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Sandalwood: complete India guide

Everything you need to know about Sandalwood — mechanism, dose, safety, buying guide for India, and what the research actually says.

By SacredBod editorial · · 8 min read

India has one of the highest rates of micronutrient deficiency in the world — and the supplement market is growing fast to meet it. But with hundreds of products on Amazon.in and little regulation, knowing what to actually buy is harder than it should be. This guide covers Sandalwood from first principles: what it is, what the evidence says, and how to use it safely in an Indian context.

What is Sandalwood?

Sandalwood is the heartwood of Santalum album, a parasitic tree native to India and Southeast Asia. It is one of

Sandalwood is relevant for anyone dealing with Skin inflammation. It primarily acts on the Skin.

How does Sandalwood work?

α-Santalol exhibits anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and mild anxiolytic effects. Topically, it reduces acne

Reported % improvement across cited trials — Sandalwood
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    <text x="31" y="35.0" text-anchor="end" font-size="9" fill="#888" font-family="ui-sans-serif">25%</text>
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Evidence grade: C · Based on published RCT data

Who should take Sandalwood?

Individuals interested in traditional Ayurvedic cooling therapy for pitta imbalances, skin support, or urinary comfort.

The typical dose is 1-3 g/day of heartwood powder, or 0.5-2% dilution for topical use. Once or twice daily

Safety and who should avoid it

Avoid internal use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Topical use at concentrations above 5% may cause contact dermatitis

Always consult your doctor before starting any new supplement, particularly if you are on prescription medication or have an existing health condition.

How to combine Sandalwood

Sandalwood works well alongside holy basil. The Ayurvedic tradition has long used bhumi amalaki, kutki for similar purposes — these can complement rather than replace each other.

Buying guide for India

When shopping on Amazon.in, prioritise products that clearly state:

  • The standardised active compound percentage
  • Third-party testing (NSF, USP, or Informed Sport)
  • The form of Sandalwood (extract vs whole herb vs isolate)
  • Vegetarian capsule certification if that matters to you

Generic “natural” or “herbal” labels without standardisation information are a red flag. The price difference between a well-made and a poorly-made Sandalwood supplement is often small — the difference in efficacy is not.

Bottom line

Sandalwood has Key citations: Abenavoli 2010 (hepatoprotection systematic review), Cacciapuoti 2013 (NAFLD RCT). ri for Skin inflammation. Used consistently at the right dose, it is a reasonable addition to a wellness protocol for those dealing with these concerns.

Supplements mentioned

People also ask

What is the best time to take Sandalwood in India?

Once or twice daily. With food is generally recommended to improve absorption and reduce any GI discomfort. Morning dosing works for most people; those taking it for sleep may prefer an evening dose.

Is Sandalwood available in India and what brands should I look for?

Sandalwood is available on Amazon.in and in supplement stores in major Indian cities. Look for products with third-party testing certificates (NSF, USP, or Informed Sport). Imported brands typically have stronger standardisation; check the label for active compound percentages before buying.

Can vegetarians and vegans take Sandalwood?

Most forms of Sandalwood are available in vegetarian capsules. Check the label specifically — look for "vegetable cellulose capsule" rather than gelatin. Vegan certification is more reliable than just "vegetarian" labelling in the Indian supplement market.

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