traditionally valued for medicinal, cosmetic, dye, and woodcraft applications. Unlike white sandalwood (Santalum album), Red Sandalwood lacks a strong aroma but is highly regarded in Ayurveda for its cooling, soothing, and astringent properties. These qualities make it especially useful for balancing Pitta dosha, which is associated with heat and inflammation.

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.

Red Sandalwood is revered for its cooling, soothing, and astringent properties, making it particularly beneficial for balancing Pitta dosha, which is associated with heat and inflammation. It is widely used to address various skin concerns such as acne, blemishes, and infections. Below are some of the key health benefits of this red sandalwood.

1. Stomach Ulcers

Red sandalwood's anti-inflammatory and astringent properties may help soothe the stomach lining and support the body's natural healing process. * Anti-inflammatory properties: It contains compounds that help reduce localized inflammation in the gastric mucosa, potentially alleviating the burning sensation.

• Antioxidant activity: By neutralizing free radicals, it helps protect the stomach tissues from further oxidative damage.
• Astringent action: Its natural tannins help in tissue contraction, which is traditionally believed to assist in healing internal lesions.
• Digestive aid: It is utilized to balance the "Agni" (digestive fire), helping to prevent the overproduction of acid.

2. Oedema

It serves as a natural diuretic, reducing fluid retention and swelling. Its anti-inflammatory properties improve blood circulation, providing relief from oedema.

• 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 Relief

Red sandalwood acts as an expectorant, helping clear the respiratory tract by loosening phlegm. It soothes the throat and reduces coughing through its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.

• 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. 

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, known for its anti-inflammatory properties, is used in skincare products to manage acne and scars. Mixing its powder with honey or rose water helps promote healing. It is commonly found in medicines, skincare, and cosmetic formulations.

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 offers numerous health benefits, especially for skin care, ulcer relief, and cough treatment.
• It has potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.
• Always consult a healthcare provider before use, especially if pregnant, breastfeeding, or on medication.
• Ensure sustainable sourcing due to its endangered status.

Conclusion

Red Sandalwood (Pterocarpus santalinus) is a valued medicinal herb in Ayurveda, traditionally used for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It is commonly used to support skin health, aid digestive and respiratory comfort, help manage minor burns and bleeding, and assist in blood purification. Red Sandalwood is also traditionally used to support metabolic balance, relieve headaches, reduce fluid retention, and soothe cough-related discomfort. Due to its potent nature, it should be used in moderation and under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional.