Evidence supporting the use of: Sandalwood
For the health condition: Colds (antiviral)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Sandalwood (Santalum album and related species) has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, including Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine. In these traditions, sandalwood has been used for a variety of ailments, including respiratory conditions such as colds, due to its reputed cooling, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. Specifically, sandalwood oil and preparations have sometimes been applied topically, inhaled, or included in medicinal blends intended to ease symptoms of respiratory infections.

However, scientific evidence supporting the antiviral effects of sandalwood against cold viruses (such as rhinoviruses or coronaviruses that cause the common cold) is sparse. Some in vitro studies have shown that sandalwood oil or its main component, alpha-santalol, possesses mild antimicrobial activity, primarily antibacterial or antifungal, rather than direct antiviral effects. There are no robust clinical trials or well-established pharmacological studies demonstrating efficacy of sandalwood for prevention or treatment of colds in humans.

Overall, the use of sandalwood for colds is justified by traditional practice rather than scientific validation. Its role in modern herbal medicine for this purpose remains largely anecdotal, and more research would be required to establish any definitive antiviral benefits in the context of the common cold.

More about Sandalwood
More about Colds (antiviral)

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monolaurin
oregano
perilla
phellodendron amurense
phenolic acids
pineapple
pomegranate
quercetin
resveratrol
rhizome
rosemary
schizonepeta
shiitake mushroom
spirulina
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vitamin C
vitamin D
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Curry leaf
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Clerodendrum trichotomum
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Carrageenan
Carvacrol
Capillary Artemisia
Citron
Citrus
Chinese Raisintree
Cowherb
Cistus
Common madia
Cinnamaldehyde
Costus
Celosia
Chondrus
Deoxyandrographolides
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Products containing Sandalwood

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