The Materia Medica of the Hindus, compiled from Sanskrit Medical Works c5.s20.3

c5.s20.3

The essential oil of chandan (chua chandana) obtained by distillation from the heart-wood and roots, is of a pale yellow colour and has a peculiar fragrant smell best appreciated by rubbing a few drops of it on the hand. It is much used as a perfume by the Hindus both for themselves and for their idols. In Orissa it is a practice with the better classes to rub a little sandal oil in the spices which they take with their betle-leaf.