The Power of Ayurvedic Oils
Oils (both herbal and base oils) have been relied upon for thousands of years, forming a fundamental part of Ayurveda.
Oil is traditionally used in Ayurvedic healing in a variety of ways including raw consumption, cooking, massage, bathing, gargling, basti (colon nourishment) and nasya (nasal passage nourishment).
Two basic categories of Ayurvedic oil are:
• Base – Pure, whole, organic oil from a natural source (such as sesame, almond, coconut or sunflower)
• Herbal – A base oil infused with specific Ayurvedic herbs (these combine the nourishing and soothing qualities of the oil with the healing properties of the herbs).
Ayurvedic oils can be calming, soothing, moistening and lubricating.
Sneha is the Sanskrit word for Oil. It is also a word for love, and therefore holds a special place in this time-honoured tradition. Ayurvedic oil transmits healing qualities deep into the tissues of the body.
Having deep healing properties, Ayurvedic herbalised oils are quite different from other oils by virtue of their properties and preparations.
In order to prepare 1 litre ‘Thailam’ (Ayurveda Massage oil), 1 kilogram of dried herbs are boiled in 16 litres of water until it is reduced to just 4 litres of ‘Kasha yam’ (decoction). And then 120 gm. of medicines (powdered and ground) as ‘Kalkam’ (paste) and 1 litre juice of fresh herbs – ‘Swarasam’ are added to the base oil (generally black sesame or coconut) and mixed together, and boiled in low flame until the whole water of the mixture is vaporized. While boiling, the medicinal qualities of the herbals are absorbed by the oil, and the oil becomes medicated. Over a number of days the moisture evaporates and as the consistency of the paste changes, the characteristic features of different oils are seen
• 1st stage – sticky & wax like – used for nasya (nasal oil)
• 2nd stage – rolls into ball – used for internal medicine i.e. enema
• 3rd stage – fine sand like consistency – ayurveda massage oil
Therefore a traditional Ayurvedic oil goes through a very special process which means the healing properties remain intact.
In the preparation of oils and pastes special and traditional procedures are used to ensure strict quality control and the preparation of medicines in the traditional manner using special metal vessel- ‘panchaloha’ pathra (made of gold, silver, copper, iron, and brass).
• Only prescribed types of fire woods are used.
• Organic sesame is bought directly from the farmers, and the oil is extracted in wooden grinders – as it was in olden days.
• The herbs are collected fresh
• All these are to ensure high quality and purity.
• GMP certified