Evidence supporting the use of: Sandalwood
For the health condition: Anxiety Disorders

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Sandalwood (typically referring to the essential oil derived from the wood of Santalum album and related species) has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, notably Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine, as well as in aromatherapy. Traditionally, sandalwood is believed to have calming and grounding properties, and it has been used in rituals, incense, and topical preparations intended to soothe the mind and alleviate symptoms of anxiety and stress.

However, scientific research on sandalwood’s anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) effects is limited. A small number of studies have explored the effects of inhaling sandalwood essential oil on physiological parameters related to stress and anxiety, such as heart rate and cortisol levels. Some of these studies suggest mild calming effects, but the evidence is not robust or consistent. Most clinical trials in this area are small, not well-controlled, or combine sandalwood with other essential oils, making it difficult to attribute any effects specifically to sandalwood.

In summary, the use of sandalwood for anxiety disorders is primarily justified by tradition rather than strong scientific validation. While there is some preliminary evidence for mild calming effects, it is insufficient to support its use as a primary treatment for anxiety disorders according to current clinical standards.

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