{"product_id":"red-sandalwood","title":"Red Sandalwood","description":"\u003ch1\u003ePterocarpus santalinus\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRed Sandalwood — The Sacred Crimson Heartwood for Skin, Inflammation, and Ritual\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eBotanical Identification\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLatin Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pterocarpus santalinus\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Names:\u003c\/strong\u003e Red Sandalwood, Red Sanders, Rakta Chandan, Saunderswood, Lal Chandan\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFamily:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fabaceae (Legume family)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePart Used:\u003c\/strong\u003e Heartwood (dried, cut, or powdered)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Endemic to the southern Eastern Ghats of India, primarily Andhra Pradesh\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDescription:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pterocarpus santalinus is a slow-growing deciduous tree reaching 25 to 30 feet at maturity. The heartwood is a distinctive deep crimson-red to purplish-brown, dense, and finely grained, yielding a rich red powder when ground. This tree is \u003cstrong\u003enot related to true sandalwood\u003c\/strong\u003e (Santalum album), despite the shared common name. True sandalwood belongs to the family Santalaceae and is valued for its aromatic oil, while red sandalwood belongs to the legume family and is valued for its pigment, astringency, and medicinal heartwood compounds. Red sandalwood has little to no fragrance. The two should never be confused or substituted for one another.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCultural and Historical Use\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRed sandalwood has been revered across South and Southeast Asian cultures for millennia. In Ayurvedic medicine, it is known as \u003cem\u003eRakta Chandan\u003c\/em\u003e and classified as a cooling, Pitta-pacifying remedy used extensively for inflammatory skin conditions, fever, and headache. Ayurvedic texts including the Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita describe its application as a paste for skin diseases, burning sensations, and wound healing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn traditional Chinese medicine, red sandalwood (Zi Tan) has been used to promote blood circulation and relieve blood stasis. It appears in classical formulas for pain associated with stagnant blood and for topical application to skin conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBeyond medicine, red sandalwood holds deep spiritual significance in Hindu and Buddhist traditions. The wood is carved into prayer beads (mala), sacred images, and ritual implements. Its rich red dye has been used for centuries in textile production, cosmetics, and religious body markings. In Japan, powdered red sandalwood has been used in traditional incense blending.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHistorically, red sandalwood was one of the most traded luxury woods in the Indian Ocean trade network, and its desirability led to severe overexploitation — a situation that continues to have conservation consequences today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Bioactive Compounds\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"1\" cellpadding=\"8\" cellspacing=\"0\"\u003e\n    \u003cthead\u003e\n        \u003ctr\u003e\n            \u003cth\u003eCompound Class\u003c\/th\u003e\n            \u003cth\u003eKey Constituents\u003c\/th\u003e\n            \u003cth\u003ePrimary Activity\u003c\/th\u003e\n        \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003c\/thead\u003e\n    \u003ctbody\u003e\n        \u003ctr\u003e\n            \u003ctd\u003ePterostilbene\u003c\/td\u003e\n            \u003ctd\u003ePterostilbene (a dimethylated analog of resveratrol)\u003c\/td\u003e\n            \u003ctd\u003ePotent antioxidant; anti-inflammatory; neuroprotective\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003c\/tr\u003e\n        \u003ctr\u003e\n            \u003ctd\u003eSantalins (Pigments)\u003c\/td\u003e\n            \u003ctd\u003eSantalin A, santalin B\u003c\/td\u003e\n            \u003ctd\u003eNatural dye; antioxidant; photoprotective\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003c\/tr\u003e\n        \u003ctr\u003e\n            \u003ctd\u003eFlavonoids\u003c\/td\u003e\n            \u003ctd\u003eLiquiritigenin, isoliquiritigenin, savinin\u003c\/td\u003e\n            \u003ctd\u003eAnti-inflammatory; estrogenic modulation\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003c\/tr\u003e\n        \u003ctr\u003e\n            \u003ctd\u003eIsoflavonoids\u003c\/td\u003e\n            \u003ctd\u003eHomopterocarpin, pterocarpol, pterocarpin\u003c\/td\u003e\n            \u003ctd\u003eAntimicrobial; anti-inflammatory; hepatoprotective\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003c\/tr\u003e\n        \u003ctr\u003e\n            \u003ctd\u003eTannins\u003c\/td\u003e\n            \u003ctd\u003eCondensed tannins (proanthocyanidins)\u003c\/td\u003e\n            \u003ctd\u003eAstringent; wound healing; hemostatic\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003c\/tr\u003e\n        \u003ctr\u003e\n            \u003ctd\u003eTriterpenes\u003c\/td\u003e\n            \u003ctd\u003eLupeol, beta-sitosterol\u003c\/td\u003e\n            \u003ctd\u003eAnti-inflammatory; analgesic\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eHow It Works in the Body\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRed sandalwood's therapeutic profile is dominated by its \u003cstrong\u003eanti-inflammatory and skin-healing actions\u003c\/strong\u003e. The heartwood contains an unusually high concentration of pterostilbene, a compound that has emerged as one of the most studied natural antioxidants. Pterostilbene is a methylated stilbene closely related to resveratrol but with significantly greater bioavailability. It inhibits NF-kB inflammatory signaling, reduces oxidative stress at the cellular level, and has demonstrated anti-glycation properties relevant to both skin aging and metabolic health.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe santalin pigments — responsible for the wood's vivid red color — provide \u003cstrong\u003ephotoprotective and antioxidant activity\u003c\/strong\u003e when applied topically. They absorb UV radiation and scavenge free radicals, which supports the traditional Ayurvedic use of red sandalwood paste as a complexion remedy and sunburn treatment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe isoflavonoids, particularly homopterocarpin and pterocarpin, contribute \u003cstrong\u003eantimicrobial and anti-inflammatory\u003c\/strong\u003e effects. Research has shown activity against various bacteria and fungi, supporting the traditional use of red sandalwood powder in wound care and skin infection management.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Ayurvedic terms, red sandalwood is considered \u003cem\u003esheeta\u003c\/em\u003e (cooling) and \u003cem\u003ekashaya\u003c\/em\u003e (astringent), which aligns with the pharmacological profile: the tannins and stilbenes cool inflammation while the astringent compounds tone and tighten tissues, reduce secretions, and promote healing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eDose Guidelines\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"1\" cellpadding=\"8\" cellspacing=\"0\"\u003e\n    \u003cthead\u003e\n        \u003ctr\u003e\n            \u003cth\u003ePreparation\u003c\/th\u003e\n            \u003cth\u003eAmount\u003c\/th\u003e\n            \u003cth\u003eFrequency\u003c\/th\u003e\n        \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003c\/thead\u003e\n    \u003ctbody\u003e\n        \u003ctr\u003e\n            \u003ctd\u003eDecoction (internal, traditional Ayurvedic use)\u003c\/td\u003e\n            \u003ctd\u003e3–6 grams of heartwood powder simmered in 2 cups water for 15 minutes\u003c\/td\u003e\n            \u003ctd\u003e1–2 times daily\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003c\/tr\u003e\n        \u003ctr\u003e\n            \u003ctd\u003ePowder in capsules (internal)\u003c\/td\u003e\n            \u003ctd\u003e500–1,000 mg\u003c\/td\u003e\n            \u003ctd\u003e2–3 times daily\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003c\/tr\u003e\n        \u003ctr\u003e\n            \u003ctd\u003eTopical paste\u003c\/td\u003e\n            \u003ctd\u003eMix powder with rose water or plain water to form a paste\u003c\/td\u003e\n            \u003ctd\u003eApply to affected area 1–2 times daily\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003c\/tr\u003e\n        \u003ctr\u003e\n            \u003ctd\u003eTopical wash\u003c\/td\u003e\n            \u003ctd\u003eStrong decoction cooled and applied with cloth\u003c\/td\u003e\n            \u003ctd\u003eAs needed for skin conditions\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePreparation and Uses\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFace and Skin Paste:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mix finely powdered red sandalwood with rose water, raw honey, or plain water to form a smooth paste. Apply to the face or affected skin area for 15 to 30 minutes, then rinse. Traditionally used for acne, hyperpigmentation, sunburn, and inflammatory skin conditions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCooling Body Paste (Ayurvedic):\u003c\/strong\u003e In Ayurveda, red sandalwood paste is applied to the forehead and body during fever or heat-related conditions to reduce the sensation of burning.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDecoction for Internal Use:\u003c\/strong\u003e Simmer powdered heartwood in water for 15 minutes, strain, and drink. Used traditionally for inflammatory conditions, digestive heat, and as a blood purifier.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNatural Dye and Cosmetic Colorant:\u003c\/strong\u003e The deep red pigment makes an excellent natural colorant for soaps, cosmetics, lip balms, and textile dyeing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIncense and Ritual:\u003c\/strong\u003e The powdered wood is used in incense blending for its subtle earthy scent and its traditional spiritual associations with purification, protection, and healing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOil Infusion:\u003c\/strong\u003e Red sandalwood can be infused into carrier oils (such as coconut or sesame) for topical use in massage blends and skin care formulations.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eOptimal Context for Use\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eInflammatory skin conditions: acne, rosacea, eczema, dermatitis\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eHyperpigmentation, dark spots, and uneven skin tone\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eSunburn and heat-related skin irritation\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eTopical wound care and minor skin infections\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eAyurvedic Pitta-pacifying protocols for excess heat\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eAnti-aging skin care formulations (antioxidant and anti-glycation properties)\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eNatural cosmetic colorant and dye\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eSpiritual and meditative practices\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eSustainability and Ethical Harvesting\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCITES Status:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pterocarpus santalinus is listed under \u003cstrong\u003eCITES Appendix II\u003c\/strong\u003e, meaning international trade is regulated and requires permits to ensure that commerce does not threaten the species' survival. The tree is also classified as \u003cstrong\u003eEndangered\u003c\/strong\u003e on the IUCN Red List (as of the most recent assessment) and as \u003cstrong\u003eEndangered\u003c\/strong\u003e under the Indian Wildlife Protection Act.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe species is endemic to a limited geographic range in the southern Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh, India, and has been severely impacted by illegal logging driven by its high value in both the medicinal and furniture trades. The Indian government has implemented strict harvesting and export regulations, and plantation cultivation is underway to relieve pressure on wild populations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe source our red sandalwood exclusively from legal, documented supply chains that comply with all CITES regulations and Indian export laws. Customers should be aware that the conservation status of this species makes responsible sourcing essential. When purchasing red sandalwood, always verify that the supplier can demonstrate legal provenance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eSafety and Cautions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTopical Staining:\u003c\/strong\u003e Red sandalwood powder will temporarily stain skin, fabrics, and surfaces a reddish-pink color. Test on a small area first and use with care around clothing and linens.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAllergic Reactions:\u003c\/strong\u003e Rare topical sensitivity has been reported. Perform a patch test before applying to large areas of skin, particularly for individuals with sensitive skin or known allergies to Fabaceae plants.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePregnancy and Lactation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Safety data for internal use during pregnancy and lactation is insufficient. Topical use is generally considered safe. Consult a healthcare provider for internal use.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eInternal Use:\u003c\/strong\u003e Internal consumption of red sandalwood is well-established in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine at moderate doses. However, the high tannin content may cause gastric upset if consumed in excess or on an empty stomach.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDrug Interactions:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pterostilbene may interact with anticoagulant, antiplatelet, and blood-sugar-lowering medications due to its effects on platelet aggregation and glucose metabolism. Consult a healthcare provider if taking pharmaceutical medications.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdulteration:\u003c\/strong\u003e Due to its high value, red sandalwood is sometimes adulterated with cheaper red-colored woods. Purchase only from reputable suppliers who can verify botanical identity.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eReferences\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eBulle, S., et al. (2016). \"Pterocarpus santalinus: A comprehensive review.\" \u003cem\u003ePharmacognosy Reviews\u003c\/em\u003e, 10(19), 43-49.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eArokiyaraj, S., et al. (2009). \"Antibacterial activity of Pterocarpus santalinus heartwood extract.\" \u003cem\u003eAsian Journal of Pharmaceutical and Clinical Research\u003c\/em\u003e, 2(1), 51-55.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eMcCormack, D. \u0026amp; McFadden, D. (2013). \"A review of pterostilbene antioxidant activity and disease modification.\" \u003cem\u003eOxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity\u003c\/em\u003e, 2013, Article ID 575482.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eFrey, F.M. \u0026amp; Meyers, R. (2010). \"Antibacterial activity of traditional medicinal plants used topically in India.\" \u003cem\u003eJournal of Ethnopharmacology\u003c\/em\u003e, 128(3), 549-556.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eCITES. (2023). \"Appendices I, II and III.\" Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eIUCN Red List. \"Pterocarpus santalinus.\" International Union for Conservation of Nature.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eWilliamson, E.M. (2002). \u003cem\u003eMajor Herbs of Ayurveda.\u003c\/em\u003e Churchill Livingstone.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFinal Note\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRed Sandalwood is a botanical with an extraordinary dual identity: a deeply respected medicine with thousands of years of documented use, and a critically endangered tree whose survival depends on responsible commerce. Its chemistry — led by pterostilbene and the santalin pigments — provides genuinely potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and skin-healing activity that modern research continues to validate. But every purchase of this wood carries an ethical weight. When you use red sandalwood, you are working with a material that nature produces slowly and that human demand has pushed to the brink. Use it with the respect it demands: in small, purposeful quantities, sourced from legal and transparent supply chains. This is not a commodity herb to be used casually — it is a \u003cstrong\u003eprecious botanical resource\u003c\/strong\u003e that rewards careful, intentional use with remarkable therapeutic results.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThis information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before beginning any herbal regimen.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sugar Creek Trading Company","offers":[{"title":"chips \/ 25g","offer_id":50934951837994,"sku":null,"price":3.94,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"chips \/ 50g","offer_id":50934951870762,"sku":null,"price":6.69,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"chips \/ 100g","offer_id":50934951903530,"sku":null,"price":12.58,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"chips \/ 250g","offer_id":50934951936298,"sku":null,"price":26.73,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"chips \/ 500g","offer_id":50934951969066,"sku":null,"price":49.72,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"chips \/ 1kg","offer_id":50934952001834,"sku":null,"price":93.47,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"chips \/ 2kg","offer_id":50934952034602,"sku":null,"price":177.6,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"chips \/ 5kg","offer_id":50934952067370,"sku":null,"price":421.79,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"chips \/ 10kg","offer_id":50934952100138,"sku":null,"price":801.41,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"chips \/ 25kg","offer_id":50934952132906,"sku":null,"price":1903.34,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"chips \/ 50kg","offer_id":50934952165674,"sku":null,"price":3616.35,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"chips \/ 100kg","offer_id":50934952198442,"sku":null,"price":6871.06,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0783\/3547\/6010\/files\/red-sandalwood_d9a5609f-f011-469c-9975-8234f63e7124.png?v=1772272044","url":"https:\/\/sugarcreektradingcompany.com\/it\/products\/red-sandalwood","provider":"Sugar Creek Trading Company","version":"1.0","type":"link"}