Evidence supporting the use of: Sandalwood
For the health condition: Dermatitis

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Synopsis

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

Sandalwood has a long history of traditional use in Ayurvedic and other traditional medicine systems for various skin ailments, including dermatitis. The essential oil derived from the wood, primarily from Santalum album, has been employed for its supposed anti-inflammatory, soothing, and antimicrobial properties. In Ayurveda, sandalwood paste is commonly applied to the skin to cool inflammation, reduce itching, and promote healing in conditions such as eczema and other forms of dermatitis.

However, scientific studies supporting the efficacy of sandalwood for dermatitis are limited. Some in vitro and small-scale clinical trials have suggested that sandalwood oil possesses anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities, which could theoretically benefit inflammatory skin conditions. For example, a few studies have reported that sandalwood oil or its components (such as alpha-santalol) may reduce markers of inflammation in cell-based assays or animal models. There have also been limited clinical trials of topical sandalwood oil in combination with other botanicals for skin conditions, but these studies often lack rigorous controls or large sample sizes, and frequently do not isolate sandalwood as the sole active agent.

Overall, while there is a strong traditional basis for the use of sandalwood in dermatitis, current scientific evidence remains preliminary and not robust. Therefore, sandalwood’s use for dermatitis is primarily justified by tradition, and the evidence supporting its efficacy is modest.

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