Sandalwood vs Aster amellus

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Sandalwood

Santalum album

Urinary

Urinary

Sandalwood

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

✅ Generally safe while nursing

Aster amellus

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

Sacred Indian tree with alpha-santalol essential oil used in Ayurveda for skin, urinary, and spiritual.

European aster used in folk medicine for urinary conditions, skin inflammation, and as diuretic.

Active Compounds

alpha-santalol, beta-santalol, santene, santenone, sesquiterpenes

flavonoids, tannins, saponins, sesquiterpene lactones

Traditional Uses

Ayurvedic cooling urinary herb, Hindu sacred wood, TCM skin herb

urinary conditions, skin inflammation, wound healing

Modern Uses

urinary antiseptic, skin care, anti-inflammatory, aromatherapy

mild diuretic, anti-inflammatory, skin care

Adult Dosage

Apply diluted oil topically; traditional paste on forehead; 1-2g powder

2-3g dried herb tea 2x/day

Contraindications

kidney disease (internal essential oil), skin sensitivity

Asteraceae allergy

Side Effects

skin sensitization, kidney irritation (internal oil)

contact dermatitis

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E