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What are the Different Uses for Ayurvedic Oil?

Deborah Walker
Deborah Walker

Ayurvedic oil is traditionally used to treat or prevent widely varying conditions. Coconut oil, for example, applied to the scalp may help prevent dandruff and hair loss or improve the rate of hair growth; massaged into joints, it is said to relieve joint or body pains. Kuppaimeni medicated oil is sometimes recommended by ayurvedic practitioners to relieve eczema, blackheads or joint pain. Athi oil from the Ficus retusa tree is an ayurvedic oil tha treat cuts, burns, sores, bites, or acne. Another use of ayurvedic oil is known as oil pulling, which is believed to prevent and relieve almost any illness.

Coconut ayurvedic oil may be applied to the scalp and massaged for several minutes. This remedy may be used to prevent or eliminate dandruff or dry scalp. It is also said to reverse hair loss and maximize the growth rate of the hair. In southern India, coconut oil is regularly rubbed into sore joints or muscles. Many people engaged in this practice claim that it helps lessen the pain when done consistently.

Ayurvedic oil may be helpful in treating dandruff.
Ayurvedic oil may be helpful in treating dandruff.

Another ayurvedic oil known for its ability to relieve sore muscles is kuppaimeni. It may be massaged into the skin as needed. This is followed by the application of hot, moist towels. In addition, kuppaimeni may be a useful treatment for eczema, blackheads, acne, or other skin conditions. The oil may be applied directly on skin lesions or ulcers to promote healing.

Olive oil can be used in an ayurvedic mouth rinse.
Olive oil can be used in an ayurvedic mouth rinse.

Athi ayurvedic oil comes from the leaves, bark and fruit of the Ficus tree. Traditionally athi oil is used to treat skin abrasions, burns, sores, and cat bites. Ayurvedic doctors recommend using athi oil regularly to treat these skin conditions as well as eczema, scabies, rash, or acne.

Oil pulling is the daily ayurvedic practice of rinsing the mouth with one of several oils. The oil is swished around the mouth until it becomes white and frothy. Sesame or sunflower oil are most often used, but some people prefer coconut oil or olive oil among others. The results appear to be related to the practice, not the kind of oil used.

Some people claim the oil-pulling method has helped them get rid of varicose veins.
Some people claim the oil-pulling method has helped them get rid of varicose veins.

People dedicated to oil pulling report that they have high energy levels, sleep well, and feel fantastic. Others claim to have been cured of headaches, high blood pressure, asthma, diabetes, hair loss, and even varicose veins. According to traditional medicine, the key to success with oil pulling is to do it consistently. Ayurvedic oils may be purchased at local grocery or health food stores. They may also be found for sale online.

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    • Ayurvedic oil may be helpful in treating dandruff.
      By: Jasmin Merdan
      Ayurvedic oil may be helpful in treating dandruff.
    • Olive oil can be used in an ayurvedic mouth rinse.
      By: Luis Carlos Jiménez
      Olive oil can be used in an ayurvedic mouth rinse.
    • Some people claim the oil-pulling method has helped them get rid of varicose veins.
      By: roblan
      Some people claim the oil-pulling method has helped them get rid of varicose veins.
    • Coconut oil can be massaged into joints to help relieve pain.
      By: Valentina R.
      Coconut oil can be massaged into joints to help relieve pain.