Reliable
and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit. Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies
suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit. For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal
or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support and/or minimal health
benefit.
Historical or traditional use (may
or may not be supported by scientific studies)
Sandalwood oil was used traditionally by herbalists to treat skin diseases, acne, dysentery, gonorrhea, and a number of other
conditions.1 In Traditional Chinese Medicine, sandalwood oil is considered an
excellent sedating agent.
Active constituents
The volatile oil contains high amounts of alpha- and beta-santalol. According to a test
tube study, these small molecules possess antibacterial properties.2 This makes it
a potential topical treatment for skin infections. Synthetic sandalwood oil does not contain
these active ingredients. Internal use of sandalwood is approved by the German Commission E
for the supportive treatment of infections of the lower urinary tract (usually the urinary
bladder).3 However, clinical trials are lacking to support this use.
How much is usually taken?
The German Commission E monograph suggests 1/4 teaspoon (1–1.5 grams) of the volatile
oil for the supportive treatment of urinary tract
infections.4 This should only be done under the supervision of a doctor.
Treatment should not exceed six weeks. For external use, a few drops of sandalwood oil are
dissolved in 6 ounces (180 ml) of water and applied directly to the infected area of skin
several times daily.
Are there any side effects or interactions?
Some people may experience mild skin irritation from topical application of sandalwood
oil.5 People with kidney disease should not use sandalwood internally. Until more
is known, sandalwood oil should be avoided for internal use during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Infants and children
should not take sandalwood oil internally.
At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions
with sandalwood.
References (To view, roll mouse over the "References" heading; to hide, click on the heading)
1. Duke JA. CRC Handbook of Medicinal Herbs. Boca Raton, FL: CRC
Press, 1985, 426–7.
2. Okazai K, Oshima S. Antibacterial activity of higher plants. XXIV.
Antimicrobial effect of essential oils (5). J Pharm Soc Japan
1953;73:344–7.
3. Blumenthal M, Busse WR, Goldberg A, et al. (eds). The Complete
Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Boston, MA: Integrative
Medicine Communications, 1998, 199.
4. Blumenthal M, Busse WR, Goldberg A, et al. (eds). The Complete
Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Boston, MA: Integrative
Medicine Communications, 1998, 199.
5. Blumenthal M, Busse WR, Goldberg A, et al. (eds). The Complete
Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Boston, MA: Integrative
Medicine Communications, 1998, 199.
The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only.
It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience,
or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur
in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over
the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist
for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in
prescribed medications. Information expires February 2010.
Reliable
and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies
suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
