Sandalwood Bark and Powder Profile
Also known as- Santalum album
Introduction
The best known wood of India, sandalwood provides material for decorative carvings and essential oil for incense, candles, soaps, and herbal medicines. In recent years the species has become endangered; please ensure that you buy sandalwood from ethical sources.
In Ayurvedic medicine, sandalwood is used to treat sexually transmitted diseases and sexual dysfunction in both sexes.
Constituents
Essential oil, guaiacols, phenols, santalols, resin.
Parts Used
Ground wood and bark, and the essential oil
Typical Preparations
Ground wood in teas or poultices, essential oil, or as a capsule.
Summary
The authoritative Complete German Commission E Monographs approved the use of sandalwood teas to treat bladder infections, although the herb was not recommended for use by itself, only in combination with other herbs. Some recent research has found that the wood contains oils that stop the growth of herpesvirus.
As a tea, sandalwood is used to treat dry or unproductive coughs and bronchitis; as a poultice, it is used to treat acne, eczema, and other skin infections.
Precautions
Don't directly breathe in the smoke from sandalwood incense. In rare instance, sandalwood teas can cause nausea.