For centuries, Ayurveda has used oils for their benefits and effectiveness. Whether it is a treatment oil or a massage oil, these ayurvedic oils are made from medicinal plants such as neem, castor, turmeric, rosemary, tulsi, or mustard. They can be applied to the whole body, from head to toe, and provide many benefits. In self-massage, for example, the specific oil-based preparations for Ayurvedic massages are as beneficial for the body as for the mind.
Considered as real natural nourishing agents, it is preferable to opt for unprocessed ayurvedic oils, which can be applied directly on the epidermis or the scalp.
Here is a review of three of them and what they do for our health.
Neem oil: the ally of your skin
Neem oil has been used for a very long time in Asia for its natural benefits. Its components have very beneficial effects for the skin. Neem oil would have, indeed, an antibacterial action, making it very effective in case of acne, eczema or psoriasis. It would be also ideal to fight against the parasites. It is thus a powerful purifier.
Neem has antioxidant properties and is known to soothe and maintain healthy skin.
To use neem oil on a daily basis, it is best to mix it with a carrier oil like coconut oil.
Calophyllum oil: to soothe your skin
As a vegetable oil, calophyll oil - also called tamanu oil - is known to moisturize the skin. It would also have an antiseptic action and anti-inflammatory properties, which would make it very effective against the various rednesses, the buttons or the apparent venous problems. It would also be useful against sunburns, either as a preventive measure or to soothe the burn.
Rich in antioxidants, calophylla oil is often found in anti-aging creams.
To take full advantage of its benefits, it is recommended to apply a few drops and massage well to make the oil penetrate the epidermis.
Castor oil: your detox ally
Castor oil is a vegetable oil that can be described as versatile given the uses it has been put to for hundreds of years. It is obtained by extracting the oil from the seeds of the common castor. Castor oil is commonly used as a food additive, but also for its numerous dermatological virtues. It is said to help detoxify the skin by eliminating natural toxins.
It also helps the skin to heal. By applying castor oil to a wound, it would create a moist environment that helps healing and prevents the wound from drying out. Castor oil maintains the overall moisture content of the skin.
It is also widely used to nourish and protect the hair. It would have the capacity to soothe the scalp and to support the growth while giving the hair more vigor and brightness.
Since it is quite thick, it is most often mixed with almond, coconut or olive oil to make a very moisturizing ointment.
The promise of oils used in Ayurveda
Ayurvedic oils are intimately linked to the benefits they bring, and to the well-being they promote for the body, and for the mind. In Ayurveda, they are considered as an essential element to perform an Ayurvedic massage. Each oil has its own virtues and will contribute to anchor the body in the massage. Ayurvedic oils are particularly recommended for people with a Vata character, because of their effectiveness in soothing and relaxing the body and mind.
