Chandan khao, also known as white sandalwood, has long been a traditional remedy across Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. The tree behind this name is Tarenna hoaensis Pit., sitting at the crossroads of heritage and scientific curiosity. Ancient practitioners praised its aromatic heartwood for cooling effects and fever relief, while today researchers explore its biochemical properties for potential medical use.
To understand chandan khao’s place in Thai culture, it helps to note how aromatic woods feature in local traditions. Although related to Indian sandalwood, chandan khao’s medical role remains distinctly Southeast Asian. Healers have used mature heartwood to fashion cooling balms, anti-fever preparations, and soothing infusions. These practices fit a hot, humid climate where cooling remedies are especially valued.
Thai herbal traditions document its roles in decoctions for fevers, headaches, heat-related illnesses, and conditions attributed to excess body heat. The wood’s mild astringency and pleasant fragrance make it a versatile base for multi-herb remedies, paired with ingredients that aid cleansing, anti-inflammation, and fever relief. In ceremonial settings, shredded wood and powder have appeared in Buddhist rites and funerary customs, symbolizing purity and the impermanence of life.
Modern science seeks evidence beyond tradition. Research has primarily focused on the Tarenna genus and related species, which share phytochemical traits with chandan khao. These studies offer clues about potential benefits but do not yet analyze Tarenna hoaensis directly.
Phytochemical work on Tarenna species reveals flavonoids, alkaloids, and terpenoids—compounds linked to antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. For example, related species have shown catechins, phenolic acids, and flavone glycosides. These molecules can counteract free radicals, ease inflammation, and may inhibit certain microbes. Although direct analyses of Tarenna hoaensis are limited, scientists infer similar core benefits from its relatives.
Thai herbal practitioners remain active with chandan khao in home remedies and professional traditional treatments. Recent conference findings on heartwood authentication note that mature core wood—often called “gaen chandan khao”—is believed to contain higher concentrations of cooling and anti-inflammatory essential oils. In multi-herb prescriptions such as ya ha rak, chandan khao is blended with other fever-modulating herbs, especially during hot seasons or for individuals with a warm constitution.
Emerging studies support the idea that polyphenol-rich botanicals, including Tarenna species, exhibit antioxidant activity in laboratory models. This may partly explain its use for fever and malaise, though real-world dosage, absorption, and effects require human clinical trials specifically targeting chandan khao. Related species have shown potential antimicrobial and anti-worm activity in early work, and traditional use sometimes links chandan khao to mild skin irritations or digestive concerns when combined with other remedies. Reports of serious side effects are rare, but some herbal products can cause allergies or gastrointestinal discomfort in susceptible individuals.
Bridging lab results to everyday use requires careful guidance. Public health authorities and qualified Thai traditional medicine practitioners emphasize sourcing authentic materials free of adulterants, using correct dosages, and tailoring treatments to individuals—particularly for children, pregnant people, or those on medications. The rise of self-care and home remedies during healthcare strains makes rigorous information and professional advice more important than ever.
Culturally, chandan khao embodies Thailand’s connection between nature, spirituality, and daily life. In Buddhist contexts, aromatic woods symbolize respect for life and impermanence. In rural communities, heartwood decoctions reflect ancestral knowledge about local ecosystems and health practices that predate modern pharmacology. For health-minded readers in Thailand and beyond, the fusion of tradition with careful scientific inquiry offers a responsible path for herbal medicine into the future.
Looking ahead, advancing chandan khao toward broader use will require robust clinical research to confirm safety, efficacy, and mechanisms in humans. Collaboration among traditional practitioners, scientists, and regulators will help establish harvesting, preparation, and dosing standards. Growing interest in natural health should be guided by rigorous science to preserve tradition while ensuring patient safety.
If you are considering chandan khao or any herbal remedy, seek guidance from a licensed Thai traditional medicine practitioner or a medical professional. Herbal products can interact with medications or conditions; professional advice helps ensure safe, appropriate use. This article provides educational context and is not a substitute for professional medical guidance.
This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult qualified health professionals before starting or changing any herbal routines.