Red Sandalwood, Raktachandan

Also known as Red Sandalwood, Raktachandan, Raksha Chandan, Lal Chandan or Rakta Chandan.

Rakta Chandan usage in Puja

Rakta Chandan, or ‘Red Sandalwood’, is a sacred element in many Hindu rituals and ceremonies. The red-coloured wood has been used for centuries as an offering to deities during Puja, the Hindu prayer ceremony. Moreover, Rakta Chandan is believed to have powerful spiritual and medicinal properties that can cleanse the mind and body.

In Puja ceremonies, Rakta Chandan is incorporated into several unique rites and practices that Hindus worldwide observe. It is often burned on fire and other materials, such as ghee (clarified butter), as an offering of love and devotion to gods like Shiva or Ganesha. Additionally, it may be ground into a paste which is then applied to the forehead of devotees during worship to purify their minds and bodies.

Red Sandalwood usage in Ayurveda

Ayurveda is an ancient health system that relies heavily on natural ingredients to promote balance and well-being. Red sandalwood is a popular ingredient in Ayurvedic medicine for its numerous health benefits. Red sandalwood has been used since antiquity to treat various ailments, including skin conditions such as acne, eczema and psoriasis.

The active components in red sandalwood provide anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, astringent and antioxidant properties that can help reduce inflammation associated with skin issues. It is also known to have cooling effects on the skin and can be beneficial in treating sunburns or irritated skin from insect bites. Additionally, red sandalwood helps reduce excess oil production, which helps minimize breakouts and loosen clogged pores.