🌻Cape & Southern African Herbalism

Rooilandros (Red Sandalwood)

Pterocarpus angolensis

About Rooilandros (Red Sandalwood)

Rooilandros (Red Sandalwood) (Pterocarpus angolensis) is a herb used in the Cape & Southern African Herbalism tradition to help with Wound Healing, Diabetes, Fever, and Liver Support, among 1 other condition it addresses. The heartwood and essential oil are the parts traditionally used, applied topically.

Botanical background

Pterocarpus angolensis (African teak, wild teak, Afrikaans: Kiaat, Sotho: Morôtô, Tswana: Mokwa, Venda: Mutondo, Shona: Mukwa, Shona: Mubvamaropa, Zulu: Umvangazi) is a species of Pterocarpus native to southern Africa, in Angola, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zaire, Zimbabwe,and Zambia. It is a protected tree in South Africa. The name Kiaat, although Afrikaans, is sometimes used outside South Africa as well. In Zimbabwe, depending on what region you are in, it is known as Mukwa or...

Source: Wikipedia, via iNaturalist

Parts used

Heartwood · topicalEssential Oil · topical
🍵

Tea / Infusion

1–3 cups daily
  • Steep 1–2 tsp of dried Rooilandros (Red Sandalwood) in freshly boiled water for 5–10 minutes.
  • Cover while steeping.
  • Strain and drink.
💧

Tincture

20–40 drops in water, 2–3× daily
  • Pack dried Rooilandros (Red Sandalwood) into a jar and cover with 40–60% alcohol.
  • Seal and steep for 4–6 weeks, shaking daily.
  • Strain and store in a dark dropper bottle.
💊

Powder / Capsule

500 mg – 1 g, 1–3× daily
  • Grind dried Rooilandros (Red Sandalwood) into a fine powder.
  • Fill size 00 capsules or stir into smoothies or honey.
🖐️

Topical / Poultice

1–2× daily as needed
  • Mash fresh Rooilandros (Red Sandalwood) or mix the powder with a little water to form a paste.
  • Apply to the affected area for 20–30 minutes.
🫙

Infused Oil

Massage into affected area 1–2× daily
  • Fill a jar with dried Rooilandros (Red Sandalwood).
  • Pour over a carrier oil until submerged.
  • Leave for 4–6 weeks, then strain.
  • Use topically or as a salve base.
🛁

Herbal Bath

2–3× per week as needed
  • Brew 4–6 tbsp of Rooilandros (Red Sandalwood) in 1 litre of hot water for 15 minutes, strain, and add to a warm bath.
  • Soak for 20–30 minutes.

Pregnancy, Breastfeeding & Children

No herb-specific pregnancy/child safety research is documented for Rooilandros (Red Sandalwood) in our references — the guidance below is based on its general effect category, not research on Rooilandros (Red Sandalwood) itself. Always confirm with a midwife, doctor, or pediatrician.

Pregnancy

Use Caution

This herb is processed through the liver, which is already working harder during pregnancy — generally used cautiously and not at high/concentrated doses without guidance. This is a general, mechanism-based caution, not herb-specific research.

Breastfeeding

Use Caution

Liver-processed compounds can appear in breast milk — generally used cautiously and in moderation.

Children

Use Caution

A child's liver is still developing its full drug/herb-processing capacity — these herbs are generally used cautiously and at reduced, age-appropriate doses.

Contraindications

  • Active liver disease — monitor liver enzymes with long-term use
  • Diabetes medications — may enhance hypoglycaemic effect; monitor blood glucose closely

Warnings

⛔ Diabetes Medications

May enhance the blood sugar–lowering effect of insulin or oral diabetes medications. Monitor blood glucose closely.

⚠️ Liver Health

Some herbs used for liver conditions can be hepatotoxic at high doses. Have liver function monitored if using long-term.

⚠️ Allergic Reactions

Discontinue immediately if you experience rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.

⚠️ Not Medical Advice

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal remedies.

Drug & herb interactions

May affect blood sugar

Watch for: Insulin and oral diabetes medications (metformin, sulfonylureas)

Additive blood-sugar-lowering effects can risk hypoglycemia — monitor glucose closely.

Processed by the liver

Watch for: Any medication that is also processed by liver enzymes (ask your pharmacist — this includes many common prescriptions)

Can alter how quickly the body clears certain medications, raising or lowering their effective dose.

Where to find in nature

Native region

Various global regions

Climate

Varied

Habitat

Cultivated in traditional medicinal gardens, botanical gardens, and herb farms worldwide

🌿 To see Rooilandros (Red Sandalwood) growing, visit botanical gardens, university plant collections, or specialist herb nurseries near you. If foraging in the wild, always work with an expert identifier — never consume a plant you are not 100% certain of.

Where to buy

In store

  • Health food stores (Whole Foods, Natural Grocers, Holland & Barrett, GNC)
  • Naturopathic clinics and integrative medicine practices
  • Specialist herbal apothecaries and herbalist practices
  • Farmers markets with herb vendors

Online

iHerb

Wide selection of standardised extracts, capsules, and powders with lab testing

Mountain Rose Herbs

Premium bulk dried herbs — certified organic, ethically sourced

Starwest Botanicals

Large selection of certified organic bulk herbs and powders

Herb Pharm

High-quality liquid extracts and tinctures, rigorous quality standards

Amazon

Convenient — verify brand certifications and check third-party testing

Etsy

Small-batch artisan herbalists, hand-harvested and wildcrafted herbs

Quality tips

When buying Rooilandros (Red Sandalwood), look for: certified organic labelling, clearly stated country of origin, third-party lab testing for heavy metals and pesticides, and a batch expiry date. Standardised extracts offer consistent dosing; bulk dried herbs are more economical for regular use. Avoid very cheap, unlabelled products — quality varies enormously.