We bet you didn"t know these 6 amazing health benefits of sandalwood, aka Chandan

This fragrant wood is indispensable particularly in India, thanks to its ceremonial and religious significance. Sandalwood, however, has so much more to it!

Sandalwood has been utilised since ancient times for curing a number of ailments and diseases. Picture courtesy:jaiho-dubai.blogspot.in

You've probably come cross joss sticks made from the sawdust of the sandalwood tree, or those perfumes that have sandalwood as the base. But do you know that the oil of this fragrant tree is also used by people to overcome and heal many skin allergies and rashes?

In the Indian context, sandalwood paste and oil is considered holy in almost all of the social and religious rituals and ceremonies. Here are some of the health benefits it has in store for you:

1. Relaxes your body and soothes your urinary system: Sandalwood is anti-inflammatory in nature, thus it helps soothe inflammation in the urinary system and induces relaxation, thereby promoting easy passage of urine. It also increases the frequency and quantity of urination. This helps treat infections and inflammation in the urinary system, because it flushes out dangerous toxins easily.

2. Works as a disinfectant and keeps bugs and germs at bay: Sandalwood is an essential oil, which has great disinfectant properties--the distinct aroma of this oil can drive away pests and is even used in insect repellents and pesticides.

3. Is a memory booster: It improves memory and rouses your powers of concentration by keeping the brain cool, relaxed and away from undue stress and anxiety.

4. Works as an astringent for the skin: Sandalwood is a mild astringent, which means it can bring minor contractions in your soft tissues, like gums and skin. Precisely why many aftershaves and facial toners use sandalwood as one of their primary ingredients. Mix sandalwood/chandan powder with little amount of camphor and water and apply this solution on your burns, rashes and allergies to see the change.

5. Prevents spasms: Sandalwood oil is high in antispasmodic properties, due to which it relaxes the muscles and puts a stop to any severe spasms. The oil can also be used to treat coughs and cramps caused by delicate muscle contractions.

6. Cures skin infections and reduces itching: Sandalwood is an excellent anti-viral agent, which is also known to cure eczema successfully.

Nikita Bhalla