Home Blogs Herbs Red sandalwood: Health Benefits, Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

Red sandalwood: Health Benefits, Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

By NS Desk | Herbs | Posted on :   19-Dec-2020

Red sandalwood is mainly found in India and is also called raktachandan. It is used for various medicinal purposes and health problems.
 
Due to the presence of anti-inflammatory and healing properties in red sandalwood, it can be applied to the skin for various skin infections and allergies. It is also used for treating acne and pimples.
 
Also, due to the presence of anti-diabetic properties in red sandalwood, it can help control diabetes and increase the secretion of insulin in the body.  The antioxidant property of red sandalwood can help in controlling the levels of cholesterol. Red sandalwood kadha or decoction is quite helpful in preventing dysentery due to the astringent property's presence.
 
However, it is advisable to consult a doctor before using red sandalwood since some people can be allergic to red sandalwood.
 
Treating diseases/health problems through red sandalwood
• For stomach ulcers

 

           Scientific

             Ayurvedic

Due to the presence of gastroprotective properties in red sandalwood, it can help treat stomach ulcers by decreasing the secretion of gastric acid in the stomach. The antioxidant property of red sandalwood can help fight against free radicals and inhibit the damage to gastric cells.

According to the Ayurvedic view, imbalanced pitta dosha and indigestion lead to stomach ulcers. It can cause inflammation, burning sensation, irritation, and bleeding in the affected area. However, due to pitta balancing and sita (cold) in red sandalwood, it can help prevent ulcers and lessens its symptoms like inflammation, burning sensation, irritation, and bleeding in the affected area.

 
For indigestion
• Take around 1 to 3 grams of red sandalwood powder, or you can take it as prescribed by the doctor.
• Swallow it with water or honey.
• Use this remedy regularly before meals for getting better results.
 
• For edema

             Scientific

                Ayurvedic

Due to the presence of anti-inflammatory properties in red sandalwood, it can be quite beneficial for edema. According to science and research, red sandalwood can be applied to prevent certain inflammatory mediators' production, which further decreases the secretion of fluid in the tissue and thus prevents edema.

According to the Ayurvedic view, an imbalance of vata and pitta dosha can lead to edema and causes swelling in the affected area. However, due to pitta balancing and shothar or anti-inflammatory properties in red sandalwood, it can help prevent edema and reduce inflammation.

 
For edema
• Take some water.
• Rub a small piece of red sandalwood in the water and make a thick paste.
• Apply it to the affected area. 
• Use this remedy to get rid of swelling and inflammation.
 
• For cough 
According to the Ayurvedic view, an imbalance of kapha dosha can lead to the formation and accumulation of mucus in the respiratory system, causing obstruction and coughing. Even though red sandalwood has a sita or cold nature, however, due to the presence of kapha balancing property, red sandalwood in the form of red sandalwood oil can be used to treat cough. You can massage red sandalwood on your chest or inhale the steam with red sandalwood oil to help clean the respiratory tract and manage the cough.
Ayurvedic care with the help of red sandalwood 
 
For indigestion
• Take around 1 to 3 grams of red sandalwood powder, or you can take it as prescribed by the doctor.
• Swallow it with water or honey.
• Use this remedy regularly before meals for getting better results.
 
For edema
• Take some water.
• Rub a small piece of red sandalwood in the water and make a thick paste.
• Apply it to the affected area. 
• Use this remedy to get rid of swelling and inflammation.
 
For headaches 
• You need to take around 3 to 6 grams of red sandalwood powder.
• Convert it into a paste by mixing it with some plain or rosewater.
• Apply it on your forehead gently once a day to get rid of headaches.
 
For boils
• Take some water.
• Rub a small piece of red sandalwood in the water and make a thick paste.
• Apply it to the affected area. 
• Use this remedy to get rid of swelling and inflammation.
 
For healing wounds
• Take some water
• Rub a small piece of red sandalwood in the water and make a thick paste.
• Apply it to the affected area. 
• Use this remedy to get rid of swelling and inflammation.
 
Precautionary guide while using red sandalwood 
 
• Breastfeeding 
Since sufficient evidence is not available regarding the use of red sandalwood during breastfeeding, it is advised not to use red sandalwood at the time of breastfeeding, or it is better to consult a doctor before using red sandalwood breastfeeding.
 
• Pregnancy 
Even though it is safe to consume red sandalwood in food amounts during pregnancy, it is advisable to consult a doctor before using red sandalwood during pregnancy.
 
• Allergy
Red sandalwood can lead to contact dermatitis in certain individuals; therefore, it is advised to consult a doctor before using red sandalwood.
 
FAQ's about red sandalwood 
 
Q How do we prepare red sandalwood paste?
A Method to prepare red sandalwood paste is as follows.
• Take around 1 tsp of red sandalwood powder in a container.
• And add 2 tsp of gram flour to it and mix it.
• Then add a few drops of lemon juice to it.
• Then add some rose water.
• Mix it well and make a paste.
• Apply gently on the affected skin.
• Then let it dry for some time.
• Wash it with running water.
 
Q Is it safe to use red Sandalwood at the time of pregnancy?
A Even though it is safe to consume red sandalwood in food amounts during pregnancy. However, it is advisable to consult a doctor before using red sandalwood at the time of pregnancy. 
 
Q Can red sandalwood help in dysentery?
A Yes,

 

            Scientific

            Ayurvedic

Due to the presence of astringent property in red sandalwood, its fruit decoction can be quite beneficial for dysentery. It decreases the discharge of mucus secretions in the intestine and gives aid in dysentery.

According to the Ayurvedic view, vitiated kapha and vata dosha can cause dysentery. It is called pravahika in Ayurveda and can be treated with the help of red sandalwood. In case of severe dysentery, inflammation in the intestine can lead to mucus and blood in the stools, which can be treated with the help of red sandalwood. This is because of grahi (absorbent) and sita (cold) properties in red sandalwood that can help prevent inflammation and bleeding.

 
Q Can red sandalwood help in the case of cholesterol?
A Yes, due to the presence of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in red sandalwood, it can be quite helpful for controlling the levels of cholesterol. It helps reduce the levels of total blood cholesterol, bad cholesterol or LDL, and triglycerides and increases the levels of good cholesterol or HDL. 
 
Q Is red sandalwood helpful for liver problems?
A Yes, due to the presence of hepatoprotective property in red sandalwood, it can be quite helpful in managing various liver problems. Also, red sandalwood possesses certain antioxidants such as flavonoids, which effectively fight against free radicals and prevent damage to liver cells. Therefore, red sandalwood can help to prevent various liver diseases. 
 
Q Is red sandalwood helpful for diabetes?
A Yes, 

           Scientific

              Ayurvedic

According to science and research, the red sandalwood's bark and heartwood can be quite helpful in controlling blood sugar levels.  This is due to the presence of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in red sandalwood, which helps prevent damage to pancreatic cells and increases insulin production.  

According to the Ayurvedic view, an imbalance of vata and kapha dosha can lead to diabetes. The imbalance of kapha and vata doshas disturbs the insulin levels in the body. However, due to the presence of kapha balancing and tikta (bitterness) properties in red sandalwood, it can be quite helpful in treating diabetes. It can help in controlling the levels of sugar in the blood.

 
Q Is red sandalwood helpful for wound healing?
A Yes, 

            Scientific

           Ayurvedic

Red sandalwood in the form of red sandalwood oil can be used for healing wounds faster. This is because of the presence of certain constituents in it that can help in the contraction and closure of wounds. It also helps in promoting the formation of collagen and new skin cells. This is due to the presence of antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties in red sandalwood. Due to its antibacterial property, it can also help in avoiding the risk of infection at the site of the wound.

According to the Ayurvedic view, due to ropan (healing) property in red sandalwood, it can help heal wounds faster. It is used in the form of red sandalwood oil. It is also effective against conditions like swelling, burning, or irritation of the wound. This is due to its shothar (anti-inflammatory) and site (cold) properties.

 
Red sandalwood for wounds 
• Take some water.
• Rub a small piece of red sandalwood in the water and make a thick paste.
• Apply it to the affected area. 
• Use this remedy to get rid of swelling and inflammation.
 
Q Is red sandalwood helpful for headaches?
A Yes,

           Scientific

              Ayurvedic

Due to the presence of cooling and relaxing properties in red sandalwood, it can be used for treating headaches. It can be used in the form of a paste and can be applied gently on the forehead to get rid of headaches.

According to the Ayurvedic view, an imbalance of pitta dosha can cause headaches. However, due to pitta balancing and sita properties in red sandalwood, it can be used to treat headaches and provide a cooling and relaxing effect.

 
For headaches 
• You need to take around 3 to 6 grams of red sandalwood powder.
• Convert it into a paste by mixing it with some plain or rosewater.
• Apply it on your forehead gently once a day to get rid of headaches.
 
Q Is red sandalwood helpful for boils?
A Yes, 

              Scientific

              Ayurvedic

Due to the presence of antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties in red sandalwood, it is quite helpful for treating boils. It inhibits the spread of bacteria and reduces inflammation. It can be applied in the form of a paste to the affected area.

According to the Ayurvedic view, due to the presence of ropan (healing) property in red sandalwood, it is quite beneficial for treating boils. Also, due to its shothar (anti-inflammatory) and sita (cold) properties, it can be used to reduce burning and irritation caused due to boils.

 
Red sandalwood for boils
• Take some water.
• Rub a small piece of red sandalwood in the water and make a thick paste.
• Apply it to the affected area. 
• Use this remedy to get rid of swelling and inflammation.

NS Desk

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Disclaimer - The aim of the article is just to convey information to you. Use any medicine, therapy, herb or fruit please do it under the guidance of a qualified Ayurveda doctor.