Sandalwood Materia Medica

Since antiquity, sandalwood has been used in incense, perfume (both for its scent and fixative action) and cosmetics as well as in embalming procedures. The people of India venerate sandalwood because they believe it emanates a great spiritual radiance and protective energies.

In Ayurvedic medicine, sandalwood is considered to be bitter, cooling, relaxing and contracting. It’s used to treat kidney and bladder infections and respiratory disorders. Externally, the pulverized wood is used as a poultice for inflammations and various skin problems. A paste made from powdered sandalwood and rosewater is used in the treatment of eczema and other skin diseases, bleeding wounds, inflammations and scorpion bites. Powdered sandalwood—mixed with clarified butter and formed into pellets and burned on
hot coals—is used as a treatment for headaches, and to sterilize living spaces. In Tibetan medicine, sandalwood fragrance is used to ease emotional weariness and enervation resulting from excessive mental work and intellectual exertion.

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