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Red Sandalwood
Red sandalwood (Pterocarpus santalinus), commonly known as Lal Chandan in Hindi and Rakta Chandan in Sanskrit, is a highly valued Ayurvedic herb renowned for its cooling, detoxifying, and anti-inflammatory properties. Unlike white sandalwood (Santalum album), which is known for its fragrance, red sandalwood is primarily used for its medicinal benefits, especially in skincare, detoxification, and anti-inflammatory treatments
Benefits of Red Sandalwood
Skin Health & Glow
Red sandalwood is a powerful Ayurvedic ingredient for maintaining healthy, radiant skin. Its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties make it highly effective for various skin concerns.
- Acne & Pimples – Reduces inflammation, redness, and bacterial growth.
- Sunburn Relief – Soothes sunburned skin and accelerates healing.
- Brightens Skin – Regular use enhances skin complexion, making it radiant and smooth.
Natural Detoxification
Red sandalwood helps eliminate toxins (Ama) from the body, particularly from the liver and blood.
- Purifies Blood – Flushes out toxins and improves overall skin health.
- Liver Support – Aids in detoxifying the liver, helping in digestion and metabolism.
- Balances Pitta Dosha – Reduces excess heat in the body, cooling internal systems.
Anti-Inflammatory & Pain Relief
The active compound Santalin in red sandalwood provides potent anti-inflammatory benefits.
- Relieves Joint Pain – Useful for arthritis and muscle pain.
- Reduces Swelling – Helps in inflammatory skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
- Soothes Irritations – Calms itching, rashes, and redness.
Respiratory Health
Red sandalwood is known to clear excess heat and toxins from the lungs, making it beneficial for respiratory disorders.
- Relieves Asthma & Bronchitis – Reduces inflammation and soothes respiratory passages.
- Clears Chest Congestion – Aids in clearing mucus and toxins from the lungs.
Anti-Aging & Skin Rejuvenation
Red sandalwood is widely used in Ayurvedic anti-aging formulations to promote youthful skin.
- Reduces Wrinkles & Fine Lines – Helps maintain skin elasticity and smoothness.
- Prevents Age Spots – Fades pigmentation and evens out skin tone.
- Hydrates & Nourishes – Provides deep nourishment for firm, glowing skin.
Uses of Red Sandalwood
Red sandalwood (Pterocarpus santalinus) has been a vital part of Ayurveda for centuries due to its cooling, detoxifying, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is widely used in skincare, detoxification, and overall wellness. Below are some of the key uses of red sandalwood in Ayurvedic treatments.
Skincare & Beauty
- Treats Acne & Pimples – Red sandalwood’s antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties help reduce acne breakouts, redness, and swelling.
- Brightens Complexion – It improves skin tone, enhances radiance, and provides a natural glow.
- Soothes Sunburn & Irritation – The cooling effect of red sandalwood helps in reducing sunburn, rashes, and itchiness.
- Reduces Pigmentation & Dark Spots – It helps fade blemishes, dark spots, and hyperpigmentation with regular use.
- Anti-Aging Benefits – Used in face packs and serums, red sandalwood helps in reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
- How to Use:
Mix red sandalwood powder with rose water, milk, or honey and apply as a face pack. - Use red sandalwood oil diluted in a carrier oil for skin massage.
Blood Purification & Detoxification
Removes Toxins (Ama) – Red sandalwood helps in eliminating impurities from the blood, promoting clearer skin and better health.
Supports Liver Function – It assists in detoxifying the liver and improving digestion.
Balances Pitta Dosha – The cooling nature of red sandalwood helps in reducing excess body heat.
- How to Use:
Red sandalwood powder can be taken with honey or warm water (only under Ayurvedic guidance). - Red sandalwood decoction can be prepared for internal detoxification.
Anti-Inflammatory & Pain Relief
- Relieves Joint & Muscle Pain – Used in herbal oils and pastes, red sandalwood helps reduce swelling and inflammation in conditions like arthritis and muscle pain.
- Soothes Skin Conditions – Effective in treating eczema, psoriasis, and skin rashes due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
How to Use:
Apply red sandalwood paste on affected areas for relief from pain and inflammation.
Use red sandalwood oil mixed with coconut oil for a soothing massage.
Respiratory Health
- Relieves Cough & Bronchitis – Red sandalwood helps in clearing congestion and soothing the respiratory tract.
- Reduces Excess Heat in Lungs – Beneficial in asthma and chronic cough.
How to Use:
- Prepare a decoction of red sandalwood bark and drink under expert supervision.
Apply red sandalwood paste on the chest to relieve congestion.
Ayurvedic & Spiritual Uses
- Used in Ayurvedic Medicines – Red sandalwood is an essential ingredient in Ayurvedic formulations for skin, digestion, and blood purification.
- Sacred & Ritual Uses – It is used in pujas and spiritual ceremonies for its purifying properties.
How to Use:
- Used in herbal lepas (pastes) and churnas (powders) for traditional Ayurvedic remedies.
- Used in spiritual rituals for its calming effects.
Recommended Dosage of Red Sandalwood
Form | Method of Use | Dosage |
Red Sandalwood Powder | Face pack with rose water, aloe vera, or milk | As needed (for external use) |
Red Sandalwood Oil | Topical application for skin & massage | 2-5 drops (diluted) |
Red Sandalwood Decoction | Used for liver detox & blood purification (only under expert guidance) | 5-10 ml (once/twice daily) |
Red Sandalwood Infused Water | For internal cooling effect | ¼ to ½ tsp with water (once a day) |
Note: Always consult an Ayurvedic practitioner before consuming red sandalwood internally to determine the appropriate dosage based on body constitution (Prakriti) and health conditions.
Precautions
- Overuse may cause acidity or digestive discomfort.
- Avoid high doses if taking blood thinners.
- Always perform a patch test before applying turmeric topically.
FAQs
What are the main benefits of Red Sandalwood?
Red sandalwood is beneficial for skin health, detoxification, anti-aging, and reducing inflammation. It also helps in blood purification, liver detoxification, and respiratory health.
Can Red Sandalwood be taken internally?
Yes, but only under expert guidance. While red sandalwood decoction or powder can be consumed in small doses, excessive intake may cause digestive disturbances.
How does Red Sandalwood help in skincare?
It helps in reducing acne, blemishes, and pigmentation, soothes sunburn, and gives the skin a natural glow by cooling and detoxifying the skin.
Can Red Sandalwood be used daily?
Yes, for external use (face packs, oil, or scrubs). For internal use, consult an expert for the proper dosage.
Is there any side effect of Red Sandalwood?
Red sandalwood is safe when used externally. Overconsumption internally may lead to digestive discomfort or an increase in Pitta dosha.
Conclusion
Red sandalwood is a powerful Ayurvedic herb with remarkable benefits for skin health, detoxification, and inflammation relief. Whether used topically or internally (under expert guidance), it enhances skin glow, purifies the body, and provides long-term wellness.
References
- Sharma PV. Dravyaguna Vijnana (Materia Medica of Ayurveda). Chaukhamba Bharati Academy.
- Joshi D. Herbs in Ayurveda: A Comprehensive Guide to Red Sandalwood. Ayurvedic Research Publications.
- Govindarajan R et al. “Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties of Pterocarpus santalinus.” Journal of Ethnopharmacology (2012).
- Nadkarni KM. Indian Materia Medica. Popular Prakashan Publishers.
Reviews By Doctor
Dr. Sapna Kangotra
Dr. Meenu Kaushik
Dr. Megha Rathi
Dr. Nishant Bhardwaj