Can Ayurvedic Oils Give You That Lit-from-Within Glow?
From Dashamula oil to Nalpamaradi Thailam, here are all the oils to consider trying to get the healthiest skin this summer.
Body massages with oil are not only a great way to let all that stress and tension you’re holding in your body go, but maybe even the secret to achieving even-toned and glowing skin. And as we approach summer and start prepping for vacation mode, pencilling in some self-care is going to be essential.
Ayurvedic oils can be a great way to help your skin achieve a natural glow, and if you indulge in a self-abhyanga (an ancient Ayurvedic body massage with oil) it can nourish you skin and benefit it in more ways than one. An abhyanga is recommended daily and is said to help strengthen nervous system health, aid lymphatic drainage, facilitate softer skin, better blood circulation and firmer limbs. Many Ayurvedic oils created to perform a self-abhyanga with claims to alleviate sun tans, pigmentation and skin sensitivity, leaving you feeling more confident in your skin.
Which Ayurvedic Oils Can One Use To Achieve Healthy Skin?
“Nalpamaradi oil is made from the barks of four different types of ficus trees, the Banyan tree (Ficus Benghalensis) a relative of the Peepal tree, Gular/Dumar tree (Ficus racemosa), Pukar tree (Ficus benjamina) and Kamarup tree (Ficus microcarpa). These are all known to brighten the skin, heal irritated skin from excessive heat, redness and minor wounds. It also contains sandalwood, vetiver and turmeric which are soothing, brightening and anti-aging herbs. Thus, overall, it's helpful to de-tan, heal sun damaged skin, lighten and pigmentation,” says Mumbai based Ayurveda practitioner, and health coach Dr. Smita Naram.
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She also goes on to share how a bride to be can use it to prep her skin for the big day, “Brides with oily skin types should be careful while opting for oil treatments, massages. They can try two to three drops per the area they’re looking to treat. Whereas, anyone who has a dry skin type, can use eight to ten drops, over the area they’re focusing on.”
“Generally, it takes three to six weeks (depending on how severe the sun-tan is) to show results,” she explains.
If you’re only recently starting to explore the world of abhyanga and different natural oils to apply along with the practice, it may be safer to try single ingredient oils. “I would recommend starting with Kumkumadi oil. But it also depends on each person’s skin type and how it responds to different oils. For beginners, I usually suggest single-ingredient oils like rosehip, jojoba, or hemp seed oil, because they are easier to understand and adapt well to the skin,” says Preet, Delhi based certified herbalist, and owner of Vriksha Veda, a zero-waste, herbal beauty and wellness brand.
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She also advises on following a self-abhyanga session up with an ubtan to achieve healthy skin. “Abhyanga (oil massage) and Ubtan (lepana, or a medicated herbal paste) application are two different rituals. Usually, oiling (Abhyanga) comes first, it's left on the skin for 30-45 minutes before applying an Ubtan. Ubtan helps remove the oil easily without needing soap and detoxifies the skin”
Now that we know how one can inculcate these rituals into their schedule to maintain health skin and texture, here are some Ayurvedic oils you can try out.
Ayurvedic Oils To Invest In
DISCLAIMER: Please make sure you consult a health care expert and professional and conduct a patch test before committing to any of these treatments or oils.
Nalpamaradi Thailam
As Dr. Smita had mentioned above, the Nalpamaradi Thailam is made using four different kinds of tree barks. It is used to help treat sun-tan.
Manifest recommends: Sadhev Nalpamaradi Tailam
Kumkumadi Oil
Similar to Nalpamaradi oil, Kumkumadi oil also aids in brightening the skin, additionally, it is also said to have anti-ageing properties. It consists of ingredients such as Saffron (Crocus sativus), which enhances complexion and imparts a natural glow. Sandalwood (Santalum album), which provides cooling and soothing properties, vetiver (Vetiveria zizanioides), which offers cooling effects and a pleasant aroma, manjistha (Rubia cordifolia), which improves skin tone and purifies the blood, licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), which also rightens the skin and reduces pigmentation and goat milk, which moisturizes and nourishes the skin.
Manifest Recommends: Auravedic Kumkumadi Tailam Body Massage Oil
Dashamula Oil
Dr. Smita recommends Dashmula oil for days when you need that extra pick-me-up and relaxation. “Dashmula Oil possesses anti-inflammatory & muscles relaxant properties. Brides or bridegrooms can use it for relaxing the body after tiring, shopping trips or tiring ceremonies,” she tells us.
Dashamula oil consists of a groupt of ten roots including Bilva (Aegle marmelos), Agnimantha (Premna integrifolia), Shyonaka (Oroxylum indicum), Patala (Stereospermum suaveolens), Gambhari (Gmelina arborea), Brihati (Solanum indicum), Kantakari (Solanum xanthocarpum), Shalaparni (Desmodium gangeticum), Prishnaparni (Uraria picta), and Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris).
Manifest recommends: Banyan Botanicals Dashmula Oil
Sugandhadi Thailam
Sugandhadi oil is traditionally used for head massages to promote relaxation and relieve stress. It may improve hair quality and promote deep hydration.
Dr. Smita recommends using it two times a week. “It can be used two times a week for 3 to 4 weeks to improve the quality of hair, especially on the day of wedding. It can bring luster and shine to your hair… and has the potential to repair damage from the chemical treatments. Sugandhadi oil consists of jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi), known for its calming effects on the nervous system, bala (Sida cordifolia), strengthens the body and has rejuvenating properties, kushta (Saussurea lappa), which ossesses anti-inflammatory properties and sesame Oil (Sesamum indicum), which serves as the base oil, nourishing the scalp and hair.
Manifest recommends: Kama Ayurveda Sugandhadi Thailam Rejuvenating Body Massage Oil
So, 2025 brides, are you ready to start pampering yourself the A-beauty way?