Evidence supporting the use of: Australian Sandalwood
For the health condition: Itching
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Australian Sandalwood (Santalum spicatum) has a long history of traditional use among Indigenous Australians, including for various skin conditions such as itching, sores, and rashes. The wood and its oil have been applied topically, often as a paste or infused oil, to soothe irritated or inflamed skin. The rationale for these uses is primarily based on observed effects and cultural knowledge passed down through generations. The aromatic oil contains sesquiterpenes, including alpha- and beta-santalol, which are thought to have mild anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, potentially offering relief from pruritus (itching) secondary to minor skin irritations or infections. However, while the traditional use is well-documented in ethnobotanical literature, robust scientific validation for its efficacy specifically in treating itching is lacking. There are some laboratory studies on Indian sandalwood (Santalum album) oil’s anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, but research specifically on Australian sandalwood and its impact on pruritus is sparse and mostly anecdotal. As such, while tradition supports its use for itching, current scientific evidence is not strong enough to conclusively validate its effectiveness for this purpose.
Other ingredients used for Itching
aloe veramyrobalan
betel
bisabolol
chamomile
turmeric
Japanese sophora
licorice root
marshmallow
peppermint oil
scrophularia root
slippery elm bark
vitamin D
vitamin E
zinc
bentonite
chickweed
typhonium
ferula assafoetida
yarrow
sweetgums
oriental arborvitae
sheep's sorrel
camphor oil
white oak
melaleuca alternifolia
geranium
Avens
Apple Cider Vinegar
Agrimony
Anamu
Abrus
American Liverleaf
Asam gelugor
Allantoin
Alsonia scholaris
Argan nut oil
Amor seco
Arani
Arisaema
Asarum sieboldii
benzyl alcohol
Babchi
Baliospermum
Baphicacanthus cusia
Balsam
Barleria
Brazillian peppertree
Black Nightshade
Calendula
Calotropis gigantea
Clerodendrum trichotomum
coconut oil
Colloid
Cinquefoil
Cocoa Butter
Carry Me Seed
Cornflower
Cajuput
Catechu
Cedar
Calamus
Cyanthillium cinereum
Castor Oil
Carthamus
Copaiba Oil
Citronella
Didymocarpus
DIVI-DIVI
Dwarf Nettle
Davilla rugosa
Dendramine
European Elder
Erodium cicutarium
Emu Oil
Elephant's Head
Euphorbia
Eugenol
Mallow
Oak
Spikenard
Snakeroot (unspecified)
Sandalwood
Sumac
Vervain
Other health conditions supported by Australian Sandalwood
AnxietyAnxiety Disorders
Arthritis
Asthma
Backache
Bites and Stings
Boils
Bronchitis
Burns and Scalds
Cough (general)
Cuts
Depression
Dermatitis
Eczema
Edema
Emotional Sensitivity
Fever
Fungal Infections
Headache (general)
Headache (sinus)
Headache (tension)
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Inflammation
Insomnia
Itching
Itching Ears
Mood Swings
Nervousness
Neuralgia and Neuritis
Pain (general remedies for)
Psoriasis
Rashes and Hives
Scars / Scar Tissue
Skin (dry and/or flaky)
Skin (infections)
Skin Care (general)
Stress
Wounds and Sores