Raktachandan (Red Sandalwood) in Ayurveda: Its Benefits, Uses

Raktachandan, known as Red Sandalwood in English and Lal Chandan in Hindi, is a prized medicinal and spiritual resource in Ayurveda. Derived from the heartwood of the Pterocarpus santalinus tree (Family: Fabaceae), this vibrant red-hued wood has been revered for millennia in India for its therapeutic, cosmetic, and ritualistic applications.
Native to the dry deciduous forests of Southern India, particularly Andhra Pradesh, Raktachandan is deeply intertwined with Ayurvedic tradition. Ancient texts like the Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita highlight its role in treating skin disorders, fevers, and bleeding conditions, while its sacred status in Hindu rituals underscores its cultural significance.

Despite its historical prominence, Raktachandan faces existential threats due to overharvesting and habitat loss. Today, it is classified as an endangered species, prompting strict conservation measures. This article explores Raktachandan’s Ayurvedic properties, medicinal uses, formulations, and modern relevance while advocating for sustainable practices to preserve this botanical treasure.

Vernacular Names for Red Sandalwood

Vernacular names for Red Sandalwood (Raktachandana) across different languages:

English Name:

• Red Sandalwood
• Red Sanders

Hindi Names:

• Lalchandan
• Rakt Chandan
• Lal Chandan
• Ragat Chandan
• Rukhto Chandan
• Undum

Telugu Names:

• Erra Chananam
• Perra Chandanamu
• Agaru Gandhamu
• Errachandanam
• Rakta Ghandham

Gujarati Name:

• Ratanjali
• Lal Chandan

Malayalam Names:

• Tilapaparni
• Patrangam
• Raktachandanam

Kannada Names:

• Rakta Chandana
• Honne

Tamil Names:

• Shivappu
• Atti
• Chensandanam
• Semmaram
• Sivaffu Chandanam

Arabian Name:

• Sandal Ahamar

Parsi Name:

• Sandal Surh

Bengali Name:

• Rakta Chandan

Marathi Names:

• Tambada Chandan
• Raktachandan

These names reflect the diverse ways Red Sandalwood is recognized and used across different regions and languages.

Ayurvedic Properties

Raktachandana, also known as Red Sandalwood, shares many qualities with regular sandalwood but has unique medicinal properties. Here’s a breakdown of its characteristics and uses in traditional medicine:

Guna (Qualities):

• Guru (Heavy): It is heavy and hard to digest, which means it can have a slow effect on the body.
• Rooksha (Dry): It has a dry nature, making it useful for conditions involving excess moisture or dampness in the body.

Rasa (Taste):

• Tikta (Bitter): The bitter taste can help reduce excess heat and is often associated with detoxifying qualities.
• Madhura (Sweet): It also has a slightly sweet taste, which helps balance its bitterness.

Vipaka (Post-Digestive Effect):

• Katu (Pungent): After digestion, it undergoes a pungent taste transformation. This may stimulate the digestive system and enhance metabolism.

Veerya (Potency):

• Sita (Cold): It has a cooling effect on the body, which is beneficial for conditions related to heat, inflammation, and irritability.

Effect on Tridosha:

• Kapha and Pitta Dosha: It balances both Kapha (earth and water) and Pitta (fire and water) doshas. It helps reduce excess heat and moisture in the body, which can be useful for conditions like inflammation, skin issues, or digestive disturbances.

Prabhava (Special Effects):

• Chakshushya (Good for Eyes): Raktachandana is beneficial for improving vision and treating eye disorders. It helps maintain eye health and can be used in cases of eye irritation or inflammation.
• Vrushya (Aphrodisiac): It is considered an aphrodisiac, improving vigor, vitality, and sexual health.

Sanskrit Synonyms for Red Sandalwood

Each reflects various aspects of the wood’s appearance, uses, and medicinal properties:

1. Raktachandan: The most common name for Red Sandalwood directly translates to “red sandalwood.”

2. Raktasaara: Rakta means “red,” and “Saara” means essence or core. It refers to the red-colored wood of the sandalwood tree.

3. Raktanga: This term means “red-colored wood”, highlighting the distinctive red hue of the wood.

4. Ranjana: Ranjana refers to the property of coloring or staining materials, as Red Sandalwood is used in dyeing fabrics and textiles.

5. Harichandan: A name used in religious practices, particularly in rituals, possibly due to the wood’s use in ceremonial contexts or its revered status.

6. Tamra Sara: Tamra means copper, and Sara means essence or core. This term refers to the coppery-red color of the wood, drawing a comparison to the hue of copper.

7. Tamradru: Another synonym meaning “coppery red wood”, emphasizing the reddish color similar to that of copper.

8. Kshudra Chandana: This term refers to a type of sandalwood similar to white sandalwood but considered slightly inferior in medicinal properties.

9. Tilaparna: Tila means sesame, and Parna means leaf. This might refer to the shape of the tree’s leaves or its association with certain characteristics of the sesame plant.

10. Raktasara: A variation of Raktachandan, emphasizing its red-colored essence or core, similar to other names describing the red nature of the wood.

11. Pravalaphala: Pravala means coral, and Phala means fruit. This synonym refers to the fruit of the Red Sandalwood tree, which is said to resemble coral in appearance.

These synonyms not only describe the physical appearance of Red Sandalwood but also reflect its medicinal uses and cultural significance in various practices.

Names like Ranjana and Harichandan highlight its role in dyeing and religious rituals, while terms like Kshudra Chandana indicate its comparison to white sandalwood.

Ayurvedic Uses and Benefits of Raktachandana

Raktachandana offers a range of therapeutic properties due to its unique qualities, making it highly valued in traditional medicine. Here’s a breakdown of its uses and benefits:

1. Sheetala (Coolant): Raktachandana is known for its strong cooling properties. It helps in reducing excess heat in the body, making it particularly beneficial for conditions related to inflammation, fever, or digestive issues associated with heat. It helps cool the mind and body, especially in conditions of excess Pitta.

2. Rooksha (Dry): It has a dry quality, making it useful in conditions where there is excessive moisture or dampness in the body. This can help treat conditions like skin rashes, edema, or excessive sweating.

3. Tiktabha (Slightly Bitter): The bitterness of Raktachandana contributes to its detoxifying and digestive-stimulating effects. It helps cleanse the body and can aid in digestion and reducing bloating or heaviness.

4. Hladana (Satiating, Cooling, Nourishing): While Raktachandana has a cooling effect, it also nourishes the body, making it useful in situations where calming and replenishing are needed. It can help soothe irritated or inflamed tissues while offering nourishment, especially in conditions where depletion or weakness is present.

5. Rakshoghna (Psychological Balance): Raktachandana is useful in treating psychological imbalances, such as stress, anxiety, or depression. Its cooling properties help calm the mind, and its soothing nature can reduce mental agitation or restlessness, promoting a sense of emotional balance and stability.

6. Additional Uses:

• Eye Health: Due to its cooling and soothing effects, Raktachandana is often used for eye disorders like irritation or inflammation.
• Skin Care: It helps treat skin conditions that involve excess heat, such as acne, rashes, or skin inflammation, and can also help soothe burns or sunburns.
• Digestive Health: As a cooling, slightly bitter herb, Raktachandana can also be beneficial for digestive issues, especially those caused by excess heat (such as acidity or indigestion).

Overall, Raktachandana is a versatile herb in Ayurvedic medicine, valued for its cooling, nourishing, and mind-soothing properties, making it ideal for treating both physical and psychological imbalances.

White Vs Red Sandalwood

The distinction between White Sandalwood (Chandana) and Red Sandalwood (Raktachandana) in Ayurvedic medicine is based on their different properties and how they interact with various mediums used in herbal formulations. Here’s a summary of how each variety is used:

1. White Sandalwood (Chandana):

• Preferred for Internal Use: As per the Sharangdhara Samhita, White Sandalwood is preferred when preparing herbal powders, fermented infusions (Asava), herbal ghees, or oils for oral intake. This is likely due to its affinity for fatty and alcoholic mediums, which are used in the preparation of these types of medicines.
• Properties: White Sandalwood is known for its cooling, soothing properties and is often used for its calming effects on both the body and mind.

2. Red Sandalwood (Raktachandana):

• Preferred for External Use: On the other hand, Red Sandalwood is the default choice for making creams for external application or herbal decoctions for oral intake. This preference is likely due to its better compatibility with water-based mediums (like decoctions) and its specific external soothing and cooling properties.
• Properties: Red Sandalwood is more commonly used for its drying, cooling, and detoxifying properties, especially for treating skin conditions, inflammation, and eye disorders.

3. Phytochemical Affinity:

The different uses of the two types of sandalwood are likely related to their chemical composition and how they interact with different solvents or mediums:

• White Sandalwood may have a higher affinity for fatty and alcohol-based solutions. This makes it effective in preparations where these mediums are required, such as oils, ghees, and fermented concoctions.
• Red Sandalwood, with its distinct properties, is more suited for water-based preparations, such as decoctions and topical applications like creams or pastes, due to its unique phytochemical profile that works well in these forms.

Top 13 Health Benefits & Uses of Red Sandalwood

Raktachandana is a versatile herb in Ayurvedic medicine known for its cooling, detoxifying, and calming properties. It is indicated for a wide range of health issues, particularly those related to excess heat, inflammation, or psychological imbalances. Here’s a breakdown of the conditions it is used for:

1. Shrama (Tiredness, Fatigue):

• Uses: Red Sandalwood can help combat physical and mental fatigue by cooling and nourishing the body, promoting rest and recovery.

2. Shosha (Emaciation):

• Uses: It’s helpful for individuals who are emaciated or undernourished. Its nourishing and cooling effects can support the body’s rejuvenation and recovery.

3. Visha (Toxic Conditions, Poisoning):

• Uses: Raktachandana is beneficial in cases of toxicity or poisoning. Its detoxifying properties help cleanse the body and neutralize harmful substances, making it useful for various forms of poisoning.

4. Kapha Disorders:

• Uses: It helps balance Kapha (earth and water), particularly in conditions related to excess mucus, congestion, or water retention. It can be used for respiratory issues, such as cough and cold, and other Kapha-related imbalances.

5. Trushna (Excessive Thirst):

• Uses: Raktachandana’s cooling nature makes it effective in treating excessive thirst, which may be related to conditions of heat, dehydration, or inflammation.

6. Pittasra (Raktapitta – Bleeding Disorders):

• Uses: It is particularly effective in treating Raktapitta, or bleeding disorders, including conditions like nasal bleeding (epistaxis) and heavy menstrual periods. Its cooling and astringent properties help stop bleeding and regulate blood flow.

7. Daha (Burning Sensation):

• Uses: Red Sandalwood is useful in conditions associated with burning sensations, such as gastritis, neuropathy, or burning sensations in the eyes. Its cooling and soothing properties alleviate heat-related discomfort.

8. Chardi (Vomiting):

• Uses: It can help reduce nausea and vomiting. Its cooling and calming effects ease the stomach and digestive system, making it useful for digestive imbalances.

9. Jwara (Fever):

• Uses: Raktachandana is effective in treating fever. It can be applied as a paste on the forehead or body to reduce temperature. The decoction (herbal tea) is also beneficial for cooling the body and reducing fever.

10. Bhuta (Psychiatric Disorders):

• Uses: Red Sandalwood is used in the treatment of psychological disorders, including stress, anxiety, and mental disturbances like schizophrenia. Its cooling properties help calm the mind and restore emotional balance.

11. Kasa (Cough and Cold):

• Uses: It is useful in treating respiratory issues such as cough and cold. It helps clear congestion, soothe the throat, and reduce mucus production, especially when there’s excess Kapha.

12. Bhranti (Dizziness, Vertigo, Schizophrenia):

• Uses: It helps manage dizziness, vertigo, and mental confusion. It is also used to calm symptoms related to mental disorders like schizophrenia, due to its calming and grounding effects on the mind.

13. Jantu (Intestinal Parasite Infection):

• Uses: Raktachandana is effective in treating intestinal parasitic infections. Its detoxifying and purifying properties help cleanse the digestive system and eliminate toxins and parasites.

Ayurvedic medicines with Raktachandana

Ayurvedic medicines that use Raktachandana (Red Sandalwood) as an ingredient:

1. Asanadi Kashayam

• Uses: Primarily used in the treatment of diabetes, skin diseases, obesity, and related metabolic disorders. It helps balance Kapha and Pitta doshas and is known for its detoxifying and cooling effects.

2. Drakshovin Special Tonic

• Manufactured by: Shree Dhootapapeshwar Limited, Mumbai, India.
• Uses: This proprietary Ayurvedic medicine is used to treat anemia, indigestion, fatigue, and other related conditions. It supports overall health and vitality by improving digestion and blood circulation.

3.Guduchyadi Kashayam

• Uses: Primarily used in the treatment of fever with burning sensations, vomiting, and inflammatory conditions. It is a cooling tonic that helps balance the Pitta dosha, offering relief from fever and digestive issues.

4. Raktansoo Tablets

• Manufactured by: Ajmera Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd., Indore.
• Uses: This proprietary Ayurvedic medicine is used for skin detoxification. It helps cleanse the blood, purify the skin, and treat skin-related conditions, especially those arising from internal imbalances.

5. Tarunarka Rasa

• Uses: This medicine is used in the treatment of acute and chronic fever. It is a classical Ayurvedic formulation known for its cooling and fever-reducing properties. It helps control high body temperature and promotes overall wellness.

6. Chandanadi Lauh

• Uses: This is commonly used in the treatment of chronic fever and conditions related to Pitta dosha. It is widely used in North Indian Ayurveda practices for its cooling effects and ability to manage persistent fevers and inflammatory conditions.

7. Chandanadi Vati

• Uses: This is used to treat skin conditions, rashes, and inflammation. The cooling properties of Raktachandana help soothe the skin, reduce redness, and alleviate conditions related to Pitta dosha imbalances, like acne or eczema.

8. Raktachandana Churna

• Uses: A powdered formulation that is used for detoxification and blood purification. It helps in treating conditions like acne, eczema, and other skin-related disorders. It is also effective in reducing Pitta and Kapha imbalances, promoting overall skin health.

9. Raktashodhan Vati

• Uses: Primarily for blood purification and detoxification. It helps cleanse the blood from toxins, making it useful in treating skin diseases like psoriasis, acne, and rashes, and also helps in managing high Pitta conditions.

10. Chandanasava

• Uses: An alcoholic formulation used to treat urinary tract infections, kidney stones, and digestive issues like acidity. The cooling properties of Raktachandana help in soothing inflammation in the urinary system and digestive tract.

Parts Used

The parts used and the recommended dosage of Raktachandana (Red Sandalwood) in Ayurvedic treatments:

• Heartwood: The heartwood of Raktachandana is the part that is primarily used for medicinal purposes. This is the inner, denser portion of the wood, which contains the most potent therapeutic properties.

Dosage

Powder:

• 3-6 grams: The powder form can be taken in divided doses throughout the day. This dosage range is generally safe for most individuals and provides the therapeutic benefits of Raktachandana.

Kashaya (Decoction):

• 50-100 ml: The decoction made from Raktachandana can be consumed in the prescribed quantity. A Kashaya (herbal decoction) helps in extracting the active constituents of the wood and enhances its absorption.

Taila (Oil):

• 2-25 drops: Raktachandana oil can be used either externally for topical application or in small internal doses, as per guidance from a qualified practitioner. The oil form can help treat skin and eye conditions or be used for general cooling and soothing effects.

Administration Tips:

• The powdered form is often mixed with water, milk, or other suitable carriers.
• The decoction (Kashaya) is generally prepared by boiling the Raktachandana with water until it reduces, making it a concentrated liquid.
• The oil form (Taila) may be used topically on the skin or eyes or even taken orally in small amounts as prescribed.

As always, it’s important to follow the guidance of a healthcare provider or an Ayurvedic practitioner to determine the exact dosage and avoid any potential side effects or contraindications.

FAQ’s

1. What is rakta chandan used for?

Rakta Chandan (Red Sandalwood) is used in Ayurvedic medicine for its anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing properties.

2. How much does 1 kg of red sandalwood cost?

The cost of 1 kg of red sandalwood can range from INR 10,000 to INR 50,000, depending on quality.

3. Why red sandalwood is illegal in India?

Red sandalwood is illegal to harvest and trade in India without government approval due to overexploitation and smuggling concerns.

4. Is rakthachandanam good for the face?

Yes, rakthachandanam is beneficial for the face as it helps reduce blemishes, pigmentation, and tan.

5. Which sandalwood is costly?

Indian sandalwood (Santalum album) is the most expensive due to its fragrance and religious uses.

6. Which sandalwood is best for skin whitening?

Indian sandalwood (Santalum album) is known for its skin-whitening and brightening properties.

7. Can I use red sandalwood powder daily?

Yes, red sandalwood powder can be used daily for skin care, especially for acne or oily skin.

8. Can red sandalwood remove tan?

Yes, red sandalwood is effective in removing tan and lightening the skin tone over time.

9. How to identify real red sandalwood?

Real red sandalwood is dense, reddish-brown, and has a strong fragrance that lasts.

10. Why red sandalwood is so expensive?

Red sandalwood is costly due to its rarity, high demand, and illegal trade that limits its availability.

11. What are the side effects of sandalwood?

Sandalwood can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, especially with prolonged use.

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