Why we love Ayurvedic oils ...

Therapeutic herbal oils are an essential element of Ayurveda and we are passionate about ours.  Created with love and prepared in the traditional Ayurvedic way they contain both the plants’ vital energy and the positive energy with which they are created.

We prepare our oils with the traditional method of decoction and slow cooking over a gentle heat. It is an intense labour of love taking at least 3 days to prepare each oil. This complex process allows the healing properties from the herbs to permeate fully into the oil. It also creates a highly absorbable oil which carries its medicinal effects deep into the tissues. In Sanskrit the same word, Sneha, is used to describe both oil and love – as the feeling of nourishment from oil is the same as the warm feeling of love.

 The first step in creating our Ayurvedic oils is selecting plants which have been harvested at the time when they are most potent to maximise their healing effects. We only use raw herbal ingredients, using a full 250g of herbs per litre of oil.

Next, a decoction (drava) is prepared from selection of plants chosen for their unique attributes for each specific oil. Depending on which medicinal quality is being harnessed the root, stem, leaf, flower, seeds or all five are used as each part of the plant has a different quality. This decoction or tea-like liquid is one-part herbs to 16 parts water and is brewed gently for hours until it is reduced to a concentrated paste.

The next stage is for the paste (kalka) to be ground down. This is hard work as it needs to be sifted to a very fine consistency. The final stage is to bring all the components of the oil together – 1-part herb paste to 16-parts decoction added to 4-parts Sesame or Coconut oil. They are cooked in a large vessel over a gentle heat and must be stirred continuously with care and attention. This process can take days for the moisture to gradually evaporate and as the consistency of the paste changes, it reveals the characteristic features and smell of the oil. The oil is then strained, whilst still warm, through muslin cloth and allowed to cool.

Our customer testimonials speak of the benefits you can enjoy from simply applying our oils either topically or as a daily loving ritual of self-massage or abhyanga.  It might be a better night’s sleep, relief from muscle cramps, freedom from pain, improved flexibility or even a warm feeling of well-being. We know it’s the utmost care and attention of the people that make our oils that ensures their wonderful quality and efficacy.

It makes us very happy when our customers love our oils as much as we do! Why not take a look at our range here and see if there's an oil there for you.