Sandalwood: Types, Uses, Benefits & Cultivation Guide in India

In our Hindu dharma, there are so many cultures and rituals that have been followed from ancient times including different yug such as Mahabharata and Ramayana where sandwood played a significant role.

From marriage to funerals sandalwood is used in many different rituals and ceremonies, where its fragrance is believed to enhance spiritual experiences. It is considered the symbol of purity and knowledge.

The fragrance of sandalwood is believed to create a serene atmosphere, aiding in the spiritual transition of the departed. Let us understand the significance and characteristics of sandwood more deeply.

What is Sandalwood?

Sandalwood is specifically known for its aromatic features thus also known as Santalum album in scientific language. This quality makes it a special ingredient in making perfumes and is used in several different traditional practices.

The fragrance of sandalwood can be characterized by the blends of woody, creamy sweetness with warm undertones of amber and leather. Due to the presence of santols, it is presented with a unique combination of fragrance in sandalwood oil extract. 

In India, it is named Chandan and has a great cultural heritage, Indian sandalwood trees are tropical trees with a height of 4 to 9 meters (13 to 30 feet). It has reddish-brown bark and produces heartwood that is yellowish-brown with a strong, pleasant fragrance.

In the global market, India contributes 80% of sandalwood in trading which means it also supports the country’s economy. Prices for sandalwood vary significantly based on quality and market conditions, governmental rate for sandwool is Rs. 7,500 per kg. The domestic market price is around Rs. 16,500 per kg.

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Types of Chandan

There are 4 main types of sandwood cultivated in India which signifies the economic importance due to diversity and cultural features. Sandalwood is in high demand in various Indian industries and contributes to the rich tapestry of sandalwood's use across different regions.

1. Indian sandalwood

• It is native to India and several other regions such as Indonesia and Australia. It is mainly regarded for its heartwood fragrance and oil essential. It is a small tropical tree that has cracks on its bark due to age. The heartwood is pale green to white and is known for its fine grain and durability.
• Indian Sandalwood is also used in medical therapy such as aromatherapy for giving relaxation to the skin. It contains antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and astringent properties. This species mainly thrives in dry deciduous forests of southern India like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh.

2. Red sandalwood

• Red sandalwood is considered the most valuable wood in India, it is also known as Lal Chandan or rakta chandan in the Indian local language and is also known as Pterocarpus santalinus scientifically. The vibrant red color of heartwood is the main characteristic of Lala Chandan.
• The typical height of red sandalwood ranges from 8 meters (26 feet) and has a trunk diameter ranging from 50 to 150 cm. The inner bark has a reddish hue, which is indicative of the wood's characteristic color, the beauty of the tree is complemented by small, yellowish flowers that grow in short racemes on it. This tree is mostly found in the Deccan Plateau, the Seshachalam Hills, and the Eastern Ghats of India.

3. Australian sandalwood

• Australian sandalwood is scientifically called Santalum spicatum which is native to southern Australia. They are small trees grown at a height of 6 meters (approximately 20 feet) tall. It featured a slender trunk that can be found in various types of soil and found in the lowlands of Western Australia.
• The heartwood of this sandalwood contains essential oils that have high value for its aromatic qualities, as it contains 20-40% santalols that are responsible for the sweet fragrance. Noongar and Martu peoples are the indigenous communities of Australia that have utilized Australian sandalwood for centuries. They are mostly found in Karnataka, Gujarat, Bihar, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh.

4. Hawaiian Sandalwood

• This type of sandalwood is mostly known as ‘Iliahi’ and is rewarded for Hawaiian culture and ecology, each with unique characteristics and uses. The average height of Hawaiian sandalwood is 3 to 10 meters (10 to 33 feet). It often exhibits a multi-stemmed growth habit, making them appear bushy.
• It is characterized by bluish-green leaves along with leathery, and oval to elliptical in shape. This tree produces small, star-shaped flowers that can be yellow or white, depending on the species. Commonly found in the region of Karnataka Mysore (Mysore) is often referred to as the "Sandalwood City" of India.

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Cultivation of sandalwood in India

Cultivating sandalwood in India requires careful planning and strategies which ensure healthy growth and maximize yield. Here are some important steps of the sandalwood cultivation process that need to be followed:

1. Soil requirement

Sandwood mainly thrives in well-drained soil which is an essential element to prevent waterlogging, The main soil types for cultivation are varied from red sandy loams to laterite soil. It required an ideal pH of soil that ranges from 6.0 and 7.5. However, it can tolerate a pH range of up to 9.0 in some cases.

2. Climate condition

Sandalwood requires a dry and tropical climate for cultivation which has an ideal temperature ranging from 12°C to 35°C but also tolerates the highest range of 40 degrees. It requires moderate amounts of rainfall ranging between 625 mm to 1625 mm annually, depending on the region.

3. Propagation

Sandalwood requires proper spacing between seeds for successful and healthy cultivation, thus planting them with a spacing of 10 x 10 feet to provide enough room for root expansion and nutrient access. Most hemi-parasitic species require host plants for nutrition such as sandalwood.

4. Irrigation method

Sandalwood requires enough water for strong and healthy growth, and young plants need frequent watering around once every 1-2 weeks, after getting mature and old they can sustain a lower water frequency that lies between 2 to 3 liters of water per week during dry periods.

5. Maintenance

It is important to remove weeds to reduce the competition for nutritional absorption, use well-rooted organic fertilizers for nourishing the soil for better fertility, and also monitor for pest diseases using biopesticides.

6. Growth duration

Sandalwood trees typically take about 15 to 20 years to mature, during which they require minimal maintenance but should be monitored for health and growth.

7. Harvesting

Sandalwood trees mature after 15 years of plantation, during this growing period, they require minimal maintenance and once the maturity reaches its peak it will get ready for harvesting.

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Uses of sandalwood

• Medical use: Sandalwood oil is rich in anti-inflammatory properties that help in wounding injuries and maintain skin health. It is also often used in aromatherapy to reduce anxiety and stress which help to reduce blood pressure. Along with this, it is also used as a diuretic and for treating urinary tract infections.
• Cosmetic use: The antiseptic properties of chandan will help to reduce wrinkles and acne from the skin also it helps to reduce tanning and is used in so many cosmetic creams, despite this, you can use chandan oil or chandan paste for better results. The oil can also be used in shampoos for maintaining hair health.
• Fragrance Industry: Oil extracts from sandalwood trees have a warm, woody scent that makes them a key ingredient in perfumes, soaps, candles, and incense sticks. For cultural use, it added in agarbattis and dhoop. 
• Craftsmanship: The dense heartwood of sandalwood is prized for carving intricate sculptures, idols, and decorative items due to its fine grain and aromatic properties.