Posted by Vaidya Jay
on June 30, 2026
Athreya · Wellness Through Ayurveda
An Ayurvedic Practitioner's Guide to the Oils We Use Every Day
At a Glance
The Collection
Eleven traditional Ayurvedic oils across five parts of the daily routine
Expert
Vaidya Jay · Athreya · Long Beach, CA
Quick Answer
After decades of practicing Ayurveda, eleven traditional oils have earned a permanent place in my practice. They cover the full daily routine: self-massage, nasal care, scalp and face, joints and spine, and skin. This guide walks through each one and how it fits into a simple daily practice.
There are hundreds of traditional Ayurvedic oils, each prepared with its own herbs, purpose, and lineage. Yet after decades of practicing, teaching, and caring for clients, I find myself returning to the same handful of oils again and again.
These are the oils that sit within reach in my practice. They are the oils I recommend to my family, my students, and my clients because they have earned their place through generations of tradition and years of practical experience.
Some begin the morning with simple daily rituals. Others nourish the scalp, support healthy skin, or become part of a regular massage to encourage comfortable movement. Each one serves a unique purpose, but together they represent a complete approach to caring for the body from head to toe.
This guide is not meant to introduce every oil in Ayurveda. It is a tour through the oils we know, trust, and love because we use them ourselves.
Daily Ritual
Ayurveda teaches that health is built through small daily practices performed consistently. The first oils I recommend are often the simplest, because they become the foundation of a healthy routine.
Whether practicing Abhyanga, the tradition of self-massage, or Nasya, the practice of applying herbal oil to the nasal passages, these oils help prepare the body for the day ahead. They are not occasional treatments. They are part of a rhythm that supports long-term wellness through consistency rather than intensity.
Sesame Thailam
From $11.99
Anu Thailam
From $20.99
★★★★★(3 reviews)
Hair & Face
Healthy hair and radiant skin begin long before we think about appearance. Ayurveda teaches that beauty reflects the health of the tissues beneath the surface.
Rather than simply covering the skin or conditioning the hair, these traditional oils nourish, replenish, and become part of a daily ritual of self-care. With regular use, they help support healthy hair, a balanced scalp, and naturally vibrant skin.
Neeli Bhringadhi Thailam
From $18.99
★★★★★(2 reviews)
Kumkumadi Thailam
From $32.99
★★★★★(10 reviews)
Joints & Body
One of the greatest gifts we can preserve throughout life is comfortable movement.
Traditional Ayurvedic massage has long been used to nourish muscles, joints, connective tissues, and the nervous system before discomfort becomes part of daily life. These oils are selected not simply for occasional use, but as partners in maintaining strength, flexibility, and resilience over time.
Mahanarayana Thailam
From $26.99
★★★★★(7 reviews)
Ksheerabala Thailam 101
From $19.99
Healthy Skin
The skin is one of the body's largest and most expressive organs. Ayurveda approaches skin care by nourishing the skin itself while supporting balance beneath the surface.
These traditional oils have been used for generations to care for the skin through botanical ingredients selected for their unique qualities. Each serves a different purpose, allowing you to choose the right oil for your individual needs and routine.
Nalpamaradi Thailam
From $21.99
Psorahealth Oil
From $21.99
Spine & Vitality
Movement begins with the spine.
Traditional Ayurvedic therapies have long emphasized caring for the back, lower body, muscles, and connective tissues through regular external oil application. These oils support flexibility, resilience, and the freedom to move with greater ease as part of everyday life.
Prasarini Thailam
From $27.99
Sahacharadi Thailam
From $26.99
★★★★★(1 review)
Eladi Thailam
From $24.99
Complete Oil Guide
Each oil in this guide has its own unique role within Ayurveda. Some become part of a morning ritual, while others are chosen for healthy hair, radiant skin, comfortable movement, or caring for the spine and lower body.
The table below provides a simple overview to help you compare the traditional purpose of each oil and discover where it may fit into your own daily routine.
| Oil | Section | Traditional Use | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sesame Thailam | Daily Ritual | Abhyanga / daily self-massage | Shop → |
| Anu Thailam | Daily Ritual | Nasya / nasal passages | Shop → |
| Neeli Bhringadhi | Hair & Face | Scalp and healthy hair | Shop → |
| Kumkumadi | Hair & Face | Face / nighttime ritual | Shop → |
| Mahanarayana | Joints & Body | Full body, joints, movement | Shop → |
| Ksheerabala 101 | Joints & Body | Nervous system, spine, joints | Shop → |
| Nalpamaradi | Healthy Skin | Radiant skin, even complexion | Shop → |
| Psorahealth | Healthy Skin | Cooling, clarifying skin support | Shop → |
| Prasarini | Spine & Vitality | Spine, flexibility, movement | Shop → |
| Sahacharadi | Spine & Vitality | Lower body, muscles, joints | Shop → |
| Eladi | Spine & Vitality / Skin | Aromatic skin and daily radiance | Shop → |
Vaidya Jay's Notes
How should I begin using these oils if I am new to Ayurveda?
Start simply. Pick one oil from the Daily Ritual section, either Sesame Thailam for self-massage or Anu Thailam for the nose, and use it consistently for a few weeks. Once it has become part of the day, add another. The point is not to use eleven oils at once. The point is to build a daily practice you actually keep.
Do I need to warm the oil before I use it?
For body oils, yes. Warm a small amount in the palms or in a small bowl of warm water before applying. Warm oil absorbs better and feels more comforting on the skin and muscles. For Anu Thailam used in the nose, room temperature is fine.
How often should I do Abhyanga, the daily self-massage?
Ayurveda traditionally recommends Abhyanga as a daily practice, ideally before bathing. Three to four times per week is enough to feel the benefits build over time. Consistency matters more than duration.
Can I use these oils together in one session?
Yes, and many of my clients do. A common sequence is Anu Thailam in the morning before the day begins, Sesame Thailam or Mahanarayana for the body before bathing, Neeli Bhringadhi as a pre-wash for the hair, and Kumkumadi at night for the face. Each one supports a different part of the body without interfering with the others.
Are these oils safe for daily, long-term use?
These are traditional Ayurvedic preparations that have been used in daily routines for centuries. They are designed for ongoing use as part of a healthy lifestyle. If you have a specific health condition, are pregnant or nursing, or take medications, consult an Ayurvedic practitioner or your healthcare provider before adding new oils to your routine.
Final Thoughts
Ayurveda reminds us that health is rarely built through dramatic changes. More often, it grows from small, consistent daily rituals repeated with intention.
The right oil is not necessarily the one with the longest ingredient list or the most popularity. It is the one that fits your needs, becomes part of your routine, and encourages you to care for your body every day.
My hope is that this guide helps you better understand these traditional oils and inspires you to discover the ones that become part of your own lifelong practice.
Namaste,
Vaidya Jay
