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**Chandan (Santalum Album): Chandan Powder for Face**

Introduction to Chandan

Chandan, also known as Santalum Album, is one of the most revered herbs in Ayurveda. Commonly referred to as sandalwood, this sacred tree has been used in Ayurvedic medicine, religious rituals, and skincare remedies for centuries. The rich, woody aroma of sandalwood is not only soothing but also has profound therapeutic benefits that contribute to holistic wellness.

In Ayurveda, Chandan is classified as cooling, soothing, and calming. It is primarily used to balance the Pitta and Kapha doshas, making it an essential ingredient in various herbal formulations. Whether applied topically or consumed internally, the benefits of Chandan are vast and multifaceted.

Vernacular Names of Chandan

Sandalwood is known by different names across various languages and regions:

Hindi: Safed Chandan
English: Sandalwood
Telugu: Tella Chandanam
Bengali: Chandan
Tamil: Chandanam, Sandanam
Gujarati: Sukhada
Malayalam: Candanam
Kannada: Sri Gandha

Sanskrit Synonyms of Chandan

In Sanskrit literature and Ayurveda, sandalwood has numerous synonyms that describe its properties, fragrance, and significance:

Chandana : Pleasant to see and soothing in nature.
Gandhasara : The essence of fragrance, with aroma concentrated in the heartwood.
Chandradyuti : Cool and pleasant like moonlight.
Bhadrashri : Auspicious and beautiful.
Shri Khanda : Beautiful and beneficial wood.
Gandharajam : King of all fragrant substances.
Sarpavasam : A tree near which serpents are often found.
Tilaparnakam : Leaves resemble those of the sesame plant.
Malayaja : Grown in the Malaya region (Western Ghats of India).
Shishiram : Cool to touch and has cooling potency.

Classical Categorization of Chandan

Different Ayurvedic texts categorize sandalwood based on its therapeutic actions:

1. Charaka Samhita

Daha Prasamana – A group of herbs that relieve burning sensations.
Angamada Prassamana – Herbs that reduce body aches and fatigue.
Trishna Nigrahana – Herbs that quench excessive thirst.
Varnya – A category of herbs that enhance skin complexion.
Vishaghna – A group of herbs that act as detoxifying and anti-toxic agents.
Kandughna – A category of herbs that alleviate itching and skin irritations.

2. Sushruta Samhita

Sandalwood is mentioned in the following herbal formulations:

Salasaradi
Sarivadi
Patoladi
Priyangvadi
Guducyadi

3. Vagbhata’s Ashtanga Hridaya

Sandalwood is categorized in:

Asanadi
Patoladi
Sarivadi
Priyangvadi
Guducyadi

4. Bhavaprakasha Nighantu

Classified under Karpooradi Varga – a group of aromatic and cooling herbs.

Ayurvedic Properties of Chandan

1. Rasa (Taste): Tikta (Bitter), Madhura (Sweet)

2. Guna (Qualities): Laghu (Light), Rooksha (Dryness)

3. Vipaka (Post-Digestive Effect): Katu (Undergoes pungent taste conversion after digestion)

4. Veerya (Potency): Sheeta (Cold potency)

5. Effect on Tridosha: Balances Kapha and Pitta Dosha

These properties make Chandan a potent herb for cooling the body, detoxifying impurities, and promoting a sense of calmness.

Distribution of Chandan

Sandalwood is primarily found in dry-scrub forests and mountainous regions. It thrives in well-drained red or sandy loam soil and requires a semi-arid to moderate climate.

Major Regions:
- Vindhya Mountains – A natural habitat for wild sandalwood trees.
- Karnataka – The largest producer of high-quality sandalwood.
- Tamil Nadu – A major region for sandalwood cultivation and oil extraction.

Sandalwood trees are also cultivated in Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh due to their high economic and medicinal value.

Varieties of Chandan

There are mainly two primary varieties of sandalwood:

1. White Sandalwood (Shweta Chandana – Santalum Album)

The most commonly used medicinal variety in Ayurveda.
It has a sweet, cooling, and woody aroma.
Known for its skin-healing, anti-inflammatory, and stress-relieving properties.
The heartwood is yellowish-brown and contains the highest concentration of sandalwood oil.

2. Red Sandalwood (Rakta Chandana – Pterocarpus Santalinus)

Also called Lal Chandan, it has a reddish-brown heartwood.
Used mainly for skin disorders, blood purification, and cooling effects.
Less aromatic than white sandalwood but has strong medicinal properties.

Additional Varieties of Chandan

Various ancient Ayurvedic texts describe different types of sandalwood:

Dhanvantari Nighantu:

Chandana (White sandalwood)
Rakta Chandana (Red sandalwood)
Kuchandana (Patranga)
Kaleeyaka
Barbarika

Kaiyadeva Nighantu:

Mentions six varieties of sandalwood.

Bhavaprakasha Nighantu:

Mentions four types of sandalwood.

Sodala Nighantu:

Describes eight varieties, including:
- Gosheersha
- Shreepriya
- Sambhrana
- Kakubha
- Barbarika
- Rakta Chandana
- Patanga
- Harichandana

Chemical Constituents of Chandan

Sandalwood Oil

Sandalwood essential oil contains several active compounds responsible for its therapeutic effects:

α-Santalol – Major active compound with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
β-Santene – Helps in relaxation and stress relief.
Santalenes – Provide the characteristic fragrance and healing properties.
Santenol – Aids in wound healing and skin nourishment.
Teresantalol – Beneficial for skin disorders and reducing pigmentation.
Nor-Tricycloekasantalal – Known for its antimicrobial and antiseptic effects.
Santenone & Santanone – Play a role in cooling and detoxifying the body.
Santalic Acid & Santatalic Acids (α & β) – Help in the treatment of inflammatory conditions.

Other Parts of the Sandalwood Tree

Santalic Acid – Possesses antimicrobial properties.
n-Octacosanol – Beneficial for heart health and cholesterol control.
Palmitone – Helps in maintaining skin hydration and elasticity.

(Reference: Illustrated Dravyaguna Vijnana, Vol. II, by Dr. JLN Shastry)

Morphology of Chandan

Sandalwood is a small, evergreen tree known for its valuable heartwood and fragrant oil.

Tree Structure

Height: Grows up to 10-15 meters.
Bark: Dark brown or reddish, rough in texture.
Branches: Slender and drooping, giving the tree a graceful appearance.

Wood Characteristics

Sapwood: White and odorless, lacks medicinal properties.
Heartwood: Yellowish-brown, highly fragrant, and the main source of sandalwood oil.

Leaves

Shape: Elliptic-lanceolate (4-6 cm long).
Color: Dark green, glossy on top with a paler underside.
Texture: Thick and leathery.
Tip: Subacute (slightly pointed).

Flowers

Inflorescence: Terminal axillary paniculate cyme (branched clusters of flowers).
Color: Brownish-purple.
Perianth: Campanulate (bell-shaped).

Fruit

Type: Drupe (a fleshy fruit with a seed inside).
Color: Green when unripe, turning dark red or purple when mature.

Health Benefits of Chandan in Ayurveda

1. Skin Health and Beauty

Chandan is widely used in Ayurveda for treating various skin conditions. It has strong antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and astringent properties, making it effective for:

Acne and Pimples: Chandan helps in reducing excess oil and preventing bacterial infections.
Hyperpigmentation: Regular application of sandalwood paste reduces dark spots and uneven skin tone.
Sunburn and Tanning: The cooling nature of Chandan soothes sunburns and skin irritation.
Anti-Aging: Rich in antioxidants, it combats fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin.

2. Mental Calmness and Stress Relief

In Ayurveda, Chandan is regarded as a medhya (brain tonic). It is commonly used in aromatherapy and Ayurvedic remedies to:

Reduce anxiety and stress by calming the nervous system.
Enhance concentration and memory.
Promote better sleep by reducing mental restlessness.

3. Respiratory Health

Sandalwood oil and herbal formulations are beneficial for respiratory ailments like:

Cough and Bronchitis: Acts as an expectorant, helping to clear mucus from the lungs.
Asthma: Has anti-inflammatory properties that ease breathing difficulties.
Sore Throat Relief: Gargling with Chandan-infused water provides instant relief.

4. Digestive Wellness

Chandan has deep cooling properties that aid in:

Reducing acidity and ulcers by neutralizing excess heat in the stomach.
Alleviating indigestion and bloating by improving digestion.
Detoxifying the liver and promoting overall gut health.

5. Urinary Disorders and Kidney Health

Due to its diuretic properties, Chandan helps in:

Treating urinary tract infections (UTIs) by flushing out bacteria.
Reducing inflammation in the bladder and kidneys.
Alleviating burning sensation during urination caused by excess Pitta dosha.

Chandan Home Remedies

Chandanasava for Spermatorrhea (Shukra Meha)

Chandanasava, a fermented Ayurvedic medicine with Sandalwood as the main ingredient, is traditionally used for Spermatorrhea, a condition where semen flows involuntarily with urine.
It works by cooling the body, reducing excessive excitement, and promoting mental control.

Premature Ejaculation Remedy

250 – 500 mg of Sandalwood powder at night is recommended to help control premature ejaculation by regulating the speed of excitement and maintaining balance in the nervous system.
This is similar to the effect of Tulsi (Holy Basil), which is also used in Hindu spiritual practices to support mental discipline and celibacy.

Chandan for Burning Urination with Blood

Ingredients:

Sandalwood powder (3-5 grams)
Rice-washed water (Tandulambu) – 120 ml
Candy sugar (Sharkara) – 1 tsp

Preparation:

Take 20 grams of uncooked rice and soak it in 120 ml of water.
Macerate well and filter the liquid (Tandulambu).
Mix 3-5 grams of Sandalwood powder with the filtered rice water.
Add candy sugar for taste.
Consume this mixture before food, once or twice a day.

Dietary Recommendation:

Cooked rice with milk should be consumed along with this remedy to enhance its effectiveness.

Seasonal Usage of Chandan in Ayurveda

Ayurveda recommends using Sandalwood differently in various seasons to maintain balance in the body.

Spring (Vasanta Ritu)

Sandalwood-based drinks such as Sharambu (Sandalwood extract) are advised.
Saffron, camphor, and Sandalwood paste should be applied to the body to reduce itching and body odor.

Summer (Grishma Ritu)

Applying Sandalwood paste to the body at night cools the skin and prevents heat-related issues.
One should sleep in open-air spaces where moonlight can further cool the body.

External Applications of Chandan

1. Sandalwood Paste for Skin

Relieves burning sensations and soothes the skin.
Enhances complexion and provides anti-inflammatory benefits.
Cleanses wounds and prevents infections.

2. Sandalwood for Headaches

Sandalwood paste applied to the forehead is effective in relieving stress-induced headaches.
A special formulation made of:
- Costus root
- Tagara (Indian Valerian)
- Dill seeds
- Licorice (Mulethi)
- Sandalwood
- Ghee
- is applied externally to relieve headaches, shoulder pain, and back pain.
  (Reference: Charaka Samhita Rajayakshma Chikitsa)

3. Sandalwood for Herpes and Excessive Sweating

Applied externally, Sandalwood paste reduces pain and burning in herpes.
Rubbing Sandalwood powder on sweaty palms helps control excessive sweating while leaving behind a pleasant fragrance.
Used in perfumes, incense sticks, and room fresheners due to its natural deodorizing properties.

Sandalwood Essential Oil: Benefits and Uses

1. Antiseptic and Disinfectant Properties

Extracted via pressing or alcohol/water extraction, Sandalwood oil serves as a natural antiseptic.
Used in treating bronchitis, respiratory infections, and skin wounds.

2. Diuretic Properties

1-3 drops of Sandalwood oil mixed with cranberry juice help in urinary infections and kidney health.

3. Mental and Emotional Benefits

Calms the nervous system and reduces stress.
Used in meditation and aromatherapy for mental clarity and relaxation.

Traditional Uses of Chandan in Ayurveda

1. Chandan for Skincare

Face Pack for Glowing Skin: Mix Chandan powder, rose water, and turmeric to create a refreshing face pack.
Anti-Acne Remedy: Blend Chandan powder with neem paste for an antibacterial treatment.
Dark Circle Reduction: Apply Chandan paste mixed with milk under the eyes.

2. Chandan for Mental Well-being

Aromatherapy: Burning sandalwood incense or applying sandalwood oil on the temples promotes relaxation.
Ayurvedic Meditation: Sandalwood paste is applied to the forehead during meditation for enhancing spiritual connection.

3. Chandan for Internal Consumption

Cooling Drink: Chandan water or milk is consumed to cool the body during hot summers.
Ayurvedic Formulations: Chandan is a key ingredient in many Ayurvedic herbal syrups and medicines.

Scientific Research and Modern Applications of Chandan

Modern research supports many Ayurvedic claims about Chandan, proving its effectiveness in:

Reducing skin inflammation and promoting wound healing.
Acting as an antibacterial and antiviral agent.
Alleviating anxiety and improving cognitive function.
Enhancing liver function and detoxification.

Due to these scientifically backed benefits, Chandan is extensively used in cosmetic industries, herbal medicine, and perfumery.

How to Use Chandan in Daily Life

1. Chandan Powder for Face and Body

Mix Chandan powder with milk or rose water and apply it as a cooling mask.
Add a pinch of Chandan powder to your bath water for a refreshing experience.

2. Sandalwood Oil for Skin and Hair

Apply a few drops of sandalwood oil with coconut oil for hydration and skin nourishment.
Massage sandalwood oil onto the scalp to prevent dandruff and hair fall.

3. Chandan Herbal Tea

Boil sandalwood shavings in water, add honey, and drink for detoxification and stress relief.

Precautions and Side Effects of Chandan

While Chandan is generally safe, excessive use may lead to:

Allergic skin reactions in sensitive individuals.
Gastrointestinal discomfort if consumed in high amounts.
Low blood pressure when used in excess, due to its cooling nature.

Always use pure and authentic sandalwood and consult an Ayurvedic expert before incorporating it into daily health routines.

Conclusion

Chandan (Santalum Album) is a miraculous herb in Ayurveda with incredible therapeutic properties. From enhancing skin health to calming the mind and aiding digestion, its uses are vast and well-documented. Whether applied externally or consumed internally, the cooling and healing benefits of Chandan make it an invaluable part of Ayurvedic wellness.

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Chandan (Santalum Album): Chandan Powder for Face