Chandana (White Sandalwood)Candana
Strongly pacifies Pitta; mildly pacifies Kapha; can aggravate Vata in excess (drying).
- Common name
- Chandana (White Sandalwood)
- Sanskrit (IAST)
- Candana
- Latin botanical
- Santalum album
- Form
- Herb / Powder (Choorna)
- Category tags
- SkinCooling · Pitta-pacifying
Overview & dosha effects
Strongly pacifies Pitta; mildly pacifies Kapha; can aggravate Vata in excess (drying).
Traditional uses
The following are traditional Ayurvedic uses documented in classical texts and modern materia medica — not therapeutic claims for the treatment of disease.
How it is taken
Internal: 1–3 g of authenticated heartwood powder as cold infusion (hima) sipped through the day. External: 1/2 tsp powder mixed with rose-water as a cooling chest/forehead lepa or body splash at night.
Classical text references
- [1]Bhāvaprakāśa Nighaṇṭu
Described in the classical Ayurvedic materia medica of Bhāvamiśra (16th c.) with rasa, guṇa, vīrya, vipāka and traditional indications.
- [2]Dhanvantari Nighaṇṭu
Referenced in this classical dravyaguṇa compendium among named formulary herbs.
- [3]Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India
Modern government-endorsed pharmacopoeia (Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India) publishing quality standards and traditional uses.
Modern research
Contemporary clinical and pharmacological reviews (see references) explore Chandana (White Sandalwood)'s role in the areas where Ayurveda has traditionally used it. Evidence quality varies; treat single studies with caution and prefer systematic reviews.
Safety notes — read before use
As with all traditional herbs, avoid in active flare-ups of the condition you're treating and in anyone with a known allergy to the plant family. Stop and seek medical advice if you develop rash, breathing changes, swelling, digestive upset or any new symptom after starting.
- ✕Pregnancy and lactation (internal use)
- ✕Severe Vata states with dryness and constipation
- ✕Known kidney disease (internal medicinal doses)
- ✕With concurrent sedatives or barbiturates
Do not use in pregnancy or while breastfeeding without direct supervision by a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner and your GP or obstetrician. Many Ayurvedic herbs have not been studied in pregnancy and traditional cautions apply.
May interact with prescription medications — especially blood thinners, blood pressure and diabetes medications, sedatives, thyroid hormones, immunosuppressants and drugs metabolised by the liver. Always share a complete list of herbs and supplements with your doctor and pharmacist.
Specific to Chandana (White Sandalwood): Internal use of sandalwood essential oil is NOT advised. Only powdered heartwood from regulated, sustainable sources should be used internally. May reduce urinary output in excess.
Santalaceae family; patch-test topically — can irritate sensitive or broken skin.
This is educational information, not a prescription. Consult a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner (vaidya) and your GP before starting any herb, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, under 18, over 65, take prescription medication, have a chronic condition or are scheduled for surgery.
Classical alternatives
Usheera (Vetiveria zizanioides) for similar Pitta-cooling and night-sweat support; Yashtimadhu cold infusion for hot flushes with adrenal depletion.
References
- [1]Bhāvaprakāśa Nighaṇṭu — Described in the classical Ayurvedic materia medica of Bhāvamiśra (16th c.) with rasa, guṇa, vīrya, vipāka and traditional indications.
- [2]Dhanvantari Nighaṇṭu — Referenced in this classical dravyaguṇa compendium among named formulary herbs.
- [3]Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India — Modern government-endorsed pharmacopoeia (Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India) publishing quality standards and traditional uses.
- [4]PubMed · Santalum album pharmacology ↗
- [5]Bhāvaprakāśa Nighaṇṭu · Karpurādi Varga ↗
- [6]Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India · Vol I ↗
