Practicing Ayurveda without oils and fats is barely conceivable. We ourselves are repeatedly impressed by the transformative power of Ayurvedic oils. This is not about perfumed oils that smell like citrus or lavender from the beauty section of the drugstore. Rather, we're talking about heavy, mostly dark oils that smell earthy-woody to spicy-herbal. Depending on the area of application, up to 50 different ingredients are added to the cooking pot for medicated oils and cooked into potent oil mixtures in a complex, usually multi-day process.
Ayurvedic medicine knows a wide variety of internal oil applications and manual oil therapies, and accordingly many different oils. But what's the difference, and which oil do you use for what?
The essentials at a glance
- Medicated oils consist of complex mixtures and are produced in elaborate processes.
- The choice of oil depends on the Dosha disturbance present: Vata, Pitta, or Kapha.
- Vata is calmed by warming oils, Pitta is reduced by cooling oils, and Kapha is reduced by stimulating oil mixtures.
Medicated oils in Ayurvedic medicine
In centuries-old Ayurvedic recipes, you can find sometimes complex mixtures of various spices, herbs, roots, barks, leaves, flowers, and milk. Some recipes even call for cow urine and cow dung, the reason being the urea content. Carrier substances are usually fats such as sesame, mustard, coconut oil, milk, or ghee. Ayurvedic medicine attributes its own thermal property to each carrier substance, and thus also Dosha-balancing quality.
The production of oils is very time-consuming – during my training to become an Ayurvedic practitioner in India, I witnessed the multi-stage production of an herbal oil that was subsequently used in the Ayurveda clinic. For several days, a huge kettle had to be constantly heated. The mixture inside containing many herbs, oil, water, and cow urine was reduced over constant stirring. From originally 120 liters of liquid, 13.5 liters of valuable oil essence were obtained after the process, filtered, and bottled.
In Ayurvedic therapy, the warmed oil serves as a mediator or transport medium for the active substances contained in the respective herb. The oil penetrates through all dhatus and carries the effect of the herbs with it into the depths on its way. At the same time, it can either dissolve toxins and stimulate metabolic processes, or strengthen the respective body layers with nutrients.
Oil applications and the Doshas
Which oil you should use depends on the Dosha disturbance present, which you want to treat with the help of oil treatment. In general, it can be said that warming oil reduces Vata. To reduce Pitta, cooling oil mixtures are usually used, while Kapha is reduced by stimulating oil mixtures or herbal powder massages.
Reducing Vata means warming and calming
Vata is the principle of movement and is connected with all physical activities: from heartbeat to the mobility of our limbs, breathing, excretion, and even in the transmission of sensory stimuli via the nervous pathways, Vata is the active principle. Vata is connected with the elements of air and ether (space). Vata reduces Kapha (which gives the body structure among other things). The main characteristics (gunas) of Vata are: mobility, dryness, cold. An unstable lifestyle, fast-paced living, stress, little movement in fresh air, uncooked irregular eating, a dry, bitter, and oil-free diet – all of this increases our Vata. The diet should be regular, the food warm and prepared with good oils / ghee or sesame oil.
In general, Vata-reducing oils are used in the presence of corresponding symptoms of elevated Vata.
Possible signs of elevated Vata:
- Immobility, stiffness – for example, of joints
- Hypermobility of joints
- Back pain
- Loss of substance. Symptoms include: weakness, nervousness, hectic behavior
- Inner restlessness, sleep problems, tension, worries
- Constipation
- Tinnitus, headaches
Vata therapy and oils that reduce Vata
Oil treatments are the treatment of choice for reducing Vata. The probably best-known method for self-treatment is the full-body oiling Abhyanga with warm sesame oil or a Vata-reducing oil. Incorporate Abhyanga into your morning routine to start the day relaxed and balanced.
Sesame oil binds free radicals and strengthens cells and tissues. At the same time, it stimulates metabolic processes. A foot massage (Padabhyanga) or head massage (Shiroabhyanga) are also completely easy to perform yourself and highly effective. A warm bath or shower after the oil treatment increases the oil's effect and promotes relaxation.
These oils reduce Vata – a selection
| (Maha) Narayana tailam | Particularly suitable for strengthening the nerves in case of stress and anxiety |
| Jathyadi tailam | The massage oil is also suitable for head massages. It is particularly soothing for the skin and also cares for minor wounds and skin imbalances. |
| Danwantharam tailam | A good all-around oil for Vata-reducing applications |
Reducing Pitta – cooling and neutralizing acidity
The main characteristics of Pitta are moist, hot, penetrating, sour, bitter, flowing, and sharp. The Pitta Dosha regulates, among other things, digestion, meaning the breakdown of food by means of digestive juices. Pitta is responsible for body temperature and metabolism. It is present in the skin, eyes, blood (rakta), heart, and sweat. Pitta is determined by the elements of fire and a small amount of water. Often, Pitta personalities are assertive, ambitious, and creative people who are athletic and whose actions are goal-oriented. But sometimes Pitta simply takes over, and the same person becomes irritable, angry, develops rashes, or inflammations.
Possible signs of elevated Pitta:
- Inflammatory diseases
- Stomach hyperacidity and ulcers
- Skin rashes
- Burning (e.g., urinary tract infections)
- Heat (e.g., hot flashes, fever)
- Diarrhea
- pronounced hunger and thirst
- heavy perspiration
- tendency to bleed
- Aggression
So the focus is on heat and acid development, which can also appear on the skin or mucous membranes. Pitta-burdened patients often have an aversion to oils.
Pitta therapy and measures that reduce Pitta
Overall, Pitta can be calmed by rest and cooling. In addition to calming activities (sports, hiking, yoga, meditation), cooling forehead treatments (for example, with buttermilk) and gentle massages with Pitta-reducing oils and foot massages with ghee are recommended. The best method to remove excess Pitta from the body is therapeutic purgation (virecana). This drastic measure should only be performed by experienced specialists, but shows excellent results with typical Pitta symptoms.
Pitta-reducing oils – a selection
| Kumkumadi Tailam | This oil is particularly suitable for caring for problematic facial skin. |
| Jathyadi Keram | The coconut oil on which this formulation is based is described as particularly cooling (sita). This oil is suitable for skin redness of any kind. |
| Murivenna | Coconut oil-based. Particularly suitable for problems with bones and joints. Reduces Pitta as well as Vata. |
Reducing Kapha – stimulating and shaping
Kapha is the principle of stability and structure. Composed of the elements earth and water, its characteristics are: heavy, slow, liquid, cold, oily, hard, static, soft, and compact. Kapha has the task of moisturizing all mucous membranes and is responsible for water balance (lymph, joint fluid) and the structure of the body. The lymphatic fluid bathes our cells, delivers nutrients, and cleanses the cells. A Kapha disturbance often means a stagnation of that circulation and an accumulation of toxins. While a balanced Kapha stands for calm, equilibrium, endurance, composure, form, stability, and friendliness, the nature of a Kapha disturbance is fundamentally characterized by slowness, blockages, fatigue, lethargy, and in some cases even depression.
Possible signs of elevated Kapha:
- Oiliness, stickiness
- Overweight
- Itching
- Numbness
- Water accumulation, dark circles
- Loss of appetite
- poor digestion, constipation
- sweet taste in mouth
- whitish discoloration of body organs and excretion products
- Laziness, sleepiness
- heavy salivation, expectoration
- Depression, loss of strength and resilience
Kapha therapy and Kapha-reducing measures
In cases of pronounced Kapha elevation, oily treatments should be avoided, or only used very specifically so as not to irritate the Kapha further. With these patients, Ayurvedic medicine uses Garshan massages with the silk glove or Ubtan herbal powder massages.
Therapeutically, the accumulated excess should be reduced through comprehensive metabolic stimulation, that is, targeted elimination procedures. This increases the digestive fire and clears the circulation pathways. Increase movement and replace starchy products such as white bread, pasta, pizza, etc. with spicy stews, vegetable juices, and herbs with bitter substances.
Kapha-reducing oils – a selection
| Shadvindu Tailam | This Kapha-balancing oil is particularly suitable for Nasya application |
| Kapha Oil | This massage oil is particularly suitable for slightly oily, blemish-prone skin. |
| Danwantharam Enna | This massage oil can be used for numerous Ayurvedic applications, from self-massage Abhyanga or forehead treatment Shirodhara to the preparation of Vastis, or herbal stamps. Reduces Kapha as well as Vata. |
Overview: The most common medicated oils and their use in Ayurveda
The indications and applications of oils are described in classical Ayurvedic texts. Note that the spelling of Indian names may vary individually due to transcription into the Latin alphabet.
| Name | Manufacturer | Base oil | Application | Indications | Reduces |
| Janu Tailam | Sree Sankara, Holisan | Sesame oil | Nasya, head oil | Nerve strengthening, dizziness, loss of smell and taste, acute sinusitis | Vata |
| Balashwagadhadi tailam | Nimi | Sesame oil | Oil massages, partial applications, Pinda Sweda | Nourishing for muscle tissue. For paralysis, MS, tremor, muscle atrophy, stress, muscle soreness | Vata |
| Chukkadi tailam | Sree Sankara | Sesame oil | Oil massages, partial applications Pinda Sweda | Lower back, acute pain, blockages, inflammations, toxin-reducing in tissue | Vata, Pitta |
| Danwantharam tailam | Nimi | Sesame oil | Oil massages, partial applications, Pinda Sweda | For wasting, to strengthen weak muscles, during pregnancy | Vata Kapha |
| Jathyadi tailam | Sree Sankara | Sesame oil | Partial applications | Skin rashes, dry eczema; psoriasis | Vata Kapha |
| Jathyadi keram | Sree Sankara | Coconut oil | Partial applications | Skin rashes, inflamed eczema, open leg, poorly healing wounds. Always in combination with Neem water | Pitta |
| Karpooradi tailam | Sesame oil | Oil massages, partial applications | Warming, dissolving for blockages, myofascial trigger points, acute vertebral and joint problems, frozen shoulder, cramps | Vata | |
| Kumkumadi Tailam | Nimi | Coconut, saffron, sandalwood | Facial oil | Calming, cleansing, clarifying. Improving radiance and rejuvenating. | Pitta |
| Lakshadi Enna | Sree Sankara | Sesame oil | Oil massages, partial applications | Nourishing oil, ideal for massage of children and elderly people. Lower spine, acute pain, headaches, fever, blockages, tissue weakness, osteoporosis. | Vata, Pitta |
| Marichyadi tailam | Sesame oil | Partial applications, Shiroabhyanga | Itchy eczema, asthma, sinusitis | Kapha | |
| Murivenna | Sree Sankara, Nimi | Coconut oil | Oil massages, partial applications, Pinda Sweda herbal poultice oil | Dissolving muscle tension, inflammations. Promoting wound healing with scars, bruises | Vata Pitta |
| Maha Narayana tailam | Sree Sankara, Ajapa, Nimi | Sesame oil | Oil massages, partial applications, Pinda Sweda herbal poultice oil, Pichu, Kati Basti | Pain-relieving oil for osteoarthritis, rheumatism, gout, motor weakness, muscle atrophy, stiffness | Vata |
| Pinda tailam | Sesame oil | Oil massages, partial applications Pinda Sweda | Painful joints, restricted movement | Pitta Vata | |
| Shadvindu tailam | Holisan | Sesame oil | Nasya, head oil | Nerve strengthening, dizziness, loss of smell and taste, sinusitis, mucus-dissolving, chronic rhinitis, mucous membrane decongesting | Kapha |
| Shulahara | Cosmoveda | Sesame oil | Oil massages, partial applications | Warming, dissolving for blockages, myofascial trigger points, acute vertebral and joint problems, frozen shoulder, cramps | Vata |
Ayurvedic oil massages and other Ayurvedic oil applications
In our Western world, mainly the beneficial Ayurvedic oil massages are known. In Ayurveda, however, oils are used not only externally in massage therapy, but also orally or as enemas (basti), applications (pitchu), ear filling (karna purana), forehead treatment (shirodhara), and for mouth rinsing (gandusha).
Below is a small list for an overview of the most important applications and their names in Ayurveda.
| Abhyanga | Full-body oil massage |
| Gandusha | Oil pulling – mouth care |
| Kati Basti | Oil application |
| Karna Purana | Oil bath for the ears |
| Mukabhyanga | Facial massage |
| Nasya | Nasal oiling – cleansing |
| Padabhyanga | Foot massage |
| Pinda Sweda | Massage with herbal poultice |
| Pitchu | Oil wrap |
| Pizzichil | Royal treatment |
| Shirodhara | Oil treatment, forehead treatment |
| Shiroabhyanga | Head massage |
Conclusion
Ayurvedic oils are an important part of Ayurvedic medicine and offer many applications to support the balance of the Doshas. The choice of oil should be based on the respective Dosha disturbance in order to achieve the best possible effect. Whether for massage, as a forehead treatment, or for internal use, each oil has its special properties and areas of application. By choosing the right oil for your needs, you can optimally harness the healing effects of Ayurveda.
