White Sandalwood
OTHER NAME(S): 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 Citrin, Santali Lignum Albi, Santal Oil, Swet Chandan, Taliaparnam, Tan Xiang, White Saunders, Yellow Sandalwood, Yellow Saunders, Santalum album, Sandalwood, Sándalo blanco, Santal Blanc
Overview
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 sometimes 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.
Uses
We currently have no information for White Sandalwood overview.
Side Effects
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.
Precautions
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.
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.
Interactions
Moderate Interaction
Be cautious with this combination
- Lithium interacts with White SandalwoodWhite 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.
Dosing
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.
References
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- Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
- Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.
- Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Title 21. Part 182 -- Substances Generally Recognized As Safe. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?CFRPart=182
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