Sandalwood (Santalum album)

Sandalwood (Santalum album) is a member of the Santalaceae family, native to Australia, Indonesia, and New Guinea. Traditionally, its wood, resin, and bark have been used for infusions, decoctions, and oil infusions.

This herb is particularly valued for its anti-inflammatory, tonic, and sedative actions, and has a long history of use in ayurvedic medicine, traditional chinese medicine, and japanese kampo medicine.

Sandalwood (Santalum album) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Sandalwood (Santalum album) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Sandalwood
Scientific Name	Santalum album
Plant Family	Santalaceae
Genus	Santalum
Species	album
Native Range	Australia, Indonesia, New Guinea
Plant Parts Used	Wood, Resin, Bark
Primary Medicinal Actions	Anti-Inflammatory, Tonic, Sedative
Primary Traditional Systems	Ayurvedic Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Japanese Kampo Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Infusion, Decoction, Oil Infusion

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Santalum album
Common Name: Sandalwood
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Australian Sandalwood, White Sandalwood, White Sandalwood
Plant Family: Santalaceae
Genus: Santalum

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically reaches a height of 5 to 10 meters.
Leaves: Sessile, broadly ovate leaves with pale green upper surface and lighter green lower surface, featuring distinct stomatal bands along the midrib.
Flowers: Inflorescences are racemose with small white flowers having five sepals and five petals, actinomorphic, with a superior ovary and staminodes present.
Stems: Woody, erect, unbranched, with smooth, pale bark and adventitious root swellings at nodes.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

Ayurvedic Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Japanese Kampo Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Infusion
Decoction
Oil Infusion
Tincture

Medicinal Actions

Anti-inflammatory: In herbal literature, noted as a gentle anti-inflammatory, for irritation-related applications.
Tonic: In herbal texts, considered a warming tonic, in whole-system applications.
Sedative: Commonly referenced as a calming sedative, in nervous system–related contexts.
Astringent: Historically regarded as a soothing astringent, for skin-related applications.

Active Compounds

Flavonoid: A widely occurring class of plant polyphenols found in leaves, flowers, and fruits.
Terpenoid: A chemical class commonly associated with volatile plant constituents.
Tannin: High-molecular-weight phenolic compounds found in many plant species.
Phenolic Acid: Simple phenolic molecules widely distributed across plant tissues.

Modern Research Overview

Contemporary research on this plant includes areas such as chemical analysis, laboratory-based studies, and observational research. Detailed summaries of published findings are not included at this stage and will be added during future content updates.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: General precautions have been noted regarding the use of this herb.
Contraindications: Certain contraindications have been reported in relation to the use of this herb.
Allergies: Allergic reactions associated with this herb have not been well documented.
Drug Interactions: There is insufficient evidence to determine whether this herb interacts with pharmaceutical drugs.
Toxicity: There is insufficient evidence to determine the toxic potential of this herb.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Information addressing pregnancy and breastfeeding-related safety for this herb is limited.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Infusions are commonly prepared using hot water to release aromatic and soluble components.
Decoction: Plant parts are gently boiled in water to release soluble constituents.
Poultice: Poultices involve external application of prepared plant matter.
Extract: Non-alcoholic extracts provide a liquid form of plant constituents.
Infused Oil: A preparation created by soaking plant parts in carrier oils.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in organically rich soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in partial shade. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers well-balanced moisture levels. Tolerates periodic dry conditions.