4 Types of Chandan Trees in India | Sandalwood Varieties

If you want to know about how many Types of Chandan are there in India, you are at the right place! Let’s know in detail!

What is Chandan?

The sandalwood or Chandan is a class of slow-growing trees, famous for its quality wood with a distinctive smell!  The woods of chandan are very costly; in fact, the second most expensive in the world. They are aromatic and can retain their aroma for many years, which many other kinds of wood cannot do. They have a yellow, fine-grain, and dense structure, and are the source for the making of sandalwood oil, which serves many purposes, especially in perfume or cosmetic industries. Here are the best Types of Chandan available in India!

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Chandan Tree in India

The tree holds significant importance in India. It is held sacred in almost all religions, may it be Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, Sufism, or Zoroastrianism. The tree is believed to be the abode of goddess Laxmi, and the paste of sandalwood is used in various ceremonies and rituals. In Buddhism, the sandalwood paste is believed to help keep you alert during meditation. While the Buddhists offer the sandal incense to the Buddha and the guru, in Jainism, it is used in the worshiping of the Tirthankara deities. It is also considered a critical medicine in Ayurveda.

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Chandan Tree Types in India

Chandan wood is the second most expensive in the world and sells for an excellent price. Thus, the commercial production of it can be very fruitful. However, you cannot grow these trees individually, and you need to have the state government’s permission to cut the tree and sell the wood.  There are many types of chandan in India. The following section shall discuss them in detail.

1. Indian Chandan

Botanical Name: Santalum album

The most famous source of sandalwood, this small tropical tree is native to south India. It can grow up to 13- 20 feet in height and holds various medicinal properties. The essential oil of this tree sells for high prices. Besides, it is also an important part of Indian culture and can live up to 100 years. The tree, however, comes under protection, as over-exploitation is leading to their extinction.

2. Red Chandan

Botanical Name: Pterocarpus santalinus

Also famous as Rakta chandan, it is another variety native to the Eastern ghats of Southern India. The tree is quite famous for its wood, which has a unique and vibrant red color. However, the beautiful looking wood of this tree is not fragrant. It is relatively small and can grow up to 20-25 feet tall. Red Chandan is also famous for its traditional medicinal uses, such as in the treatment of dysentery, bleeding, as an anti-inflammatory and antipyretic.

3. Swet Chandan

Botanical Name: Santalum album L

It is also an evergreen tree with a plethora of medicinal benefits. Both the wood and oil extracts hold medicinal values. This type of Chandan can be useful in the treatment of bronchitis, fever, common cold, headaches, and urinary tract infections. The essential oil from this tree is popular in the making of soaps, perfumes, and cosmetics. The oil also has uses in the food industries as well.

4. Malayagiri Chandan

Botanical Name: Santalum

An evergreen tree, Malayagiri Chandan, can grow up to 20-30 feet high. It is native to Mysore, Coorg, Hyderabad, Nilgiri, and Western ghats of South India. Although there are many varieties of Chandan, Malayagiri Chandan or Shrikhand is the sweetest and real of them all! The tree has a beige-white color wood with an enchanting fragrance. The wood of these trees has uses in the making of beautiful boxes and stools.

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Health Benefits and Uses of Sandalwood

For centuries people have been using sandalwood in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. It is very effective and offers plenty of benefits.

• Applying sandalwood paste improves concentration and helps you stay alert.
• The topical application of sandalwood oil provides relief from anxiety.
• Sandalwood paste and oil promotes better healing of wounds and minor scars.