Photo: Artwork signed "H. Grisard. del." / Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Chandan Lal चन्दन लाल
Pterocarpus santalinus
Also known as: Chandan Lal (Red Sandalwood), Rakt Chandan, Chandan Rakt
Part used: Heartwood, Heart Wood
| Rasa (taste) | Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent) |
|---|---|
| Guna (qualities) | Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry) |
| Virya (potency) | Ushna (Hot) |
| Vipaka | Katu (Pungent) |
| Dosha | Balances Kapha & Vata |
| Prabhava | Classical systemic action |
Key takeaways
- Botanical name: Pterocarpus santalinus
- Part used: Heartwood, Heart Wood
- Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Vata
- Typical dose: Heartwood powder 3–6 g per day; as decoction 50–100 ml.
Chandan Lal in other languages
Introduction
Chandan Lal is Rakta Chandana (Pterocarpus santalinus), the red sanders of the southern Eastern Ghats. Unlike white sandalwood it has almost no scent; its virtue is its deep red, cooling heartwood.
Ayurveda uses it wherever heat has to be drawn out of the blood — in burning, bleeding, vomiting and hot skin conditions — and as a Varnya drug in complexion pastes.
Classification
Family Fabaceae. Heartwood is the officinal part. Rasa: Madhura, Tikta, Kashaya. Guna: Guru, Ruksha. Virya: Sheeta. Vipaka: Katu. Doshaghnata: pacifies Pitta and Kapha.
Uses & benefits
Given in Raktapitta (bleeding disorders), Daha, Chardi (vomiting) and hot inflammatory skin disease. Applied externally as a paste for burning, acne and blemishes. It is a constituent of Chandanasava and Ushirasava, and of the complexion oils in this catalogue.
Rakta Chandana for bleeding and burning
Its cold, astringent wood is the classical choice in Raktapitta — bleeding from the upper or lower passages — and in the burning that accompanies excess Pitta.
Rakta Chandana for the complexion
Ground to a paste with water or rose water it is a traditional application for acne, pigmentation and hot, irritated skin.
Dosage — how much to take
Heartwood powder 3–6 g per day; as decoction 50–100 ml. Externally as a paste, applied and allowed to dry.
Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm with a qualified Vaidya.
Traditional uses — questions answered from the classical texts
Answers are drawn from the citations and properties recorded for this drug. No chapter-and-verse reference appears that the record does not carry.
Which classical texts describe Chandan Lal?
The citations held for Chandan Lal in this catalogue are: Sushruta Samhita (Sutrasthana — Sarivadi Gana); Bhavaprakasha Nighantu (Karpuradi Varga — Rakta Chandana).
What does the Sushruta Samhita record about Chandan Lal?
Grouped with the cooling, blood-settling drugs. Reference: Sushruta Samhita — Sutrasthana — Sarivadi Gana.
What does the Bhavaprakasha Nighantu record about Chandan Lal?
Sheeta virya; indicated in daha, raktapitta and chardi. Reference: Bhavaprakasha Nighantu — Karpuradi Varga — Rakta Chandana.
What is Chandan Lal traditionally used for in Ayurveda?
Given in Raktapitta (bleeding disorders), Daha, Chardi (vomiting) and hot inflammatory skin disease. Applied externally as a paste for burning, acne and blemishes. It is a constituent of Chandanasava and Ushirasava, and of the complexion oils in this catalogue.
What are the Ayurvedic properties of Chandan Lal?
Rasa Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent), Guna Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry), Virya Ushna (Hot), Vipaka Katu (Pungent). Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Vata. Prabhava: Classical systemic action.
Why is Chandan Lal classified the way it is?
In dravya-guna a drug's dosha action follows from its taste, qualities, potency and post-digestive effect. Chandan Lal carries Ushna (Hot) virya and Katu (Pungent) vipaka, which together give the recorded action: Balances Kapha & Vata.
Which part of Chandan Lal is used medicinally?
The part used is Heartwood, Heart Wood.
How much Chandan Lal is taken, and how?
Heartwood powder 3–6 g per day; as decoction 50–100 ml. Externally as a paste, applied and allowed to dry. Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm it with a qualified Vaidya.
When should Chandan Lal be avoided?
Safe in classical use. Red sanders is a CITES-listed, protected species in India — buy only from suppliers with documented legal sourcing. Adulteration with dyed wood is common; genuine heartwood gives a lasting red, not a washing-out colour.
Where does Chandan Lal grow?
Endemic to a small area of the southern Eastern Ghats in Andhra Pradesh, growing on dry rocky hills. Wild collection is strictly regulated.
Classical references
- Bhavaprakasha Nighantu — Karpuradi Varga — Rakta Chandana
Sheeta virya; indicated in daha, raktapitta and chardi. - Sushruta Samhita — Sutrasthana — Sarivadi Gana
Grouped with the cooling, blood-settling drugs.
Safety & precautions
Safe in classical use. Red sanders is a CITES-listed, protected species in India — buy only from suppliers with documented legal sourcing. Adulteration with dyed wood is common; genuine heartwood gives a lasting red, not a washing-out colour.
Where it grows
Endemic to a small area of the southern Eastern Ghats in Andhra Pradesh, growing on dry rocky hills. Wild collection is strictly regulated.
Frequently asked questions
Is red sandalwood the same as white sandalwood?
No. White sandalwood (Chandana, Santalum album) is aromatic and used for its oil; red sanders (Pterocarpus santalinus) is almost scentless and used for its cooling heartwood and colour.
Can it be applied to the face?
Yes — a paste of the powder is a traditional application for heat-related skin complaints. Patch test first, and avoid broken skin.
