Names & Classification
- Botanical Name
- Santalum album
- Sanskrit Name
- Chandana / Shweta Chandana
- English Name(s)
- Sandalwood / Chandana
- Family
- Santalaceae
- Part Used
- Heartwood
About This Herb
Sandalwood has been sacred in Indian culture for thousands of years, prized for its cooling, calming fragrance and powerful anti-inflammatory properties. In Ayurveda, it is the go-to remedy for burning sensations, urinary discomfort, and skin irritation — cooling the body from within.
Where It Grows
Native to Indonesia (Java and Lesser Sunda Islands) and the Philippines. Introduced to South India by Austronesian sailors during ancient spice trade, naturalized in South India by 1300 BCE. Presently found throughout India in states: Karnataka (8,513 sq km coverage), Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Orissa, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Manipur. Also cultivated in China, Thailand, Cambodia, and Costa Rica. Grows in dry coastal forests, savannas, and sandy/stony soils up to 700 meters altitude. Requires ample sunlight and tolerates temperatures 32-100.4°F and annual precipitation 20-118 inches.
Ayurvedic Profile
The premier Dahaprashamana (burning sensation-reliever) and Pittahara (Pitta-pacifying) wood. Chandana has been used since the Vedic period in medicine, cosmetics, and spiritual rituals. Classified as Varnya (complexion-enhancing), Raktashodhak (blood-purifying), and Sheetala (cooling). Rasa: Tikta (Bitter), Madhura (Sweet). Virya: Sheeta (Cooling). Vipaka: Katu (Pungent). Dosha: Pacifies Pitta and Kapha.
Key Benefits
Cooling anti-inflammatory, urinary comfort, skin soothing, mental calm
Research & Studies
The following research highlights scientific validation of traditional uses:
Comparative phytochemical analysis and antibacterial efficacy of in vitro and in vivo extracts from East Indian sandalwood tree (Santalum album L.)
Authors: Multiple authors
Journal: PubMed/NIH (2012)
Systematic investigation comparing phytochemical composition and antimicrobial efficacy of sandalwood at different developmental stages against thirteen bacterial strains using four methods, establishing (Z)-α-santalol as primary antimicrobial component.
Anticancer Effects of Sandalwood (Santalum album)
Authors: Multiple authors
Journal: Anticancer Research (2015)
Research documenting antiproliferative and anti-cancer properties of Santalum album extracts and isolated compounds through multiple mechanisms.
Sandalwood Album Oil as a Botanical Therapeutic in Dermatology
Authors: Multiple authors
Journal: PMC/NIH (2018)
Review of sandalwood oil's dermatological applications, documenting anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and skin-protective properties with clinical relevance for treatment of various skin conditions.
Biological Properties of Sandalwood Oil and Microbial Synthesis of Its Major Sesquiterpenoids
Authors: Multiple authors
Journal: PMC/NIH (2023)
Comprehensive review of α-santalol and β-santalol sesquiterpenoids demonstrating anti-inflammatory effects comparable to NSAIDs through suppression of prostaglandin production.
Products Containing Sandalwood / Chandana
- Chandanadi Bati (Tablet)
- Chandanasava (Classical Formulation)
- Rena Tone (Classical Formulation)
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal supplements, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have pre-existing health conditions.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.