Overview
Red Sandalwood is one of the herbs traditionally used in Ayurveda for immunity & disease prevention. Rakta Chandan (Pterocarpus santalinus, Fam. Leguminosae) is Red Sandalwood, distinct from white Sandalwood (Santalum album). Found in Southern India (Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka). The tree grows up to 25 feet. The heartwood is deep red, very hard, and heavy. It does not have the fragrance of white Chandan. Used primarily as a coloring agent, coolant, and in bleeding disorders. Contains Santalin — a red dye. The wood shows annual rings in transverse section. Used externally as a paste for burning sensation and wounds. Also used as a fabric dye. The sapwood is yellowish-white and has no medicinal value. Book reference: Karpuradi Varga, shloka 15-16.
How Red Sandalwood Helps with Immunity & Disease Prevention
According to Ayurvedic pharmacology, Red Sandalwood has specific properties that make it valuable for addressing immunity & disease prevention:
- Potency (Virya): Sheeta (cold)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka): Katu (pungent)
- Taste (Rasa): Tikta (bitter), Madhura (sweet)
- Qualities (Guna): Guru (heavy), Ruksha (dry)
Ayurvedic Properties
- Taste (Rasa)
- Bitter (Tikta), Sweet (Madhura)
- Quality (Guna)
- Heavy (Guru), Dry (Ruksha)
- Potency (Virya)
- Cold (Sheeta)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka)
- Pungent (Katu)
- Key Constituents
- Santalin (santalic acid — a red coloring principle), Homo-pterocarpine, Pterostilbene. Heartwood contains 2% mucilaginous extract and 16% resinous matter with Mineral acids precipitable coloring.
- Also Known As
- English: Red Sanders, Red Sandalwood, Red Sanders Wood
Sanskrit: रक्तचन्दन, रञ्जन, तिलपर्णी, क्षुद्र चन्दन
Hindi: लाल चन्दन, रक्त चन्दन
What the Classical Texts Say
- Raktapitta (bleeding disorders)
- Visha (poisoning)
- Jwara (fever)
- Kushtha (skin diseases)
- Netra Roga (eye diseases)
- Daha (burning sensation)
- Vrana (wounds/ulcers)
Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 1
Other Herbs for Immunity & Disease Prevention
See all herbs for immunity & disease prevention on the Immunity & Disease Prevention page.
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.