Rakat Chandan / Sandlewood

Table of Contents

About Sandalwood / Chandan

Sandalwood, also known as Chandan, is a type of tree that is native to India and Indonesia. The tree is valued for its fragrant wood, which is used in a variety of products such as incense, perfumes, and other fragrances. The oil extracted from sandalwood is also used in traditional medicine and as a base for cosmetic products.

In Hinduism, sandalwood is considered a sacred wood and is used in religious ceremonies and to make religious objects such as statues and beads for prayer. The fragrance of sandalwood is believed to have a calming and soothing effect, making it a popular ingredient in aromatherapy.

However, the high demand for sandalwood has led to over-harvesting and illegal logging, putting some species of the tree at risk of extinction. Conservation efforts are underway to protect sandalwood and to promote sustainable harvesting practices.

Other Names of Sandalwood / Chandan

Sandalwood, also known as Chandan, has several common names in different languages and cultures. Some of these names include:

Santalum album (scientific name)
Sandal (English)
Chandan (Hindi, Bengali, Marathi, Sanskrit)
Hinteli (Turkish)
Tan Xiang (Chinese)
Yu kong (Japanese)
Aloewood (Arabic)
Mysore sandalwood (Indian sandalwood)
East Indian sandalwood

In some cultures, sandalwood is also known by names that reflect its use or properties, such as:

Calming wood
Fragrant wood
Sacred wood
Healing wood
Soothing wood
Divine wood

10 Benefits of Sandalwood / Chandan

Sandalwood, also known as Chandan, has several benefits, both in traditional medicine and modern research. Some of the benefits of sandalwood include:

Aromatherapy: The soothing fragrance of sandalwood can help to calm the mind and promote relaxation.
Skincare: Sandalwood has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help to soothe and protect the skin.
Respiratory health: Sandalwood can help to clear the airways and reduce coughing and other respiratory symptoms.
Stress relief: The calming scent of sandalwood can help to reduce stress and anxiety.
Improved sleep: Sandalwood can help to promote restful sleep by reducing anxiety and calming the mind.
Digestive health: Sandalwood can help to soothe digestive discomfort and promote a healthy digestive system.
Mental clarity: Sandalwood is said to improve mental clarity and focus, making it a popular ingredient in traditional Ayurvedic medicine.
Wound healing: Sandalwood has antiseptic properties that can help to protect and heal wounds.
Immune system support: Sandalwood can help to boost the immune system, making it easier for the body to fight off infections and illnesses.
Anti-inflammatory: Sandalwood has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce pain and swelling in various parts of the body.

It’s important to note that these benefits are based on traditional uses and anecdotal evidence, and more research is needed to confirm their effectiveness. Additionally, not all uses of sandalwood are safe for everyone, so it’s always best to speak with a healthcare professional before using sandalwood for health purposes.

Which type of Sandalwood / Chandan

There are several species of sandalwood, but the most commonly used species for its fragrant wood and oil are:

Santalum album (Indian sandalwood): This is the most commonly used species of sandalwood and is native to India and Indonesia. It is the species most highly valued for its fragrance and is used in a variety of products including incense, perfumes, and cosmetics.
Santalum spicatum (West Indian sandalwood): This species of sandalwood is native to Australia and is used mainly for its oil.
Santalum ellipticum (Hawaiian sandalwood): This species of sandalwood is native to Hawaii and is used mainly for its oil and wood.
Santalum freycinetianum (Tasmanian sandalwood): This species of sandalwood is native to Tasmania and is used mainly for its oil and wood.

It is important to note that not all species of sandalwood are used for their fragrance or oil, and some species may not have the same benefits as the species listed above. Additionally, it is important to obtain sandalwood from sustainable sources to protect the trees from over-harvesting and extinction.

Name of Sandalwood / Chandan

The scientific name for sandalwood is Santalum. The most commonly used species for its fragrant wood and oil is the Santalum album, also known as Indian sandalwood or Mysore sandalwood. The other species of sandalwood include Santalum spicatum (West Indian sandalwood), Santalum ellipticum (Hawaiian sandalwood), and Santalum freycinetianum (Tasmanian sandalwood). In different languages and cultures, sandalwood is also known as Chandan, Hinteli, Tan Xiang, Yu kong, Aloewood, and other names.

Flavor Of Sandalwood / Chandan

Sandalwood does not have a flavor as such, but it is used for its fragrant wood and oil, which have a distinctive, warm, and woody aroma. The aroma is described as sweet, spicy, and balsamic, with notes of vanilla and rose. The oil extracted from sandalwood is used in perfumes, soaps, and other fragrances to add a warm, woody scent. In traditional medicine, sandalwood oil is used for its calming and soothing aroma, which is believed to have a positive effect on the mind and body.

It’s worth noting that the fragrance of sandalwood can vary depending on the species of the tree and the conditions under which it is grown, as well as the extraction method used to produce the oil. Some species of sandalwood may have a more pungent or earthy aroma, while others may have a sweeter, smoother fragrance.

Chemicals found in Sandalwood / Chandan

Sandalwood oil is composed of a complex mixture of chemical compounds, including sesquiterpenes, alcohols, and lactones. Some of the main chemical components of sandalwood oil include:

Alpha- and beta-santol: These are the primary active compounds in sandalwood oil, responsible for its distinctive fragrance.
Epi-alpha-santol: This is another important component of sandalwood oil, also contributing to its fragrance.
Santalic acid: This is a woody, balsamic-smelling compound found in sandalwood oil.
Cyclic sesquiterpenes: These compounds contribute to the warm, spicy aroma of sandalwood oil.
Terpenoids: These are volatile, fragrant compounds found in sandalwood oil.

The exact composition of sandalwood oil can vary depending on the species of the tree, the location where it is grown, and the extraction method used to produce the oil. Some species of sandalwood may contain higher levels of certain compounds, while others may contain different types of compounds altogether. Nevertheless, these are the main chemicals found in sandalwood oil that are responsible for its fragrance and medicinal properties.