Ayurvedic Properties
- Taste (Rasa)
- Bitter (Tikta), Sweet (Madhura)
- Quality (Guna)
- Light (Laghu), Dry (Ruksha)
- Potency (Virya)
- Cold (Sheeta)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka)
- Pungent (Katu)
- Key Constituents
- Sandalwood oil (2.5-6% in heartwood): alpha-santalol and beta-santalol (C₁₅H₂₄O — Sesquiterpene alcohols, 90%), Santalic acid, Teresantalic acid, Ketone, Aldehydes. Oil specific gravity 0.973-0.985, refractive index 1.505-1.510.
- Also Known As
- English: Sandalwood, White Sandalwood, Indian Sandalwood
Sanskrit: चन्दन, श्रीखण्ड, गन्धसार, मलयज, भद्रश्री, गोशीर्ष
Hindi: चन्दन, सफेद चन्दन
What is Sandalwood (Chandan / चन्दन)?
Chandan (Santalum album, Fam. Santalaceae) is one of the most valued aromatic woods in Ayurveda. Found extensively in Mysore (Karnataka) forests where trees over 4000 years old are known. The heartwood develops fragrant oil only after 40-50 years of growth. Multiple varieties described — Shveta (white), Rakta (red), Pita (yellow), Kaliyaka (dark). Sandalwood is cooling, bitter-sweet, and is one of the best Pitta-pacifying drugs. It is extensively used in burning sensation, fever, skin diseases, urinary disorders, and bleeding conditions. Applied externally as a paste for skin cooling and complexion improvement. Sandalwood oil contains alpha and beta-santalol as the chief constituents. The wood from Mysore is considered the finest globally. West Indian, East African, and Australian sandalwood are inferior varieties. Several tests for adulteration described. Book reference: Karpuradi Varga, shloka 11-13.
Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 1
Therapeutic Actions (Karma)
- Daha Prashamana (relieves burning sensation)
- Trishna Nigrahana (controls thirst)
- Jwaraghna (antipyretic)
- Vishaghna (anti-toxic)
- Varnya (improves complexion)
- Hridya (cardiotonic)
- Raktapittahara (controls bleeding disorders)
- Krimighna (anti-parasitic)
- Pitta Shamaka (pacifies Pitta)
Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 1
Classical Therapeutic Uses
- Daha (burning sensation)
- Trishna (excessive thirst)
- Jwara (fever — especially Pitta type)
- Raktapitta (bleeding disorders)
- Visha (poisoning)
- Kushtha (skin diseases)
- Prameha (urinary disorders/diabetes)
- Shweta Pradara (leucorrhea)
- Mutrakrichchhra (dysuria)
Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 1
Varieties
| Variety | Region | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Shveta Chandan (श्वेत चन्दन) | ||
| Rakta Chandan (रक्त चन्दन) | ||
| Pitavachandan (पीतवचन्दन) | ||
| Kaliyaka | ||
| Barbarika/Patranga |
Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 1
Sandalwood by Condition
Explore how Sandalwood is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.
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.