- Region
- Asia
- Origin
- Asia (Southeast India)
- Sanskrit
- Rakta chandana
- Traditions
- Ayurveda, Unani medicine
Asia · Herb · № 346
Pterocarpus santalinus
Herb · Asia
Red sandalwood
Pterocarpus santalinus
Traditionally attributed effects: antipyretic, fever-reducing, aphrodisiac, astringent, bitter, cooling, induces sweating, expels worms; for chronic dysentery, bleeding haemorrhoids, bile complaints, skin diseases.
Safety notes
Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Preparation
Powder 1.5–3 g (with milk for bleeding haemorrhoids); decoction 28–56 ml; wood paste externally.
Use in traditions
Described in the Ayurvedic materia medica and Ayurveda in the kitchen and daily care. Sanskrit name: Rakta chandana. Red sandalwood (rakta chandana) grows only in the hills of Andhra Pradesh and is heavily smuggled; it is protected. In Ayurveda and Unani medicine (sandal surkh) the wood paste is applied to inflamed skin and against acne, and the wood is used as a red dye.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Ayurvedic materia medica
Attributed effects
Antipyretic, fever-reducing, aphrodisiac, astringent, bitter, cooling, induces sweating, expels worms; for chronic dysentery, bleeding haemorrhoids, bile complaints, skin diseases; paste for boils, skin inflammation, swollen limbs, eye inflammation and headache.
Preparation and amount
Powder 1.5–3 g (with milk for bleeding haemorrhoids); decoction 28–56 ml; wood paste externally.
Everyday Ayurveda
Attributed effects
Cares for and improves the skin.
Preparation and amount
A pinch as a face wash with turmeric and neem; ½ tsp in marigold mask for combination skin.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- DecoctionCompress, poultice and pastePowder and kitchen