Here's everything you need to know about red sandalwood featured in Allu Arjun's 'Pushpa'

Here's some trivia about Red Sandalwood or Blood Sandalwood and why it is in demand

Pushpa: The Rise starring Allu Arjun and Rashmika Mandanna in the lead roles and Fahad Faasil as the antagonist has become a gigantic success after its release. The movie was released in multiple languages on OTT platforms and created quite a stir. 

The story of the film revolves around Allu Arjun who is a smuggler of red sandalwood or rakta chandan and becomes a rich man. But what is about this red sandalwood that changed the guy's life in no time? Here's some trivia about Red Sandalwood or Blood Sandalwood and why it is in demand: 

What Is It? 

Red Sandalwood or red sanders, saunders wood and ruby red — is highly regulated wood that is red in colour and has medicinal properties. There’s a high demand for wood in the national and international markets. However, the rare plant species are listed as ‘near threatened by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature), due to its overexploitation.

Where Are They Grown? 

The species is extremely rare for a reason which is that it isn't easily available everywhere. These trees grow only in the Seshachalam hills spread over four districts of Andhra Pradesh- Nellore, Kurnool, Chittoor, Cuddapah bordering Tamil Nadu. Basically, they are only grown in Eastern Ghatsthe soil in the area — its water content, acidity, aeration and the availability of nutrients. 

What Are The Medicinal Properties?

It has a lot of medicinal properties. It is recommended for treating digestive tract problems such as diarrhoea and loose motions, fluid retention, and breaks up mucus to make it easier to cough up. It is also known for its blood purification properties. Apart from these, wood is also used as a flavouring agent in alcohol especially wine. 

It Is Unlike Other Sandalwood

Sandalwood in general is used for several purposes. In India, it is used during prayer rituals or in temples due to the calming fragrance of the wood. The fragrance is also popularly sold in the form of beauty products and perfumes. However, the red sandalwood has no fragrance whatsoever so when it is burnt, it would seem like the regular sandalwood. 

Special Task Force Protects These Trees

According to The News Minute, this sandalwood is sold for millions in the international market. So, naturally, the smuggling of this rare species is in full swing just like it was shown in the movie. Thus, Special Task Force s deployed to protect these trees. There are strict laws in India to stop its smuggling. There is a demand for these woods in many countries including China, Japan, Singapore, UAE, and Australia. It is most smuggled in China. Here the demand for this sandalwood is high because China makes furniture, decorative items, traditional instruments from it.

(Source: India Times)