Sandalwood is known in
Sanskrit as chandana, which is also a word meaning “excellence.” The Sandal tree is highly regarded in
the Vedic texts, and the heartwood is considered to be sacred. It is an evergreen tree that grows only
in some areas of India, Indonesia and Australia. In India, the Sandalwood tree is under the protection and
ownership of the Indian government, even when grown on private land. The oil from sandalwood is used in
cosmetics, soaps, candles, medicines and perfumes. The outer wood is used mostly for making beads, boxes, and
small decorative items. Sandalwood
is wonderful at reducing Pitta, as it is cooling and calming for mind and
body. The oil or paste helps to
heal skin problems like acne and rashes.
Sandalwood acts as a disinfectant, diuretic, expectorant and
sedative. It balances the
circulatory, digestive, respiratory and nervous systems.
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