Indian sandalwood Tree/Santhanam Tree

• Height:

  The tree typically grows to a height of 4-20 meters. 

• Bark:

  The bark is dark grey with narrow fissures and regularly-shaped scales, smooth in young trees and rough with vertical cracks in older ones. 

• Leaves:

  Leaves are simple, opposite, shortly-stalked, glossy, and elliptic, with a slightly glaucous (powdery blue-green) appearance beneath. 

• Flowers:

  Bell-shaped, purplish-brown flowers are small (about 0.5-0.75 cm) and are borne in loose clusters in terminal and axillary paniculate cymose inflorescences. 

• Fruit:

  The fruit is a globose, fleshy drupe that turns red, purple, or black when ripe. 

• Wood:

  The sapwood is white and scentless, while the heartwood is yellowish to brown and strongly scented. 

• Parasitism:

  Santhanam trees are partially parasitic, tapping into the roots of other trees for water and nutrients. 

1. Traditional Medicine:

• Skin Conditions:

  Sandalwood oil is used to treat various skin conditions like acne, eczema, psoriasis, and wounds. 

• Other Ailments:

  Sandalwood is also traditionally used for memory enhancement, treating ulcers, and reducing anxiety. 

• Ayurvedic Medicine:

  Sandalwood is a key ingredient in Ayurvedic medicine, used for its cooling and calming properties. 

2. Cosmetics and Perfumes:

• Sandalwood Oil:

  Extensively used in beauty products to enhance skin health and as a fragrance in perfumes, soaps, and candles. 

• Aromatherapy:

  Sandalwood oil is used in aromatherapy to reduce stress and promote relaxation. 

3. Religious and Cultural Practices:

• Hinduism: Sandalwood is considered sacred and used in various religious ceremonies and rituals. 

• Zoroastrianism: Sandalwood is used as fuel in fire temples during religious ceremonies. 

• Other Religions: Sandalwood may also be used in other religious practices for its fragrance and purported spiritual significance. 

4. Other Uses:

• Incense and Candles: The strong, sweet scent of sandalwood makes it ideal for incense and candles. 

• Furniture and Carvings: The dense wood is used for carving and creating decorative items. 

• Food and Beverages: Sandalwood oil is sometimes used as a flavoring agent in food and beverages. 

5. Red Sandalwood:

• Red sandalwood (Pterocarpus santalinus) has its own unique uses, including traditional medicine for diabetes, skin diseases, and snake bites.

• It's also used for furniture making.