Scientific or Botanical Name: Santalum album
Common Name: Indian sandalwood, Chandan
Family: Santalaceae
Description
Sandalwood is one of the most expensive woods in the world. It is native to southern India and Southeast Asia. It has now become endangered and is being cultivated in India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Malaysia and, the Philippines. The wood of this slow-growing Sandalwood tree is heavy, yellow and fine-grained which can retain its fragrance for decades. Sandalwood oil, extracted from the wood and roots of the Santalum album, is used for a variety of purposes as well. Sandalwood is also available as a beige-colored smooth powder derived from the heartwood of this tree. It is often used as a base in soaps, cosmetics, perfumes, incense sticks, and aftershaves. Our very own Amrutam Face Wash has Chandan as one of its key ingredients.
Chemical constituents of Chandan:
- 41-55 percent α-santalol
- 16-24 percent β-santalol
Ayurvedic Perspective
Sandalwood or Chandan is considered extremely sacred in the ancient system of Ayurveda. It is a brilliant meditation tool as it helps in calming one’s mind and relieving stress. Chandan paste is used in spiritual spaces like in Hindu ceremonies or temples. The paste is used to purify the space and also as a teeka on the forehead. Due to its cooling properties, it is often used to get relief from Pitta heat conditions such as sunburns, skin infections, and other such conditions.
Health Benefits of Sandalwood
1. Anti-inflammatory
Chandan exhibits anti-inflammatory properties because it carries santalol as an active ingredient. It provides a cooling and soothing effect, removes toxins and reduces inflammation in the brain, gastrointestinal tract, circulatory system, and urinary system. It is mostly used as an essential oil and paste to get maximum effects as anti-inflammatory agents. When used on the skin, it can help in getting relief from inflammatory diseases such as eczema and psoriasis. The soothing effect also provides relief from the itchiness and skin irritation.
2. Astringent
The chemical constituents of Sandalwood are believed to induce minor contractions in soft tissues such as gums and skin and tighten your skin pores. It also causes coagulation of skin proteins, in turn protecting your skin from any breakouts, allergies or abrasions. It soothes and cleanses your skin quite effectively as well. This is the reason sandalwood is being used in various aftershaves, face packs, skin toners, and face washes. You can try our soon-to-be-launched Amrutam Face Wash which contains sandalwood for all its marvellous benefits including this one.
3. Antiseptic
Sandalwood as an essential oil works as an amazing antiseptic agent and can be used both externally and internally to avoid infections. It has anti-viral properties that help in fighting the common cold, fever and other such viral infections. Chandan is also safe to consume with milk to cure internal infections of the respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract and excretory tract. It even works as an expectorant to treat cough and mucus. Sandalwood is used externally on your skin to cure multiple skin problems such as acne, boils, and pimples. It prevents them from progressing onto severe skin infections. Sandalwood also exhibits anti-microbial properties which is why it can be used while washing your clothes or cleaning your house to keep them safe from microbes and to disinfect them.
4. Antispasmodic
Due to the soothing nature of Indian sandalwood, it shows antispasmodic effects and hence, provides relief from muscular spasms and contractions.
5. Stress Reliever
Not only just a reliever of stress but Sandalwood has also been popularly known to provide a calming effect to the mind. The earthy aroma of sandalwood has been known to soothe one’s nerves and further, lowering anxiety. It increases the production of happy hormones, decreases one’s blood pressure, and in turn results in enhancing one’s mood. Chandan also provides mental clarity and brings about alertness in a mind. It is most effective in this matter when inhaled and therefore, it is mainly used in incense sticks, air fresheners or perfumes. Sandalwood also brings forth a sense of peace which keeps the brain clear of stress and chaos. Apart from these, it boosts one’s memory as well as concentration power.
6. Aphrodisiac
Sandalwood essential oil acts as a natural aphrodisiac by providing energy and increasing libido in men thus retrieving positive results.
7. Antiaging
Being high in anti-oxidants, Sandalwood combats the negative effects of free radicals and helps in the damage caused by them. As a result, it reduces the signs of ageing by protecting the skin. You can gently massage your face with the sandalwood oil which can help extensively in case you have loose or saggy skin. Using our Amrutam Face Wash religiously which includes sandalwood as a key ingredient can help as well.
8. Sun Tan Removal
People have been getting suntans since ages and their remedies also exist since old times. Therefore, instead of using the new range cosmetic product to remove your tan, opt for a natural remedy like Sandalwood, also known as, Chandan to get brilliant effects without worrying about side effects. Or you can also choose herbal products such as Amrutam’s Face Wash. The natural oils in this Ayurvedic herb help in getting rid of a suntan quite quickly. You can make your face pack by mixing sandalwood powder with milk or honey and then apply the paste on your tanned skin area. Leave it for at least 30 minutes and then wash it off using cold water. Because of its cooling and soothing effect, sandalwood also helps in sunburns and to get rid of the accompanying redness.
9. Quick Wound Healing
It’s no secret that Chandan has a scent to die for. What’s even more magnificent is that this distinct woody smell can help in healing your wounds and scars quite quickly. According to research, the olfactory receptors on your skin when activated can facilitate the healing process.
10. Removal of blackheads and dark spots
Sandalwood paste or oil can also be used to remove dark spots on your skin as well as blackheads.
11. Digestive issues
Sandalwood also relaxes the muscles in your abdomen and as a result, helps in the removal of gases. Apart from providing relief from flatulence, it has also been used traditionally to treat dysentery.
12. Induces sleep
The calming effects of sandalwood scent help in relaxing your mind and can help you fall asleep. It is used as a brilliant sedating agent in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Amrutam Products containing Sandalwood:
1. Amrutam Herbal Ubtan: Do-It-Yourself Skin Treatment
It is an Ayurvedic recipe for protection, feeding beautification of the skin. This product fights skin infections, cleanses and tones the skin. It also improves skin complexion and reduces facial hair. Our herbal Ubtan protects the skin from acne and freckles.
2. Body Wash with Kesar and Chandan: Ayurvedic Therapeutic Shower Gel
This softly scented body wash will nourish your skin, cleanse it and make it smoother.
References:
- http://ayurveda-sedona.com/knowledge-center/herbs-plants-medicine/sandalwood/
- https://www.healthline.com/health/what-is-sandalwood#research-findings
- https://www.netmeds.com/health-library/post/amazing-health-benefits-of-sandalwood-oil
- https://food.ndtv.com/beauty/5-sandalwood-benefits-to-look-out-for-from-tan-removal-to-treating-acne-1745068
- https://cashkaro.com/blog/sandalwood-benefits-uses-dosage-side-effects/24180/2
- https://www.lybrate.com/topic/sandalwood-chandan-know-the-amazing-health-benefits-it-can-offer/5e85d9666b3a84d4e6c676237e5d312c
- https://www.bebeautiful.in/all-things-skin/everyday/10-skincare-tips-to-make-your-skin-sparkle-in-the-monsoons
- https://medicalxpress.com/news/2014-07-sandalwood-scent-wound-skin-regeneration.html
