The strength of Ayurvedic medicine lies in its oils. As you delve deeper into Ayurveda, you discover a world of traditional oil formulas called thailams. These oils form the very foundation of this ancient natural medicine. I have always been fascinated by the meticulous process of preparing these oils—many hours, many herbs, and remarkable results. Today, I want to share a list of the most traditional thailams mentioned in the classical texts of Ayurveda.
I suggest choosing the thailam that sustains and balances your dosha, and allowing your practitioner to select combinations for specific conditions. Be sure to keep in your health pantry the oil that best supports your constitution for a balanced life.
Anu Thailam
* Key Herbs: 28, including Himalayan Cedar, Sandalwood, Indian Sarsaparilla, Vetiver, Asparagus, Cinnamon, Liquorice, Lotus petals
* Base Oil: Sesame
* Textual Reference: Ashtanga Samgraham (2000 years old)
* Main Uses: Nasal application (1–2 drops per nostril daily), itchy & flaky skin, dandruff, dry skin
* Benefits: Supreme among errhines (nasal oils), beautifies and enhances skin luster, prevents respiratory allergies and blocked sinuses
* Application: Tilt head back, apply drops, inhale deeply, and remain for a few minutes
* Classical Praise: Extolled in Ashtanga Hrdayam
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Dhanwantharam Thailam
* Key Herbs: 46, including Himalayan Cedar, Sandalwood, Winter Cherry, Liquorice, Asparagus, Cardamom, Cinnamon, Indian Gooseberry
* Base Oil: Sesame
* Main Uses: Suitable for all constitutions (especially Vata), general health, muscle relaxation, anxiety reduction, strengthens and rejuvenates (especially post-partum)
* Benefits: Restores uterine health, anti-aging, antioxidant, anti-stress, improves body flexibility
* Applications: Shirodhara, Shiroabhyanga, Pizhichil, Mukha Abhyanga
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Balaswagandhadi Thailam
* Key Herbs: 20, including Licorice, Cedrus deodar, Lotus petals, Lily tubers, Indian Ginseng, Sandalwood, Sarsaparilla, Vetiver, Turmeric
* Base Oil: Sesame
* Main Uses: Addresses enhanced Vata, calms mind, nourishes body, supports neurological and painful conditions, breast enhancement, Vata disorders
* Applications: Shirodhara, Shiroabhyanga, Pizhichil, Mukhabyanga
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Ksheerabala Thailam
* Key Herb: Sida cordifolia (Bala)
* Base Oil: Sesame + equal quantity of milk
* Main Uses: Rejuvenator, tissue nourishment, improves vitality and longevity, balances all three doshas
* Benefits: Enhances complexion, improves sensory organ comfort and voice, dispels disorders of semen and blood
* Applications: Abhyanga, Shirodhara, Shiroabhyanga, Pizhichil, Mukha Abhyanga
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Mahachandhanadi Thailam
* Key Herbs: 41, including Water Hissop, Asparagus, Aloe Vera, Sugarcane, Rose Petals, Lotus parts, Banyan, Sacred Fig, Indian Laurel
* Base Preparation: Coconut water and cow’s milk, processed in sesame oil
* Main Uses: Pitta-alleviating, for intense stress, burning sensation, heavy head, calms uterus, supports stress management
* Applications: Abhyanga, Shirodhara, Shiroabhyanga
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Pinda Thailam
* Key Herbs: Indian Madder, Beeswax, Indian Copal Tree resin, Indian Sarsaparilla
* Base Oil: Sesame
* Main Uses: Alleviates Vata and Pitta, moisturizer for dry, cracked, chafed skin, arthritis, gout, and painful conditions
* Applications: Abhyanga, Pizhichil (body use only due to beeswax)
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Pavan Oil (for Vata)
* Key Herbs: 20, including Licorice, Cedrus deodar, Lotus petals, Lily tubers, Indian Ginseng, Sandalwood, Sarsaparilla, Vetiver, Turmeric
* Base Oil: Olive
* Main Uses: Calms mind, nourishes body, Vata disorders (neurological and painful)
* Applications: Shirodhara, Shiroabhyanga, Pizhichil, Mukhabyanga
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Tejas Oil (for Pitta)
* Key Herbs: Indian Madder, Beeswax, Indian Copal Tree resin, Indian Sarsaparilla
* Base Oil: Olive
* Main Uses: Soothes senses, moisturizes extremely dry skin (body use only due to beeswax)
* Applications: Abhyanga, Pizhichil
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Dharani (for Kapha)
* Key Herbs: 10, including Dried ginger, Garlic, Mustard, Cedrus deodar, Galanga, Moringa, Costus
* Base Oil: Olive, processed with tamarind leaf juice and sesame oil
* Main Uses: For aches, pains, heaviness, swelling (Kapha and Vata alleviating), improves circulation, leaves skin refreshed
* Applications: Abhyanga, Pizhichil
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Myaxyl Oil
* Key Herbs: Hygrophila, Galanga, Sandalwood, Cedrus deodar, Lemongrass, Eucalyptus
* Base Oil: Sesame
* Main Uses: Anti-rheumatic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, reduces musculoskeletal pain, spasms, numbness
* Application: Apply liberally on affected area
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Mahanarayana Thailam
* Key Herbs: 25+, including Licorice, Himalayan Cedar, Indian Ginseng
* Base Oil: Sesame
* Main Uses: Addresses Vata, strengthens musculoskeletal tissues, degenerative arthritis, osteoarthritis, Vata disorders
* Applications: Abhyanga, Pizhichil, Pichu, Kadeevasthy
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Sahacharadi Thailam
* Key Herbs: Himalayan Cedar, Strobilanthus, Dried Ginger
* Base Oil: Sesame
* Main Uses: Painful conditions (esp. below waist): arthritis, back pain, sciatica, varicose veins, excellent anti-inflammatory and toning properties
* Applications: Abhyanga, Kadeevasthy, Pichu, Pizhichil
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Murivenna
* Key Herbs: Aloe Vera, Asparagus, Moringa oleifera, Pongamia glabra
* Base Oil: Coconut
* Main Uses: Healing injuries: fractures, sprains, wounds, edema, fungal infections
* Applications: Abhyanga, Kadeevasthy, Pichu, Bandage, Local application
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Eladi Keram
* Key Herbs: 28, including Cardamom, Shallaki, Jadamansi, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Pearl Oyster, Himalayan Cedar, Guggulu
* Base Oil: Coconut
* Main Uses: Vata and Kapha, skin health, detoxification, complexion improvement, itchy lesions, eruptions, ringworm
* Applications: Abhyanga, Shiroabhyanga, Lepam, Mukhabyanga
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Neelibringadi Oil
* Key Herbs: Bringaraj, Indian Gooseberry, Licorice, Neeli
* Base Oil: Sesame
* Main Uses: Hair growth, scalp nourishment, maintains hair color, treats split ends, induces sleep
* Application: Apply 5–10 ml on scalp, leave 30+ minutes before washing
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Winsoria Oil
* Key Herbs: Sweta Kudaja (Wrightia tinctoria) + others
* Base Oil: Not specified
* Main Uses: Skin health, Psoriasis, exfoliating skin conditions, dandruff
* Application: Apply to affected skin/scalp, leave 20–30 minutes before washing
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Kesini Hair Oil
* Key Herbs: Conch Shells, Hibiscus, Indian Gooseberry, Indigo, Water Hissop
* Base Oil: Coconut and Castor
* Main Uses: Hair and scalp nourishment, anti-dandruff, soothes nerves, induces sleep
* Application: Apply 5–10 ml on scalp, leave 30+ minutes before washing
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Note: Application methods such as Abhyanga (massage), Shirodhara (forehead oil flow), Pizhichil (oil bath), Shiroabhyanga (head massage), and others are commonly referenced. Oils with beeswax (Pinda, Tejas) are recommended for body use only.