Botanical Overview
Santalum album, commonly known as Indian Sandalwood or Sandalwood, belongs to the Santalaceae family. It is native to India, Indonesia, Australia, and Southeast Asia. The heartwood and the essential oil extracted from it are the primary parts used medicinally.
Energetics
Sandalwood exhibits a cooling temperature and drying moisture quality. Its taste is bitter and aromatic with descending and inward directionality. It is considered relaxing in tonicity and affects the qi and blood aspects in traditional energetic frameworks.
Primary Actions
- Astringent
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antiseptic
- Diuretic
- Expectorant
- Nervine
- Sedative
Indications
Western
- Urinary tract infections
- Cystitis
- Dysuria
- Inflammation
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Cough
- Bronchitis
- Skin irritation
Syndromes
- Urinary inflammation
- Nervous tension
- Respiratory congestion
- Dermatitis
TCM
- Heat sensations
- Restlessness
- Palpitations
- Urinary difficulties
- Eczema
Syndromes
- Heart fire
- Bladder damp-heat
- Lung heat
Ayurveda
- Urinary discomfort
- Burning sensation
- Skin disorders
- Mental agitation
- Heat imbalances
Syndromes
- Pitta disorders
- Vata imbalance
- Sotha (inflammation)
Unani
- Feverish conditions
- Urinary disorders
- Skin inflammation
- Nervous tension
Syndromes
- Hot humors imbalance
- Bladder inflammation
Constituents & Mechanisms
Sandalwood contains a mixture of sesquiterpenes including alpha-santalol and beta-santalol, as well as phenolic compounds contributing to its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and sedative properties.
Dosage & Preparations
- Essential oil topical use diluted
- Decoction of heartwood 2-4 g, 1-3 times daily
- Infusion 1-2 g, 1-2 times daily
Safety & Contraindications
Sandalwood is generally safe when used as directed; however, caution is advised during pregnancy due to limited safety data. Topical application may cause skin sensitization in some individuals. It should be used carefully in individuals with low blood pressure or when combined with antihypertensive or sedative medications.
Astrological Correspondences
No reliably sourced planetary or elemental rules are established for Santalum album.
Selected References
- Plants For A Future Database: Santalum album – Indian Sandalwood
- World Health Organization, WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants, Volume 1, 1999
- Indian Herbal Pharmacopoeia, Sandalwood (Santalum album) Monograph, 2018
- The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, Sandalwood Official Monograph, 2008
- European Medicines Agency – HMPC Assessment Report on Sandalwood Oil, 2011