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Ayurveda places great importance on the use of medicated oils for therapeutic purposes. These oils, known as sneha, have the ability to carry the healing properties of herbs deep into the tissues of the body. The traditional method of preparing medicated oils, known as Sneha Vidhi, involves a precise process that goes beyond simply infusing herbs into oil.

Lets explore the key principles and techniques of making Ayurvedic medicated oil, as described in the traditional texts. You can use these as guidelines if you want to make your own oils for any purpose.

The Foundation of Medicated Oils

In Ayurveda, sneha refers to anything with a slimy or oily quality. This category includes not only oils but also ghee (ghrita), muscle fat (vasa), and bone marrow (majja). Among these, ghee is considered superior because it retains its own qualities while absorbing the medicinal properties of added herbs. The process of making medicated oils and ghee is similar, as they are both considered medicated fats.

The Sneha Vidhi process involves three essential components:

  • Kalka: A fine paste or powder made from medicinal herbs.
  • Sneha: The base oil or ghee that will carry the medicine.
  • Dravya: A liquid medium, such as herbal decoction (kashaya), juice, or milk.

The general proportion used in preparing medicated oils is 1 part kalka, 4 parts sneha, and 16 parts dravya. For example, if you use 1 kg of kalka, you must use 4 kg of sneha, and 16 kg of dravya. To create a kashaya, one part of the herb is boiled in 8 parts of water and reduced to 4 parts, which then forms the 16 parts needed for the dravya in the oil.

The Cooking Process and Paka

The mixture of kalka, sneha, and dravya is heated on low fire to allow the water in the dravya to evaporate. As the mixture cooks, the medicinal properties of the kalka and dravya are absorbed into the sneha. This elaborate process ensures that the oil is potent and effective, and it's more than simply heating herbs in oil.

The cooking process has distinct stages called paka, which determine the oil's use:

  • Mridu Paka (Wax Stage): At this stage, the kalka becomes waxy, indicating the oil is light and best for nasya (nasal administration). The bubbles in the oil will stop at this point.
  • Madhyama Paka (Wick Stage): The kalka becomes pliable enough to roll into a wick, and this oil is suitable for internal intake and basti (enema). Bubbles will start coming at this stage.
  • Khadina Paka (Sand Stage): The kalka becomes dry and sandy, indicating the oil is heavy and meant for external use.

There is also a Dagdha Paka, which is the burnt stage where the oil is no longer usable. Experienced practitioners test the paka by taking out the kalka and checking its consistency. The oil is not ready if there is still water present, which can be determined by the crackling sound the kalka will make when burned.

Practical Considerations

When making medicated oils at home, we recommend considering the following:

  • Ghee is the best base to use because of its unique properties.
  • Coconut oil is widely used in Kerala Ayurveda – it is a great medium to absorb herbs and also stable at high temperatures.
  • Use one oil at a time when cooking as each one has different heating temperatures.
  • Different herbs may absorb differently. So don’t mix all of them together unless prescribed by tradition – it may turn out that the least potent herb gets absorbed first leaving no space for the more important herbs in the oil
  • When applying, warm oil by warming the vessel first, removing from the flame before adding the oil to avoid accidently heating the oil too much.
  • Camphor should be added after the oil has cooled to prevent its volatile oils from escaping.
  • Beeswax is generally not added to medicated oils, especially not those for internal use.

Choosing the Right Oil

There is no single best oil for cooking or massage. Rather, the ideal oil is often the one that aligns with your traditional and genetic background. For example, people from Kerala may find coconut oil most suitable, while those from other regions may prefer sesame or mustard oil.

Follow the process

Making Ayurvedic medicated oil is a precise process rooted in tradition and aimed at creating potent remedies. By using specific herbs and techniques, these oils are meant to address imbalances in the body and promote overall well-being. The traditional process is very specific and it cannot be simplified to just adding a bunch of herbs to oil.

Dr. Nambi's Insights

@dr.nambi_ayurveda