White sandalwood
Scientific names: Santalum album
Family: Santalaceae
Alternate names: Ananditam, Bois de Santal Blanc, Bois de Santal Jaune, Chandan, Chandana, East Indian Sandalwood, Huile de Santal Blanc, Oil of Sandalwood, Safed-Chandan, Sandal Safed, Sandal Tree, Sándalo, Sanderswood, Santal, Santal Blanc, Santal Citrin, Santali Lignum Albi, Santal Oil, Swet Chandan, Taliaparnam, Tan Xiang, White Saunders, Yellow Sandalwood, Yellow Saunders
Actions: Anticancer, Antifungal, Anxiolytic, Cardiovascular, Insect repellent
Background
White sandalwood (Santalum album) is an evergreen tree native to India. Its wood and wood oil are used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine.
White sandalwood contains chemicals that might help prevent the growth of fungus and bacteria. It might also reduce spasms and have relaxation effects.
People use white sandalwood for anxiety, common cold, bronchitis, memory, stress, vaginal infections, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Don't confuse white sandalwood with red sandalwood. These are not the same.
White sandalwood contains chemicals that might help prevent the growth of fungus and bacteria. It might also reduce spasms and have relaxation effects.
People use white sandalwood for anxiety, common cold, bronchitis, memory, stress, vaginal infections, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Don't confuse white sandalwood with red sandalwood. These are not the same.
Safety Safety definitions
When taken by mouth: White sandalwood is commonly consumed in foods. But it is possibly unsafe when used in larger amounts as medicine for longer than 6 weeks. Kidney damage is possible when used longer-term. Side effects might also include itching and nausea.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if white sandalwood is safe when used in amounts larger than those found in cosmetics. It might cause allergic skin reactions in some people.
When inhaled: There isn't enough reliable information to know if white sandalwood is safe or what the side effects might be.
Breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if white sandalwood is safe to use when breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Kidney disease: Don't use white sandalwood if you have kidney problems. It might make kidney disease worse.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if white sandalwood is safe when used in amounts larger than those found in cosmetics. It might cause allergic skin reactions in some people.
When inhaled: There isn't enough reliable information to know if white sandalwood is safe or what the side effects might be.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy: White sandalwood is likely unsafe when taken by mouth in amounts larger than those found in food while pregnant. It has effects that might lead to miscarriage. Avoid use.Breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if white sandalwood is safe to use when breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Kidney disease: Don't use white sandalwood if you have kidney problems. It might make kidney disease worse.
Effectiveness
Effective Effectiveness definitions
There is interest in using white sandalwood for a number of purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Dosing & administration
There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of white sandalwood might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.
Interactions with pharmaceuticals
Lithium
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
White sandalwood might have an effect like a water pill or "diuretic." Taking white sandalwood might decrease how well the body gets rid of lithium. This could increase how much lithium is in the body and result in serious side effects. Talk with your healthcare provider before using this product if you are taking lithium. Your lithium dose might need to be changed.
Interactions with herbs & supplements
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
Interactions with foods
There are no known interactions with foods.
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This monograph was last reviewed on 07/12/2023 11:00:00 and last updated on 24/09/2022 07:11:21. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
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Natural Medicines rates safety based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Likely Safe, Possibly Safe, Possibly Unsafe, Likely Unsafe, Unsafe, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate. For more information about Natural Medicines’ Safety Rating System, click here.
The Natural Medicines Effectiveness Ratings are assigned for specific indications. A product might be rated "Possibly Effective" for one condition, but be rated "Likely Ineffective" for another condition, depending on the evidence. For more info click here.
