Ayurvedic Oils and Their Healing Powers: Nature’s Liquid Gold

In Ayurveda, oils play a vital role in maintaining health and treating ailments. These oils are not just carriers — they are powerful healers themselves, extracted from seeds, leaves, nuts, or bark, and infused with medicinal properties. Whether used in massage (Abhyanga), pain relief, or beauty treatments, Ayurvedic oils offer natural, side-effect-free wellness.

Here are many oils in Ayurveda, common five important oils used in Ayurvedic formulations and their benefits are listed as below:

1. Til ka Tel (Sesame Oil – Sesamum indicum)

Source: Extracted from sesame seeds, one of the oldest cultivated oilseeds in the world.

Ayurvedic Use: Called “the king of oils” in Ayurveda, sesame oil is deeply nourishing, warming, and balancing, especially for Vata dosha. It is used in Abhyanga (daily massage) to relieve joint stiffness, improve skin texture, and promote blood circulation.

Benefits:

• Strengthens bones and muscles
• Delays signs of aging
• Used as a base oil in many herbal pain relief and hair care oils

2. Nilgiri Oil (Eucalyptus Oil – Eucalyptus globulus)

Source: Extracted from the leaves of the eucalyptus tree.

Ayurvedic Use: Known for its antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and decongestant properties, nilgiri oil is often used for muscle and joint pain, colds, and respiratory relief.

Benefits:

• Relieves arthritis and joint stiffness
• Soothes muscular pain
• Clears nasal and chest congestion when inhaled

3. Erand Tel (Castor Oil – Ricinus communis)

Source: Derived from the seeds of the castor plant.

Ayurvedic Use: Castor oil is heavily grounding and detoxifying, useful for cleansing the colon, reducing swelling, and treating joint and nerve pain. It pacifies Vata and Kapha doshas.

Benefits:

• Eases constipation (when used internally under supervision)
• Relieves sciatica and arthritis
• Nourishes dry skin and reduces inflammation

4. Nariyal Tel (Coconut Oil – Cocos nucifera)

Source: Extracted from the dried or fresh kernel (meat) of the coconut.

Ayurvedic Use: Cooling in nature, coconut oil is excellent for Pitta dosha. It’s widely used in skin care, hair nourishment, and burn or wound healing.

Benefits:

• Cools and soothes inflamed skin
• Strengthens hair and promotes growth
• Used in oil pulling (gandusha) for oral detox

5. Wintergreen Oil (Gaultheria procumbens)

Source: Extracted from the leaves of the wintergreen plant through steam distillation.

Ayurvedic Use: Rich in methyl salicylate, this oil is a potent pain-reliever and anti-inflammatory agent. Often used in external formulations for arthritis, back pain, and muscle stiffness.

Benefits:

• Provides deep tissue pain relief
• Reduces joint swelling and stiffness
• Gives a soothing warmth on application

Ayurveda emphasizes natural healing with the support of nature’s gifts. These oils, when used alone or blended with herbs, create powerful formulations for wellness, pain management, skincare, and more. At Twak Healthcre Pvt LTd, we incorporate these time-tested oils in our Ayurvedic products to bring you holistic and chemical-free care.