Types of Ayurvedic Oils - There are hundreds of different Ayurvedic oils prepared with detailed recipes written in the classical texts – Ashtagahridaya, Sahasrayoga, and others. Each oil is formulated with herbs that will address dosha imbalances in the functioning of the body and mind. Below is a list of some of the more commonly used oils in Kerala Ayurveda.

• Dhanwantaram is a warming oil used in winter to address high Vata problems such as sensitivity to cold, low back aches, and joint pains.

• Bala is a Tridoshic oil suitable for all doshas. The word “bala” means “strength” so this oil is used for general strengthening of the body.

• Ksheerabala is Bala with milk cooked into the preparation. It is a cooler oil used in the summer for Vata and Pitta constitutions.

• Balaashwagandha is Bala with Ashwangandha which is a nervine herb. This is an excellent oil for Vata problems that stress the nervous system.

• Pinda Tailam is a more cooling oil for heated Pitta individuals who may suffer from rashes and skin eruptions. It contains one of the most effective Pitta reducing herbs, Manjistha. This oil is red in color because of Manjistha.

• Mahanarayana is an analgesic oil for sore muscles and joints. It is used often in cases of rheumatoid and osteo arthritis.

• Bringadi is the made with the primary herb that nourishes the hair follicles, Bringaraj. This oil is used to increase healthy hair growth.

• Brahmi is an oil that contains the most revered rejuvenative herb for healthy functioning of the brain, Brahmi. It is used often in Shirodhara.

Cooking your own oil. Use one part herbs to 4 parts oil to 16 parts water and slowly boil the water away so that the herbal properties are thoroughly cooked into the oil. Remove the herbs and the medicated oil is ready to use.

Application of Ayurvedic oils. The oils are applied in several different ways.

• Abhyanga refers to a massage that rubs warm medicated oil into the skin. Use a ceramic butter warmer and massage the oil over your body following the natural flow of your body hair. Apply oil with long strokes down the legs and arms and round strokes at the larger joints. Read more in Ayurvedic Treatments.

• Pizhichil. 2 to 4 therapists pour warm sesame oil over the body using 5 quarts of medicated oils. This treatment creates a deep effect in reducing Vata dosha in auto immune illnesses and general aging.

• Shirodhara rejuvenates the cells of the brain and the nervous system. The oil flows as a continuous stream over the brow and the top of the head. For therapeutic purposes this oil treatment must be received on consecutive days for 1 to 2 weeks with serious restrictions to protect the head from sun, heat, cold, wind, and dampness. Shirodhara is very effective in reducing insomnia and hypertension as well as calming the mind.

• Basti The oil is warmed and applied to the colon to reduce Vata issues such as constipation, low back pain, and anxiety.

• Nasya Anu Tailam is a specially prepared oil that is applied in the sinus area as a cleansing Panchakarma treatment.

Home Use of Ayurvedic Oils. Including the use of Ayurvedic Oils to your home routine will maintain balance of your doshas and assist continuing well being.

• Daily abhyanga with warm oil before bathing strengthens the body, reduces Vata, and improves ojas so that the immune system works well.

• Apply warm oil inside the nostrils and ears once each week.

• To avoid gingivitis and to strengthen the teeth hold sesame oil in the mouth and rub it into the gums.

• To soothe tired eyes or computer strained eyes once a week apply castor oil to the eyes liberally before sleeping.

• In summer’s heat apply cooling oils such as Brahmi and Chandanadi to the top pf the head. A tablespoon of oil is warmed in the palm of the hand and placed directly on the Brahmarandha. Let it remain there for ½ to 1 hour (an excellent time for morning meditation) and then rub it off with a cloth before oiling the body and showering.

• Oil massage on the feet, especially the soles of the feet, will soothe the nerves and support a sound sleep. Dr. Lad recommends massaging ghee into the soles of the feet and then putting on a light pair of cotton socks to prevent staining the bed sheets.

For further information regarding the preparation and application of Ayurvedic Oils contact Rasayana Cove Ayurvedic Retreat. See contact us.