Purpose of Ayurvedic oils

Nature has always been benevolent to us. Mankind is blessed with immense flora, abundant water, natural climate, plenty of food, and shelter that helps us survive day after day. We are continuously using resources of nature to satisfy our needs starting from using it in its natural form to its very refined cellular levels. The medical science of applying nature’s products for healing and wellness has come to be known as Ayurveda. 

When you type ‘Ayurveda meaning’ into your search bar the response you get will be that the word Ayurveda consists of two Sanskrit words ‘ayus’, meaning ‘life’ and ‘veda’, meaning ‘science’, which when combined means the ‘science of life’. Ayurveda, meaning the science of holistic and natural healing uses various oils for treatment because of its medicinal properties and beneficial effects on the body. 

Ayurvedic oils are usually prepared using a blend of natural herbs, water and base oils which are then, depending on the ailment and individual’s needs, massaged over a person’s body. An Ayurvedic doctor recommends using ayurvedic oils based on their nutritional and therapeutic benefits specific to the patient, problem or requirement. Such prescriptions come from the Ayurveda doctor’s intimate medical knowledge of the properties of the oil and the medicinal herbs, brought together in specific ratios. Concoctions thus prepared are prescribed both for internal and/or external consumption. In Ayurveda, oil is used in different ways like cooking, raw consumption, massage, oil pulling, and Nasya (nasal passage cleansing and nourishment). Many traditional practitioners like ayurvedic doctors and therapists use oils specific to the dominant doshas existing in the body. Some of these beneficial oils immensely used in Ayurveda are,

• Sesame oil – It is considered as the king of oils which is hot in potency and due to its minute property, it can penetrate through various channels of the body nourishing those channels from deep within. It is a strengthening oil that is good for the health of the skin and improves the digestion of the body.
• Neem Oil – Neem has a dual purpose. It not only prevents diseases but helps in healing them too. This oil is the most cooling of all Ayurvedic oils. It acts as a cleanser and detoxifier for the body helping in boosting immunity and digestion. It has proven to do wonders to the skin if used regularly.
• Coconut oil – Coconut oil is one of the oldest of oils known to mankind and is used in every household but little do we know that it is filled with beneficial properties like strengthening the hair and teeth, nourishing skin conditions along with boosting mental awareness and concentration.
• Brahmi oil – It is a massaging oil which is applied on the scalp or skin that cures anxiety, reduces dandruff, adds lustre to the hair and, even helps fight epilepsy.
• Castor oil – It is a bitter and pungent oil that normalizes the balance of the doshas and is effective for treating abnormal enlargement of scrotum and abdomen, intermittent fever, back pain, and swelling of the abdomen and genitals.

Ayurvedic oils have the potential to improve the quality of life without any doubt. Incorporating these oils in your daily self-care routine enhances the overall well-being, increases immunity levels enabling a stress-free and healthy life.