Sandalwood

Sandalwood is a perennial tree known for its fragrant heartwood and essential oil. It is a slow-growing plant which matures in 30 to 50 years. The heartwood is distilled into sandalwood oil, which is used to make perfumes, cosmetics, and herbal preparations. 

It is so high in demand that there are regulations based on the ISO 3518 standard to guide producers, wholesalers, and end users on requirements. Sandalwood is appreciated for its fragrance and medicinal benefits; healers use it extensively. It has anti-inflammation, antibacterial, and anti-aging properties; hence, it is in high demand in the skincare and wellness industries. The wood itself finds use within and outside the religion; it could be in incensories or paintings considered pure and holy. Sandal trees grow seeds freely, and there is also natural regeneration which takes place through seedlings and root suckers. Due to its vast array of applications, sandalwood has become essential to our lives.

Source of Sandalwood

The source of sandalwood is the Santalum album tree, mainly found in Australia and southern part of India, primarily in the states of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala.

Santalum Album: This is the biological name for Indian sandalwood. Some other alternative names for Sandalwood are:

• Chandan (Sanskrit): Sandalwood is prominent in Indian tradition, and its usage is mentioned in historical scriptures.
• Safed Chandan(Hindi): Indian sandalwood, or ‘Safed sandal,’ used for rituals, perfumery, cosmetics, and herbal medicine, given its soothing and curative properties.
• Santhanam(Tamil): Commonly used in southern parts of India, especially for worship and during festive times, as it is revered.
• Gandha(Kannada): Weathered wood carrying sandalwood culture is strongly believed to be inseparable from the State of Karnataka, where it is grown and made extensively for perfumes and medicines.
• Sandal(English): The word “sandal” originates from the Latin “santalum,” which is an adaptation of the word “chandan” (चन्दन) in Sanskrit.
• Chandana (Telugu): The sandalwood known in Telugu and several Indian languages, including Sanskrit, Kannada, and Tamil, is ‘Chandana’.

These names reflect sandalwood's cultural and regional significance across India and the world.

Sandalwood has many health benefits, making it a favourite in traditional and modern wellness practices. Below are its crucial health advantages:

1. Skin Care

Sandalwood is also in great demand due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activity. It treats acne, scars, and other inflammatory skin conditions by providing an anti-inflammatory effect. Red Sandalwood benefits by improving the skin surface and minimises some of the ageing signs, so it is found in many cosmeceuticals like creams, lotions, and masks. Rubbing sandalwood oil or powder constantly enhances beauty, cures sunburn, and even reduces wrinkles.

2. Aromatherapy & Mental Health

As sandalwood and its oil are calming, they are also vital in aromatherapy and incense therapy. Studies have shown that it has a relaxing effect on the nervous system and helps reduce stress levels. Sandalwood oil and burning sandalwood are considered to improve focus, calm the mind, and induce the body's relaxation response. It is commonly used in spas and yoga classes due to its calming properties.

3. Anti-inflammatory Properties

Wound healing, cuts, and burns are also treated with sandalwood due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Applying sandalwood oil or paste on the red areas reduces redness, swelling, and pain. It accelerates healing of damaged tissues and thus is a remedy for mild wounds and skin problems.

4. Respiratory Health

Sandalwood oil helps with mucus secretion, thus helping alleviate various irritations causing the cough and other respiratory issues. Most patients suffering from bronchitis or other illnesses can benefit from inhaling sandalwood vapours through nebulisers or diffusers or simply by wafting the oil under the nose or mouth. The oil aids in the expulsion of mucus and phlegm..

5. Improves Digestion

Sandalwood oil is known to aid digestion in the field of alternative medicine. This may soothe the stomach and solve related problems, including nausea, indigestion, or gastric discomfort. Heat within the body causes many stomach issues, and sandalwood oil helps to overcome that as it gives out a cooling effect.

Though sandalwood is believed to have many advantages, one must exercise caution in this regard, especially in terms of topical application.

1. Patch Test for Skin Use

It has been noted that some people may have adverse reactions such as skin irritation using sandalwood powder and oil, which is more prominent in sensitive people. There are several side effects of sandalwood powder on the face, which can be particularly noticeable when applied frequently or in large amounts. In this regard, it is advisable to conduct a patch test using a small amount of the product on the hand before applying it to the face or body. Wait up to 24 hours after the application on the skin to check for skin discomfort, such as rashes, redness, and itching, for allergy purposes. This is necessary because the skin on the face is more fragile and extends the possibility of adverse effects.

2. Dilution of Essential Oil

Sandalwood essential oil should not be applied directly to the skin directly without proper dilution. Dilute a few drops of sandalwood oil in a suitable carrier oil or cream. to reduce irritation on the skin. Most importantly, sandalwood oil should not be taken internally without a physician's order because it can cause toxicity in large quantities.

3. Avoid During Pregnancy

Pregnant women should seek the support of health workers before using sandalwood in any way. There is limited information about its effects on pregnancy. However, just this one time, it is worth consulting the doctor for safety reasons.

How to Use Sandalwood: Powder and Oil

Sandalwood Powder

How to use sandalwood powder for face?: In skin care, sandalwood powder is often included for its cooling and anti-inflammatory properties that fight against dark spots in acne and improve the skin. It is also used as a medicine to alleviate the pain of burns, cuts, or other skin damage.

1. Face Mask:
   • Add a little rose water to 1|2 teaspoons of Chandan powder to make a clean, thick paste.
   • Evenly coat the paste on your facial skin.
   • Let it stay 15-20 minutes for the skin to soak.
   • Wash off with normal water.
   • This mask helps reduce acne, brighten the skin, and improve the texture.
2. For Burns and Cuts:
   • To make a thick paste, combine one teaspoon of sandalwood powder with a bit of water and a pinch of turmeric.
   • This can be applied to minor burns, cuts, and wounds.
   • After letting it sand for a while, let the film dry and wash off with cool water.
   • Sandalwood helps calm down and cure the inflammation of the skin.

Sandalwood Oil

Sandalwood is one of the most sought-after essential oils because of its soothing and stabilising qualities that help combat stress and anxiety. When properly prepared and applied externally, it exerts an anti-inflammatory and moisturising effect on the skin.

1. Aromatherapy:
   • Take a teaspoon of water and add about 3-5 drops of sandalwood essential oil to it.
   • Switch on the diffuser and allow the aroma to saturate the atmosphere.
   • It is beneficial in reducing stress levels and tension due to the calming fragrance.
2. Massage:
   • Make a solution of sandalwood oil with a carrier oil like coconut or jojoba with a ratio of 1 tbsp of carrier oil to 3-4 drops of sandalwood oil.
   • Take the oil mixture into your hands and rub on the area that needs therapy in circular motions every few seconds.
   • It reduces stress, enhances blood flow, and improves focus.

Sandalwood is a wood with many benefits and aromatic features. It is advantageous for the skin and helps in some therapeutic practices. Be it in powder or oil form, it has many beneficial effects on health, but should be used cautiously due to some disadvantages.

Conclusion

Sandalwood is a timeless treasure in both traditional and modern wellness practices. Revered for its calming fragrance, medicinal value, and spiritual significance, it continues to play a vital role in aromatherapy, skincare, and religious rituals. Indian sandalwood, in particular, is prized for its purity and potency. Whether used as an essential oil or in powdered form, sandalwood offers soothing and therapeutic benefits. As demand grows, sustainable harvesting and conservation are crucial to preserving this precious resource for future generations to enjoy its holistic advantages.