Have you ever wondered why sandalwood holds such a revered place in Ayurvedic medicine? Beyond its soothing fragrance, sandalwood—known as chandan—offers profound healing benefits. In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits & uses of sandalwood and discover how chandan can enhance your well-being, guided by insights from an Ayurveda expert.
Ayurvedic Perspective of Sandalwood
Sandalwood is distinguished for its aromatic and skin-benefiting properties. Scientifically known as Santalaceae Santalum Album, chandan (sandalwood) is obtained from sandal trees found mostly in southern regions of India, Indonesia, and some parts of Australia. Moreover, the oil and powder produced from chandan are of sacred importance in Vedic literature.
The medicinal benefits of chandan have been recognized in Ayurveda since ancient times. Extracted from the heartwood of the plant, chandan oil helps balance the three doshas – Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Owing to the cooling effect of this aromatic wood, it cools down sadhaka pitta (caretaker of heart), thus, managing anxiety and depression.1 Consequently, the Vedic scriptures mention the application of chandan paste (made by mixing its powder with water) on the forehead.2
The significance of this Ayurvedic herb extends beyond spiritual practices and skincare; it is now utilized for a variety of purposes. To extract the best out of it, let us first understand the properties and benefits & uses of sandalwood!
Action and properties of Sandalwood
For ages, chandan has been used in the cosmetic industry to make soaps, perfumes, and other skin care products. Sandalwood is a household name in Indian homes, and from little girls to grandmothers, all use it to bring that natural glow to the skin or even to relieve headaches.
Lesser-known Benefits & Uses of Sandalwood
Given below are the benefits & uses of sandalwood3:
Radiant & Glowing Skin
Everyone dreams of flawless, radiant skin. With countless skincare options today, chandan stands out as a top choice. Why? Its unique ability to balance all three doshas helps restore skin health, preventing dullness and acne.
Natural Fever Relief
The Kapha Pitta shamak property of chandan pacifies the Pitta dosha (responsible for raising body temperature). Moreover, chandan’s sita (cooling) property helps lower body temperature and thus manages the fever.
Soothing Cough & Congestion
Also known as kasa in Ayurveda, cough occurs because of unwanted accumulation of Vata dosha in the chest, back, or head. It results in repeated cough and pain—moreover, an imbalance in Kapha dosha results in the formation of mucus plugs.
Due to sandalwood’s Kapha nisarak (Kapha-relieving) properties, it helps restore dosha balance, alleviating congestion and effectively managing cough.
Remedy for UTIs
Yes, sandalwood is just the right option when it comes to relieving the unbearable burning sensation of UTIs. The aromatic chandan cools down the aggravated Pitta dosha. Also, owing to its diuretic properties, sandalwood increases urinary output and expels bacteria from the body.
Anxiety & Stress Management
The calming fragrance of chandan has the potential to relax the disturbed manasika doshas (mental disorders), and agni (specifically the Pitta dosha), thereby restoring balance and reducing anxiety.
Supporting Liver Health
Sandalwood balances the vitiated Pitta and Kapha dosha. Moreover, its property of being rakta prasadana helps detoxify the blood and enhance healing. It is also an antioxidant in nature.
Cooling Relief for Heatstroke
An imbalance in Pitta dosha can lead to heatstroke, causing excessive body heat and discomfort. Sandalwood, known for its shishira (cooling) and daha prashamana (heat-relieving) properties, helps regulate elevated Pitta levels, providing a natural cooling effect and soothing relief from heat-related ailments.
Enhancing Oral Hygiene
According to Ayurveda, chandan has a shleshamputihar (Kapha balancing) property that curbs the vitiated Kapha and prevents halitosis (bad breath). Moreover, its antiseptic and antifungal properties help fight pathosis-causing microbes in the oral cavity, keeping your teeth germ-free.
Read More: An Ayurvedic Guide To Oral Health Care
Natural Support for Psoriasis
One of the many benefits & uses of sandalwood includes its twaka dashahara property. This helps manage psoriasis, a condition causing itching, redness, and burning sensations on the skin. Chandan’s Pitta balancing and cooling effect may relieve psoriasis, but more studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness.
Ulcer Management & Gut Health
Ulcers result from factors that aggravate Vata and Pitta doshas. Sandalwood’s cool and moist nature helps soothe these imbalances, restoring the membrane’s integrity. Additionally, this ancient Indian wood may aid in managing cardiovascular conditions and diabetes. However, further research is needed in these areas.
How to Use Sandalwood for Maximum Benefits?
As an Ayurvedic practitioner, I have recommended some simple yet effective sandalwood remedies to many of my patients, and now you can benefit from them too.
Here are some easy-to-follow DIY tips to incorporate chandan into your daily routine:
Sandalwood packs for beautiful skin
Mix 1 tbsp of chandan powder with raw milk or curd. Apply the mixture on a clean face. Rub it in a circular motion and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Follow this once or twice a week for the best results. You can also make a similar pack using turmeric or lemon juice.
Sandalwood oil for reducing stress
Just add 2-3 drops of fragrant oil in your hot bath before going to bed, or simply sprinkle a few drops of oil on your pillowcase. In just a few minutes, the calming effect of the oil will ease your worries.
Sandalwood tea for internal healing
Let’s balance all our doshas with the super-easy chandan iced tea. You won’t believe how simple the preparation is. Add a few drops of chandan syrup to your lemon/green tea. Add ice cubes to it and the chandan iced tea is ready to heal you internally.
Sandalwood for oral health
Mix a few drops of chandan oil with water and gargle. It will help get rid of bleeding gums and foul breath.
Sandalwood for fever
You can make chandan paste by adding raw powder to water and applying it to the forehead. It will help cool down aggravated Pitta dosha and reduce fever.
Read More: 7 Ayurvedic Herbs To Supercharge Your Aging Skin
Things to Keep in Mind Before Using Sandalwood
Sandalwood is a staple in many Indian households and offers numerous benefits when consumed in moderation. However, prolonged use may lead to side effects such as itchy skin, blood in urine, and allergic reactions. Pregnant women should consult an Ayurvedic practitioner before using sandalwood in any form.
Conclusion
Chandan or sandalwood is not just about the rich, earthy fragrance oil that keeps your skin game on point but is so much more. Chandan stands true to its name by being an excellent source of managing the tridoshas i.e., Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Contrary to the traditional uses of chandan in spiritual practices and for maintaining skin health, it has now become a go-to herb for managing multiple ailments. From heatstroke to diabetes, the benefits & uses of sandalwood seem to be never-ending!
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