Introduction to ayurvedic oils

Ayurvedic medicinal oils have been used by many people all over the world for thousands of years. From hair oils to skin oils to therapeutic oils, Ayurveda provides remedies for almost every human need. Ayurvedic oils are chemical-free and derived from herbs with significant medicinal powers.

History of Ayurveda

In Hindu mythology, Ayurveda is said to have been developed by Dhanvantari, the gods’ physician, who received it from Brahma. Its foundational ideas are found in the Atharvaveda, a section of the Vedas dating to the second millennium BCE. Vedic medicine was practiced up to around 800 BC. The Vedas are full with charms to drive out the demons thought to be the source of disease and mystical methods for curing illness. The main ailments listed are fever (takman), abscesses, convulsions, consumption, diarrhoea, dropsy (generalised oedema), tumours, and skin illnesses (including leprosy). There are a lot of herbs that are suggested for therapy.

Between 800 BCE and around 1000 BCE, Indian medicine had a golden period that was primarily distinguished by the writing of two medical books known as the Caraka-samhita and Susruta-samhita. These books are credited to the surgeon Susruta and the physician Caraka, respectively. The Caraka-samhita is said to have originated in the first century CE, however there have been older versions. The Susruta-samhita most likely began in the last years of the ancient era and was fixed in its current form by the seventh century of the common era. The treatises attributed to Vagbhata are of relatively lower prominence. These texts, which examine the human body in terms of earth, water, fire, air, and ether as well as the three bodily humours (vata, pitta), served as the foundation for all subsequent books on Indian medicine.

Ayurveda’s Philosophy

Ayurveda focuses on maintaining the delicate balance of mind, body, and spirit in order to promote good health and combat disease. According to Ayurveda, a body is healthy when the three doshas (Vatta, Pitta, and Kapha) are balanced.

Vatta symbolises the element air. According to Ayurveda, Vatta is responsible for movement and thought. When unbalanced, it might cause mental health issues, joint discomfort, neurological illnesses, and so forth.

Pitta symbolises the element fire. Pitta represents the fire in our bodies, which aids with digestion, warmth, growth, and other functions. Excess pitta can cause physical weakness, acidity, and excessive heat in the body, whereas insufficient pitta can make us drowsy and prone to colds.

Kapha symbolises the elements water and earth. In Ayurveda, it refers to body fat and mucous. Obesity, respiratory issues, tiredness, and other symptoms are thought to result from Kapha imbalance.

What are Ayurvedic oils?

The first mention of Ayurvedic oils is in Charak Samhita, where the sage addresses the benefits of oiling hair with different oil mixtures. Oils are an essential component of daily personal hygiene, and oiling the skin and hair should be done on a regular basis.

Ayurvedic oils are unique medicinal mixtures that may balance the three doshas, provide the body with critical micronutrients, and revitalise the organs. When applied to the skin, the oils smooth it and reduce muscle tension. The oils nourish the skin by penetrating deeper into its tissues.

Most popular Ayurvedic oils.

Some of the most famous ayurvedic oils are

Bhringraj oil : –

This oil is renowned for strengthening and smoothing hair. It also promotes blood circulation and helps make hair healthier.

Mahanarayan oil : –

It is a therapeutic oil used to treat muscle and joint pain.

Sesame oil : –

Charaka recommends applying sesame oil to maintain skin fresh and natural. Sesame oil is also used in cooking and provides various nutrients to the body.

Shadbindu oil : –

It is a therapeutic oil used for nasal application to regulate Kapha in the brain and cure sinusitis.

Castor oil : –

It has several uses and is one of the most effective for general health and well-being.

Coconut oil : –

Coconut oil is one of the best for making hair long and strong. It is used as both a cooking and massage oil.

Bhrami oil : –

It is a very potent medicinal oil. It is used to treat severe headaches, stress, anxieties, etc.

Almond oil : –

It is one of the most expensive oils and is one of the best for treating dry skin and neurological problems. Almond oil is also used as a brain tonic When combined with milk.

Doshas and oils

Numerous ayurvedic oils are available on the market for a variety of health issues. However, it is essential that individuals see an ayurvedic medical practitioner to determine the best remedies for them. The following are some of the popular oils in different doshas –

Vatta dosha

Sesame oil can regulate Vata dosha disorders, such as arthritis, by improving the flow of Prana Vayu and strengthening the body. Brahmi is the finest treatment for neurological and mental health disorders.

Pitta dosha

To cure Pitta Dosha, use cooling and relaxing oils such as coconut oil or mint oil. Coconut oil is most suited for pitta issues since it cools and heats the body according to the pitta level. Pitta creates dry skin, therefore individuals can use lavender oil, sandalwood oil, rose oil, and so on.

Kapha Dosha : –

For Kapha Dosha, heated oils can help regulate extra fat in the body. Kapha Dosha responds well to oils such as mustard oil, castor oil, and so on. To decrease fat in the body, people should avoid eating greasy meals.

Aside from balancing the doshas, Ayurvedic oils serve to quiet our brains, feed the deep tissues of the skin, and sustain energy levels in the body.