Sandalwood Health Benefits: According to Ayurveda, Sandalwood is known as Srigandha, and it is made from a sandalwood tree that has a nice and natural fragrance to it. Sandalwood is also known for its ayurvedic and medicinal properties, as sandalwood tea is highly beneficial for liver or gallbladder problems as it has hepatoprotective properties. People also consume sandalwood tea for managing mental problems. Moreover, sandalwood is also used in the form of oil, which is beneficial for the skin as it helps promote the growth of skin cells.
You can also apply sandalwood oil or paste on your forehead for managing headaches. Furthermore, sandalwood also has anti-inflammatory properties, which are beneficial for managing respiratory problems as you can inhale the sandalwood oil for reducing the inflammation in the air passage. However, it is recommended that if you are sensitive to cold, then you should consult your doctor before using sandalwood as it has sita (cold) properties. You must consume sandalwood in the right amount as excess consumption may lead to gastrointestinal disturbances.
Properties of Sandalwood:
Sandalwood has so many essential properties that help treat various problems related to the overall health of the body. Some of these properties of sandalwood are as follow:
● Antioxidant properties
● Hepatoprotective property
● Anti-inflammatory property
● Sita property
● Antimicrobial property
● Kapha balancing property
● Antibacterial property
● Pitta balancing property
● Diuretic property
So these were some of the properties of sandalwood.
Historical uses of sandalwood:
Sandalwood, for years, has been used for treating several health problems. This is because of the medicinal and ayurvedic properties of this medicinal tree. Sandalwood has a very strong fragrance, and it is highly used in deodorants or perfumes. Sandalwood is used in the form of oil and powder. The natural medicinal properties of sandalwood have treated a number of health issues. Some of these problems that can be treated by using or consuming sandalwood are:
● Sandalwood oil is beneficial for treating UTI (Urinary tract infections)
● It helps in the treatment of sore throats.
● It helps in managing fever
● Helps in managing liver problems
● Helps get rid of cough and the common cold
● Helps in managing headaches
So these were some of the problems that can be treated by using or consuming sandalwood.
Benefits of Sandalwood in Ayurvedic treatment:
Sandalwood has many health benefits when it comes to Ayurvedic treatment. Let us have a look at some issues that could be treated with the help of this natural medicinal tree.
1. Helps in treating urinary tract infections
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Ayurveda
According to scientific studies, Sandalwood has antibacterial properties that are beneficial for the treatment of Urinary tract infections by preventing the growth of bacteria in the urinary tract. Moreover, sandalwood has a diuretic property that helps in getting rid of the toxins from the body by increasing urine production.
According to ayurvedic studies, in Ayurveda, urinary tract infection is known as Mutrakcchra, which means painful urination. However, sandalwood has diuretic and sita properties that help in reducing the burning sensation while urinating. Therefore, sandalwood could help in increasing the production of urine and help reduce the symptoms of urinary tract infection.
Ayurvedic tips for the treatment of urinary tract infection using sandalwood oil
If you are suffering from a Urinary tract infection, then you could follow these steps for the treatment.
a. You could take about a few drops of sandalwood oil in a bowl.
b. Then you could add about one teaspoon of raw sugar to the bowl and mix well.
c. You can consume this for getting relief from the symptoms of urinary tract infection.
d. It is recommended that before consuming sandalwood oil, make sure that you are using pure sandalwood oil.
2. Helps in the treatment of sore throat
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Ayurveda
According to scientific studies, there is not enough evidence to support whether sandalwood is beneficial for the treatment of sore throat. However, if you are suffering from a sore throat, then you can gargle with diluted sandalwood oil for relief.
According to ayurvedic studies,
The reason for sore throat is because of an imbalance of pitta dosha in the body. However, sandalwood has Sita and pitta-balancing properties that are beneficial for balancing the pitta dosha in the body and thereby help treat sore throat.
Ayurvedic tip for using sandalwood oil for treating sore throat
If you are suffering from a sore throat, then you can follow these steps for the treatment.
a. You could take a few drops of sandalwood oil in a glass of lukewarm water.
b. Use this diluted water for gargling twice a day for treating your sore throat.
3. Helps in managing fever
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Ayurveda
According to scientific studies,
The reason for fever is because of an imbalance of pitta dosha in the body, which thereby leads to high body temperature. However, sandalwood has pitta balancing properties that are beneficial for balancing the pitta dosha in the body and thereby manage the body temperature. Moreover, sandalwood has sita property that helps in lowering the body temperature to normal.
According to ayurvedic studies, Sandalwood has antipyretic properties that are beneficial for managing or lowering body temperature.
Tips for using sandalwood oil for managing fever
If you are suffering from fever, then you can follow these steps for the treatment of fever.
a. You could take about a few drops of sandalwood oil in a bowl.
b. Then you could add about one teaspoon of raw sugar to the bowl and mix well.
c. You can consume this for getting relief from the symptoms of fever.
d. It is recommended that before consuming sandalwood oil, make sure that you are using pure sandalwood oil.
4. Helps in managing liver problems
Sandalwood has hepatoprotective properties that are beneficial for managing liver problems. Moreover, this medicinal herb has antioxidant property that helps fight against free radicals, thereby preventing liver cell damage. Furthermore, sandalwood also has the properties for removing gallstones from the gallbladder.
Ayurvedic tips for using sandalwood powder for managing liver problems
If you want to manage your liver problems, then you can follow these steps.
a. You could take about 1-3 grams of edible sandalwood powder in a glass.
b. Then you could consume it either with water or honey.
c. You must consume this before having your meals.
d. It is recommended that before consuming sandalwood powder, make sure that you are using pure sandalwood powder.
5. Helps in managing common cold
The reason for the common cold is because of an imbalance of Kapha dosha in the body. And this may lead to an increase in mucus that could form and accumulate in your respiratory tract or air passage. However, sandalwood has Kapha balancing properties that may be beneficial for treating the common cold symptoms and thereby providing relief by getting rid of excess mucus from the air passage. Therefore, using sandalwood oil is very helpful for the treatment of the common cold.
Ayurvedic tips for using sandalwood oil for managing common cold
If you are suffering from a common cold, then you can follow these steps for the treatment.
a. You could take about a few drops of sandalwood oil, or you could take the quantity as required by you.
b. You could now add coconut oil or olive oil to the sandalwood oil.
c. Start massaging this mixture of oils on your chest and throat for getting relief from the common cold.
6. Helps in the treatment of cough
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Ayurveda
According to scientific studies,
Sandalwood has soothing and demulcent properties that are beneficial for the treatment of cough. Sandalwood works by adding a soothing layer over the mucus that is formed in the respiratory tract. Moreover, sandalwood has expectorant property that promotes the sputum removal from the respiratory tract, thereby providing relief from breathlessness. Therefore, you can use sandalwood oil to manage your cough by massaging your chest and throat for relief.
According to ayurvedic studies,
the reason for the cough is because of an imbalance of Kapha dosha in the body. And this may lead to an increase in mucus that could form and accumulate in your respiratory tract or air passage. However, sandalwood has Kapha balancing properties that may be beneficial for treating the problem of cough and thereby providing relief by getting rid of excess mucus from the air passage. Therefore, using sandalwood oil is very helpful for managing cough.
Ayurvedic tips for using sandalwood oil for managing cough
If you are suffering from a cough, then you can follow these steps for the treatment.
a. You could take about a few drops of sandalwood oil, or you could take the quantity as required by you.
b. You could now add coconut oil or olive oil to the sandalwood oil.
c. Start massaging this mixture of oils on your chest and throat for getting relief from the common cold.
7. Helps in reducing inflammation from the air passage
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Ayurveda
According to scientific studies,
Sandalwood has anti-inflammatory property that is beneficial for managing bronchitis as it helps in reducing the inflammation from the air passages. Moreover, sandalwood also has expectorant property that is beneficial for removing the sputum from the air passages. Therefore, inhaling sandalwood oil is beneficial for reducing the inflammation from the air passage.
According to ayurvedic studies, The reason for inflammation in respiratory passages is because of an imbalance of Kapha dosha in the body. And this may lead to an increase in mucus that could form and accumulate in your respiratory tract or air passage. However, sandalwood has Kapha balancing properties that may help reduce inflammation and thereby provide relief by getting rid of excess mucus from the air passage. Therefore, using sandalwood oil for inhalation is good for the treatment.
Ayurvedic tips for using sandalwood oil for treating bronchitis
If you are suffering from bronchitis, then you can follow these steps for the treatment.
a. You could take a few drops of sandalwood oil.
b. Mix the sandalwood oil along with water in a vaporizer for inhalation.
c. Start inhaling the steam twice a day to get relief from bronchitis.
8. Helps in managing headache
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Ayurveda
According to scientific studies, there is not enough scientific evidence to support whether sandalwood is beneficial for managing headaches. However, there may be some benefits of sandalwood oil for managing headaches.
According to ayurvedic studies, the reason for headaches is an imbalance of pitta dosha. However, sandalwood has pitta balancing properties that are beneficial for managing headaches by balancing the pitta dosha in the body. Moreover, this herb also has sita properties that provide a cooling and soothing sensation for reducing headaches.
Ayurvedic tips for using sandalwood powder for reducing headache
If you are suffering from a headache, then you can follow these steps for the treatment.
a. You could take about 3-6 grams of sandalwood powder in a bowl, or you could take the quantity as required by you.
b. Now you could add a small amount of camphor to the bowl and mix it well.
c. Now add rosewater to make a smooth paste.
d. Start applying this paste on your forehead to reduce the headache or get some relief.
9. Helps in reducing the symptoms of heatstroke
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Ayurveda
According to scientific studies,
There is not enough evidence available to support whether sandalwood is beneficial for reducing the symptoms of heatstroke. However, sandalwood has soothing properties, which may be good for reducing body temperature and heat.
According to ayurvedic studies,
The reason for heatstroke is because of an increased pitta in the body. However, sandalwood has pitta balancing properties, which are beneficial for balancing the pitta and thereby reducing the symptoms of heatstroke. Therefore, you can use sandalwood oil to massage your body to reduce body heat and provide a cooling sensation.
Ayurvedic tips for using sandalwood for reducing the symptoms of heatstroke
If you are suffering from a heat stroke, then you can follow these steps for the treatment.
a. You could take a few drops of sandalwood oil in a bowl, or you could take the quantity as required by you.
b. You can now mix olive oil or coconut oil into the bowl.
c. Start massaging this oil on your body to reduce the symptoms of heatstroke.
10. Helps in managing anxiety
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Ayurveda
According to scientific studies, sandalwood has soothing properties, which are beneficial for managing anxiety as it helps in relaxing the nervous systems and thereby manage anxiety.
According to ayurvedic studies, sandalwood is beneficial for managing anxiety because of its soothing fragrance, which helps relax the body and thereby reduce anxiety.
Ayurvedic tips for using sandalwood oil for managing anxiety
If you are suffering from anxiety, then you can follow these steps.
a. You could take about a few drops of sandalwood oil, or you could take the quantity as required by you.
b. You can then use the oil in aromatherapy for managing anxiety.
Usage of Sandalwood for ayurvedic treatment:
Sandalwood is used for ayurvedic treatment in different ways; check out how you can use this medicinal herb for your ayurvedic treatment.
1. Sandalwood powder along with honey or water
If you are suffering from liver problems, then you can follow these steps.
a. You could take about 1-3 grams of edible sandalwood powder in a glass.
b. Then you could consume it either with water or honey.
c. You must consume this before having your meals.
d. It is recommended that before consuming sandalwood powder, make sure that you are using pure sandalwood powder.
2. Sandalwood oil along with raw sugar
If you are suffering from a urinary tract infection, then you can follow these steps for the treatment.
a. You could take a few drops of sandalwood oil in a bowl, or you could take the quantity as required by you.
b. Now you could add one teaspoon of raw sugar to the bowl and mix well.
c. You can consume this mixture for the treatment of urinary tract infections.
3. Sandalwood oil used in steam
If you are suffering from bronchitis, then you can follow these steps.
a. You could take a few drops of sandalwood oil.
b. Mix the sandalwood oil along with water in a vaporizer for inhalation.
c. Start inhaling the steam twice a day to get relief from bronchitis.
4. Sandalwood powder along with rose water
If you are suffering from a headache, then you can follow these steps.
a. You could take about 3-6 grams of sandalwood powder in a bowl, or you could take the quantity as required by you.
b. Now you could add a small amount of camphor to the bowl and mix it well.
c. Now add rosewater to make a smooth paste.
d. Start applying this paste on your forehead to reduce headaches or get some relief.
Precautionary guide for using sandalwood:
Certain precautions must be considered before you use or consume sandalwood. Check out certain precautions that you need to follow.
● Expert advice
● It is recommended that before consuming sandalwood powder, make sure that you are using pure sandalwood powder or oil.
● You must consume sandalwood in the right amount as excess consumption may lead to gastrointestinal disturbances.
● For pregnant women
Sandalwood cannot be consumed during pregnancy. Therefore, you must consult your doctor or avoid the use of sandalwood.
● For breastfeeding women
There is not enough evidence available to support whether sandalwood is recommended to consume during breastfeeding. Therefore, you must consult a doctor or avoid the use of sandalwood.
● For kidney disease patients
Sandalwood has nephrotoxic properties, which may cause further kidney damage for a kidney disease patient. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid the use of sandalwood.
● For allergic patients
Some chances of applying sandalwood on the skin may lead to skin allergies or hyperpigmentation if exposed to sunlight.
Side effects of consuming or using sandalwood
Sandalwood is pretty safe for consumption. However, there are chances of some side effects. Check out the side effects of sandalwood.
● Itching
● Dermatitis
● Nausea
● Upset stomach
● Bloody urine
So these were the side effects of sandalwood.
FAQ about sandalwood:
Is there any expiry date for sandalwood powder?
There is no specific expiry date for sandalwood powder as it does not expire. However, you may see the color and odor change if you do not store sandalwood powder properly.
Is it okay to consume sandalwood oil?
Sandalwood oil must always be consumed in the right amount or in quantity recommended by your doctor. Sandalwood oil is beneficial for treating several problems as it has cooling and soothing properties that are beneficial for treating painful urination and cystitis.
Are there any benefits of sandalwood for losing weight?
Sandalwood has carminative properties that are beneficial for losing weight. Sandalwood is good for improving the digestive system and thereby promoting proper digestion of food. Moreover, another reason for weight gain other than overeating is stress, which could cause weight gain. However, sandalwood has soothing properties, which may be beneficial for reducing stress. Therefore, sandalwood oil is beneficial for losing weight.
Are there any benefits of sandalwood for the babies?
Sandalwood is very safe and beneficial for babies and children. Moreover, sandalwood is used in a number of remedies for babies. However, to prevent any chances of side effects, it is always better to consult your doctor before using sandalwood oil for babies.
Is sandalwood beneficial for the overall health of the body?
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Ayurveda
According to scientific studies, Sandalwood has many medicinal properties, which are beneficial for the body. Sandalwood has the antidepressant property that helps in relaxing the mind and nervous system. Moreover, it also has sedative properties that promote good sleep. Furthermore, you can also use sandalwood for managing bronchitis, sore throat, and coughs because of its expectorant properties.
According to ayurvedic studies, Sandalwood is beneficial for managing the body's overall health as sandalwood has soothing properties that may be beneficial for reducing stress and relaxing the nervous system. Moreover, sandalwood also has sita properties that are beneficial for treating common cold and bronchitis symptoms.
Are there any benefits of sandalwood for fertility?
There is not enough evidence available to support whether sandalwood is beneficial for improving fertility or not.
Are there any benefits of sandalwood for kidney stone removal?
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Ayurveda
According to scientific studies, sandalwood has diuretic properties that are beneficial for removing kidney stones. This happens as sandalwood increases urine production in the body, which leads to the removal of stones from the kidney.
According to ayurvedic studies, sandalwood has mutral properties that help in the removal of kidney stones from the body. This happens as sandalwood increases urine production in the body, which leads to the removal of stones from the kidney.
Are there any benefits of sandalwood for acne?
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Ayurveda
According to scientific studies, Sandalwood has astringent property, which is beneficial for the treatment of acne. It helps control oil production in the skin and thereby prevents the breakout of acne. Moreover, sandalwood also has antiseptic and soothing properties, which is good for treating the irritating skin condition.
The reason for acne is because of an imbalance of Pitta and Kapha dosha in the body that leads to acne formation. However, sandalwood has pitta-Kapha-balancing properties, which are beneficial for balancing the Kapha and pitta in the body and thereby help treat acne breakouts. Moreover, the site properties of sandalwood provide a cooling sensation over irritated skin.
Can we use sandalwood for skin whitening?
There is not enough evidence available to support whether sandalwood is beneficial for skin whitening or not.
Are there any benefits of applying sandalwood oil on the skin?
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Ayurveda
According to scientific studies, Sandalwood oil is very beneficial for your skin as it helps in treating wounds, skin irritations, itching, psoriasis, healing cuts, and eczema. This is because of the anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
According to ayurvedic studies, Sandalwood oil can be used for the treatment of several skin problems and conditions such as skin inflammation, skin irritation, acne, and pimples. The reason for skin problems is because of an imbalance of pitta-kapaha dosha in the body. However, sandalwood has Kapha-Pitta balancing properties that balance the Kapha-pitta and thereby help in managing skin problems.
Ayurvedic tips for using sandalwood oil for the treatment of skin problems
If you are suffering from a skin condition or want to make your skin glow, you can follow these steps.
a. You could take about a few drops of sandalwood oil in a bowl, or you could take the quantity as required by you.
b. Then you could mix mustard oil or olive oil in a quantity that is twice that of the sandalwood oil.
c. Start applying this mixture of oils on acne and pimples for the treatment and to get glowing skin.
Can we use sandalwood as bleach or for reducing spots?
There is not enough evidence to support whether sandalwood is beneficial for bleaching. However, sandalwood has anti-aging properties that are beneficial for reducing acne spots, dark spots, pigments, and make your skin glow.
Tips for using sandalwood powder for glowing skin
If you want glowing skin, then you can follow these steps.
a. You could take about 3-6 grams of sandalwood powder in a bowl, or you could take the quantity as required by you.
b. Now you could add about two tablespoons of milk and about one teaspoon of glycerine in a bowl.
c. Now add rosewater to make a smooth paste.
d. Start applying this paste on your face and neck. Let this paste stay for about 30 minutes.
e. After 30 minutes, wash off your face to get glowing skin.