10 Benefits and Disadvantages of Sandalwood – Sandalwood Benefits and Side Effects
Sandalwood is considered sacred in India. You must have seen it used in the form of sandalwood tilak during religious rituals. At the same time, due to its properties, it is also used for the skin. However, there will be many people who may not know much about the benefits of sandalwood in addition to skin., we are going to tell the benefits of sandalwood for health. Along with this, information will also be given about what can be the side effects of sandalwood. Stay connected with this article for the benefits of sandalwood and other information related to it.
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First of all know what is sandalwood?
Like other trees, there is also a sandalwood tree. It is also known as Sattvik tree. The scientific name of sandalwood is Santalum album. It is a small to medium sized tree and it is found in different places of India ( 1 ). Its wood is used for making idols, decorations, havans and incense sticks, as well as in other works. At the same time, its oil is used for perfume and aroma therapy ( 2 ).
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Now let’s know about the types of sandalwood.
Types of Sandalwood – Types of Sandalwood
There are many types of sandalwood, some of which we are giving below.
Indian Sandalwood – This sandalwood tree can grow to a height of 13-20 feet and has various medicinal properties. The essential oil of this sandalwood is sold at high prices. Apart from this, it is also an important part of Indian culture and can live up to 100 years. However, this tree comes under protection.
Red Sandalwood – It is also known as Rakt Chandan. It can be found in the Eastern Ghats of Southern India. This tree is quite famous for its wood, which has an attractive red color. However, the beautiful looking wood of this tree is not fragrant. It is relatively small and can grow up to 20-25 feet. Anti-inflammatory properties are found in red sandalwood.
Malayagiri sandalwood – This is also an evergreen tree, which can grow up to 20-30 feet high. It can be found in Mysore, Coorg, Hyderabad, Nilgiris and the Western Ghats of South India. Although there are many varieties of sandalwood, Malaygiri sandalwood or Shrikhand is the sweetest and genuine of them all. The wood of these trees is used to make beautiful boxes, posts and pedestals.
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Know further about the medicinal properties of sandalwood.
medicinal properties of sandalwood
Sandalwood is a treasure trove of medicinal properties, it has antipyretic (fever reducing properties), antiseptic, antiscabetic and diuretic properties. It bronchitis, Sistitis problem (inflammation of the bladder), Disuria (problem of burning urination) and may also be effective on diseases of the urinary tract (Urinary Tract Diseases) ( 3 ) K At the same time, red sandalwood has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and pain-relieving properties ( 4 ). Further in the article, we will know in detail about many such properties of sandalwood.
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Now it is the turn to know in detail about the benefits of sandalwood.
Benefits of Sandalwood – Benefits of Sandalwood
Here we are going to tell the benefits of sandalwood for health. Know how the use of sandalwood can be beneficial for health. Also, readers should also keep in mind that sandalwood is not in any way a medical treatment for the diseases covered in the article. This can be helpful in preventing the mentioned physical problems and reducing their symptoms to some extent. If the problem is serious, then definitely get medical treatment.
1. Anti-inflammatory Properties
As we informed at the beginning of the article that there are many types of sandalwood. One of them is red sandalwood, which has anti-inflammatory properties. This has been revealed in a research published on the website of NCBI (National Center for Biotechnology Information). According to the study, the flavonoids and polyphenolic compounds present in it may be responsible for the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of sandalwood. Apart from this, there is a mention of sandalwood paste in Ayurveda for problems like swelling and headache ( 4 ). In such a situation, the use of sandalwood can be beneficial for problems related to mild inflammation ( 5 ).
2. Antioxidant Properties
Free radicals have a great impact on health. Because of this, it can lead to heart disease, cancer and many other serious diseases. In such a situation, antioxidants can keep the body’s cells away from free radicals and may be helpful in protecting or reducing the damage caused by oxidation ( 6 ). If we talk about sandalwood, then sandalwood has antioxidant properties and this has been revealed in a study. In this research, the antioxidant effect of sandalwood has been found on a radical called DPPH radical. Simultaneously Frap proved too antioxidant capacity of sandalwood in a (FRAP assay – ferric reducing ability of plasma – Tests of antioxidant assay) ( 7 ).
3. Antiseptic
Sandalwood can also be used for minor injuries or wounds. Indeed, sandalwood has antiseptic properties, which may be beneficial for bruises ( 3 ). However, there is a lack of solid scientific research on this. In such a situation, its effect also depends on the condition of the injury or wound. If the wound is very old or deep, then medical advice is necessary.
4. Cancer
There is no doubt that cancer is a serious disease. In such a situation, sandalwood can be useful to prevent it. According to a study published on the website of NCBI, anti-cancer properties are found in sandalwood oil. Along with this, anticancer and chemopreventive properties have been revealed in the compound alpha-santalol (α-santalol) extracted from the sandal tree ( 8 ). In addition, it is also non-toxic, due to which it can be safe to use ( 5 ). Also keep in mind that it can be helpful to some extent in preventing cancer, but it is by no means a cure for cancer. If someone is suffering from cancer, then it is very important to get medical treatment.
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5. Benefits of Sandalwood for Skin Allergies
If seen, sandalwood can also be beneficial for skin allergies. Research mentions that it may also be beneficial for psoriasis (a type of skin problem) and atopic dermatitis – in which red itchy rashes occur. The anti-inflammatory properties present in its alpha-santalol compound may be responsible for this ( 9 ). Although more research is still needed about this, sandalwood can be used to soothe the skin.
6. Sandalwood for Stomach
The use of sandalwood can also be beneficial for the stomach. Many people may have this information, but this thing has come to the fore in a study. Sandalwood tree has anti-ulcer properties. This may be due to the hydroalcoholic extract present in it. In addition, it is used in Greek medicine for gastric ulcers ( 10 ) ( 11 ).
7. Sandalwood for Fever
If someone has mild fever, then the benefits of sandalwood can be seen in this too. Actually, antipyretic properties are present in sandalwood. Has antipyretic, fever reducing properties. In such a situation, due to this property of sandalwood, it can help in reducing fever ( 3 ) ( 12 ).
8. Sandalwood for Acne
Sandalwood has been used in many cosmetic products to improve the skin ( 13 ). If we talk about acne, then there is also a problem of inflammation in it ( 14 ). In such a situation, the use of sandalwood with anti-inflammatory properties can not only provide coolness but it can also reduce swelling ( 4 ). Along with this, it also has antibacterial properties, which can be effective on nail-acne ( 15 ). Although there is a lack of scientific research regarding this, it can be used as a home remedy to get relief.
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Now let’s know how sandalwood can be used.
Uses of Sandalwood – How to Use Sandalwood
Know below how sandalwood can be used in different ways.
- You can apply sandalwood face pack for glowing skin .
- Sandalwood paste can be applied on the wound or injury.
- You can take aromatherapy with sandalwood oil.
- To remove the odor of the body, you can take a bath by adding sandalwood paste or sandalwood oil to the bath water.
- There are many types of sandalwood soap available in the market, so you can also use soap containing sandalwood.
- Sandalwood powder can be consumed with milk. However, keep in mind that it is important to seek medical advice in this regard.
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Now let’s know how to make sandalwood oil at home .
how to make sandalwood oil
Read below how to make sandalwood oil easily at home.
Material :
- Sandalwood powder (available in market or online) as required
- to one cup or as required virgin olive oil or normal olive oil
- small glass jar or bottle
Method of preparation :
- Add sandalwood powder as required in a cup of olive oil.
- Now pour it in a glass jar and stir well so that the powder dissolves well.
- Then keep it for a week in a clean and dry place.
- Keep stirring it in between.
- After a week, filter the oil mixture thoroughly.
- Now take it out in another clean glass jar and keep it in a cool place.
- Then use your mind when.
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Now know how sandalwood can be kept safe for a long time?
How to preserve sandalwood for a long time?
Know below how sandalwood can be kept safe for a long time –
- Sandalwood paste can be stored in an airtight container in a cool place for one to two days.
- Keep sandalwood powder in an air tight container at a clean dry place.
- Sandalwood oil can also be stored for years in an airtight container.
Note : These days sandalwood powder or oil comes with an expiry date in the market. In such a situation, you can buy them after seeing the expiry date.
there are also disadvantages
Know more about the disadvantages of sandalwood in the article.
Harm of Sandalwood – Side Effects of Sandalwood
Talking about the harm of sandalwood, there is no solid scientific research about it. As a precaution, we are trying to give information about some of the disadvantages below.
- If someone has allergy problems, sandalwood may cause itching, burning or rashes.
- Taking it by mouth can cause many stomach related problems. However, there is no scientific research available on this fact.
- Pregnant or lactating women should avoid the consumption of sandalwood.
These were the benefits of sandalwood for health and skin. Hopefully, after knowing the benefits of sandalwood mentioned in this article, many people would like to use it. Along with its use, keep in mind that excessive use can also cause damage to sandalwood. In such a situation, the benefits of sandalwood can be taken by using sandalwood in limited quantity. At the same time, do not consider sandalwood as a cure for any serious disease. Our advice is that if someone has a serious health problem, then they should give priority to medical treatment. Stay connected with Stylecrase for more such updates.
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