The use of herbal oil is an essential foundation of an Ayurvedic lifestyle, offering a life-changing act of self-care. Even beyond the many physical benefits, the simple act of applying oil to the body can be a life-changing act of self-care. When it comes to showing yourself love and care with Ayurvedic herbal oils, choosing the right oil is important.
Ayurvedic Herbal Oils
Unlike many massage oils that are made with essential oils or fragrances, Ayurvedic oils are unique in that the raw herbal material is cooked into the oil in the traditional Ayurvedic method. Banyan offers a wide array of the highest quality ethical herbal oils, including an entire new line of physician-formulated Sidha Soma Supreme oils. Sidha Soma Supreme oils, formulated by renowned Ayurvedic physician Vasant Lad, BAM&S, MASc, are made in the same traditional fashion, but are generally more concentrated recipes, with a higher ratio of herbs in comparison to oil.
Benefits of Ayurvedic Body Oils
The act of self-massage, in and of itself, is an incredible tool for self-care, melting away tension and stress while promoting a sense of nourished well-being. And with regular use of an Ayurvedic body oil, the benefits go even deeper.
Choosing the Right Herbal Oil
When it comes to choosing an herbal oil, first get clear on your intention. What are you working to support-a calm mind, balanced doshas, or radiant skin? Notice what you're called to and trust your intuition. For example, you may want to use Healthy Hair Oil for your hair care and Sleep Easy Oil before bed. You may want to fine-tune your herbal oil choice based on the season, such as using a cooling oil like Neem Oil+ in the summer months, and warming oil like Ashwagandha Oil+ in the winter. Once you've selected your Ayurvedic oils, the most important thing is to use them! That's where you will receive all the beautiful benefits they have to offer.
DIY Massage Oil
Massage oils are one of the easiest DIY preparations to craft, which is especially helpful when you consider the host of health benefits that a massage has to offer. While commonly associated with relieving tight or sore muscles, its benefits reach much deeper than that. Massage helps improve blood flow and circulation, bringing fresh oxygenated blood to the body while pushing toxins out of our tissues. All of this is why having a good massage oil in the “medicine cabinet” is not a luxury in my household, it’s a necessity. With a few basic ingredients, you can curate specialty blends that cater to your specific skin type or therapeutic needs.
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Carrier Oils
Plant oils that are extracted by grinding or crushing (AKA cold pressing) are known as carrier oils. As the name implies, carrier oils are useful as base oils, into which one could mix emollients, essential oils, plant extracts, or other ingredients. Generally, carrier oils used in massage therapy can be classified from thinnest to thickest based on their viscosity. That said, they can vary due to the extraction process and other factors.
Grapeseed Oil
Grapeseed oil is very thin and light, making it easily absorbed into the skin. It has a non-greasy texture and is suitable for all skin types, including oily and acne-prone skin. Its light texture makes it well suited for deep tissue massage and some sports therapy.
Sweet Almond Oil
Sweet almond oil is lightweight and absorbs easily into the skin. It is rich in vitamin E and other nutrients, making it nourishing for the skin.
Fractionated Coconut Oil
Fractionated coconut oil is a lightweight oil that remains liquid at room temperature due to the removal of long-chain fatty acids. It has a non-greasy texture and is easily absorbed by the skin. Fractionation involves heating the oil to separate the different components based on their melting points. Coconut oil is composed of various types of fatty acids, including long-chain fatty acids and medium-chain fatty acids.
Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil has a texture similar to the natural oils produced by the skin, making it highly compatible with the skin. It is lightweight and absorbs well, leaving a non-greasy feeling.
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Camelia Seed Oil
Camelia seed oil is very rich in mono-saturated essential fatty acids. Camellia oil contains vitamins A, B, and E and various minerals: phosphorus, zinc, calcium, iron, manganese, and magnesium.
Apricot Kernel Oil
Apricot kernel oil is thin and light, making it easily absorbed into the skin without leaving a greasy residue. It is rich in vitamins and antioxidants, making it beneficial for the skin.
Argan Nut Oil
Argan Nut Oil is known for its amazing benefits for skin and hair. Rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids, the oil also has high antioxidant properties.
Sunflower Oil
Sunflower oil is relatively thin and absorbs well into the skin. It is rich in vitamins and antioxidants, making it nourishing for the skin. Sunflower oil is suitable for most skin types.
Avocado Oil
Avocado oil is a very stable emollient that contains more than 20% essential unsaturated fatty acids. The unprocessed oil contains nearly all vitamins in significant amounts.
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Nut-Free Lite Bath, Body & Massage Oil
Introducing our Nut-Free Lite Bath, Body & Massage Oil, a 4 oz bottle designed for those with nut sensitivities, offering a rich moisturizer that caters to all types of body work without using nut oils. If you suffer from nut sensitivities and seek a high-quality blend that allows you to enjoy the benefits of oil, this is the perfect choice for you. Soothe and moisturize with our unique Ayurveda Oil blends, available in an unscented option and crafted with herbal infusions to provide a truly enriching experience.
Ingredients
*High Oleic Expeller Pressed Sunflower Seed (Helianthus annuus) Oil, Rice Bran (Oryza sativa) Oil, Grapeseed (Vitis vinifera) Oil, Natural Vitamin E (Tocopherol), Golden Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis) Oil, *Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) Oil. *Certified Organic Ingredient
Ayurvedic Benefits for Doshas
- Vata (AIR): Balances and calms, reducing the impact of air imbalances.
- Pitta (FIRE): Offers a soothing and cooling sensation, promoting comfort and relaxation.
- Kapha (EARTH): Invigorates and prevents stagnation, providing a sense of lightness.
The Science Behind Massage Oils
Whether they are extracted from plants or minerals, the inherent slipperiness of oils makes them ideal lubricants for massage therapy. Oils belong to a group of substances known as lipids. Oils are composed of molecules with long hydrocarbon chains. These chains repel water (they are "hydrophobic"), creating a barrier that reduces friction between surfaces. Because of their hydrophobic nature, oils (famously) do not mix well with water. Oils typically have a higher viscosity than water. Viscosity refers to a fluid's resistance to flow. The higher the viscosity, the thicker the fluid. Lighter oils, like grapeseed oil, are better suited for high-friction massages. A deep tissue or sports massage needs enough pressure to provide relief, but less slipping. Mineral oil is manufactured rather than harvested. Rather than being plant based, it is a byproduct of petrochemical processing.
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