Evidence supporting the use of: Sandalwood
For the health condition: Colds (decongestant)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Sandalwood (Santalum album and other species) has been used traditionally in various systems of medicine, including Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine, for its purported benefits in treating respiratory ailments such as colds. The primary traditional use relevant to colds is as a decongestant or to soothe symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections. Sandalwood oil has been used in steam inhalations, believed to aid in clearing nasal passages and relieving congestion due to its aromatic properties.
However, there is minimal scientific evidence to substantiate these traditional uses. Contemporary studies on sandalwood primarily focus on its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, and even these are mostly in vitro or animal studies rather than robust human clinical trials. There is little to no direct evidence from modern medical research that confirms sandalwood's effectiveness as a decongestant or its ability to provide significant relief from cold symptoms. Thus, its use for this purpose remains grounded in tradition rather than validated science.
In summary, sandalwood's use as a decongestant for colds is primarily traditional, with very limited supporting evidence from scientific studies.
Other ingredients used for Colds (decongestant)
allspicewaterhyssop
basil
beta-pinene
black cumin
black currant
black pepper
radish
capsaicinoids
chen pi
citrus oil
clove
turmeric
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
forsythia
garlic bulb
ginger
greek mountain tea
green tea
horseradish
honeysuckle
lemon
licorice root
mint
mustard seed
oregano
peppermint oil
pineapple
pomegranate
quercetin
rhizome
rosemary
schizonepeta
spearmint leaf
thyme
vitamin C
wasabia japonica
water
zinc
hyssop
cardamom
atractylodes
capsicum
mugwort
alpinia galangal
ferula assafoetida
boxthorne
lemongrass
yerba santa
chrysanthemum
sweet flag
eucalyptus
menthol oil
abies spectabilis
horehound
Sichuan pepper
indigo leaves
cayenne pepper
Alcohol
Agastache
Alpha-terpineol
Asarum heterotropoides
Andrographis
Asteracea
allyl isothiocyanate
Allium tuberosum
Arani
Atractylone
Baphicacanthus cusia
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Black galingale
Bitter Grass
berry
Bee products
Buddha's Hand
Borneol
Coconut
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Capillary Artemisia
Citron
Citrus
Cineole
Capsaicin
Cajuput
Cinnamaldehyde
Costus
Dragonhead
Ephedra
English Horsemint
Echinacea
Elder
Essential Oil Blend
Ephedrine
Mustard
salt
Sandalwood
Sweet Orange alcohol
Other health conditions supported by Sandalwood
AnxietyAnxiety Disorders
Arthritis
Asthma
Bronchitis
Burns and Scalds
Canker Sores
Cold Sores
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (sinus)
Conjunctivitis
Cuts
Depression
Dermatitis
Fever
Fungal Infections
Headache (general)
Headache (sinus)
Headache (tension)
Herpes
Hypertension
Infection
Infection (viral)
Insomnia
Itching
Itching (rectal)
Itching Ears
Jaundice (adults)
Laryngitis
Migraine