In Ayurveda , the nose is considered the direct route to the brain and nervous system and is the doorway to consciousness. It is the entrance for prana , the vital life force, which is carried into the body through the breath.

Healthy, uncongested breathing is important to ensure proper flow of prana throughout the head and body, which has a reverberating effect on the health of the entire body-mind.

 

 

When an excess of bodily fluids accumulates in the sinus, throat, nose, or head, it is best eliminated through the nose. An herbal oil can help facilitate cleansing, particularly when using Nasya Oil, a nourishing traditional herbal oil for the nasal passages.

A traditional component to a healthy daily routine, the benefits of daily nasal lubrication with Nasya Oil abound, including moisturizing dry nasal passages, soothing and protecting the delicate mucous membranes, helping to relieve stagnant sinuses, releasing tension in the head, and soothing accumulated stress.

Balancing for vata , pitta , and kapha , Nasya Oil is also traditionally said to improve quality of voice, strengthen vision, and promote mental clarity.

Learn more about the reasons for using Nasya Oil daily.

What Herbs Are in Nasya Oil?

There are different types of nasya for different purposes, their unique combinations of Ayurvedic herbs and oils setting the tone and purpose. Some are more cleansing, for instance, while others are more nourishing.¹

The particular herbs in each nasya oil blend inform the formula's purpose and benefits, while the base oils also play an important role. Beyond the obvious act of providing lubrication, the oils are considered an anupan , or carrier substance, which means that they carry the properties of these herbs deep into the tissue layers.

Banyan's Signature Nasya Oil

Banyan's Nasya Oilis crafted according to traditional Ayurvedic methods and is blended with herbs renowned for supporting the mind, respiratory system, and the channel of prana. The herbs work synergistically, enhancing the formula's overall efficacy.

• Eucalyptus essential oil. Eucalyptus is known worldwide for its ability to support the respiratory system and the mind, promoting easy breathing and mental clarity.
• Gotu Kola. Gotu kola has an affinity for the mind and is incredibly soothing to the nervous system while it also supports the flow of prana throughout the body. It supports memory and cognitive function.
• Skullcap. Grounding and centering, skullcap brings a sense of calm and increased awareness, helping to bring clarity to the mind.
• Calamus. Also known as vacha, calamus has long been used to bring clarity and rejuvenate the mind. While there is some debate in the U.S. over whether it can be used for internal consumption, it can be used topically and is safe in an herbal oil, including Nasya.
• Sesame and Olive Oil. This rich blend of two base oils helps to deeply nourish and lubricate the tissues.

Super Nasya Oil

Super Nasya Oil was crafted by renowned Ayurvedic physician Vasant Lad and has an especially awakening and refreshing quality, making it ideal for times of cleansing. It features a potent eucalyptus and sandalwood scent that helps to clear the mind and may help relieve occasional congestion.

• Eucalyptus essential oil. Cleansing and enlivening, eucalyptus supports comfortable breathing and mental clarity.*
• Rose. Often referred to as the "queen of herbs," rose has a gentle and soothing quality that supports emotional well-being. and helps ease emotional stress*
• Sandalwood. Sandalwood brings a grounding and calming quality that further supports a sense of peaceful well-being.*
• Camphor. Camphor has a cleansing quality that adds to the overall energetic of this blend.*
• Sesame and Sunflower Oil. This blend of nourishing and rich sesame oil and lighter sunflower oil gives the blend a balanced and luxurious feeling.

Choose the nasya oil that calls to you, or keep both on hand for your various needs with the Nasya Oil Bundle. 

Which Base Oil Is Best for Nasya?

While it is most common to use a specially created herbal nasya oil, like our signature Nasya Oil and Super Nasya Oil, you could also use a plain base oil instead if preferred. Traditional Ayurvedic medicine utilizes various oils for nasya, each offering unique benefits.

• Sesame oil is the most commonly used base oil in Ayurvedic science due to its warming and nourishing properties, making it especially balancing for vata and vata-pitta constitutions.
• For a cooling effect, coconut oil or ghee may be used, which is particularly beneficial for pitta imbalances. Since both coconut oil and ghee can solidify, you may need to gently warm them until they are liquid. Test the temperature first—it should be lukewarm and comfortable to the touch as too much heat can irritate the tissues of the nose.

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How to Do Nasya at Home

The practice of nasal administration of nasya oil is a common part of Ayurvedic self-care and can be easily incorporated into your daily routine. Here are two ways to effectively apply nasya oil.

If you're able to lie down:

• Lie comfortably on your back and tilt your head back with your nostrils opening towards the sky. If you are lying on a bed, you may hang your head off the edge of the bed or place a small pillow beneath your neck for support so you can keep your head tilted back.
• Place 3 to 5 drops of Nasya Oil in each nostril. With skill, you can administer the oil, drop by drop, circling the inside perimeter of the nostril, thoroughly coating the nasal membranes.
• Breathe in deeply, taking a big sniff in through your nose, then rest for a few minutes, allowing the nasya to penetrate. 

If lying down is not convenient:

• Place a drop of Nasya Oil on the little finger and carefully insert it into the nostril.
• Gently massage the inner walls of the nasal passage.
• Alternate left and right nostrils until each nostril has received a total of three applications of oil.

How Often Should You Use Nasya Oil? 

For optimal benefits, you can practice nasya daily. Many prefer to use nasya oil in the morning for added clarity at the start of the day. Once a day may be plenty for you, but some enjoy using it once in the morning and once in the evening. 

Frequently Asked Questions: How to Do Nasya Oil

Is Nasya Oil safe for children?
Nasya Oil is a safe, gentle formula with natural ingredients, and we have received some positive feedback regarding the use of nasya for children over the age of two. That said, we suggest consulting a licensed Ayurvedic practitioner before giving it to children. Little ones may experience herbs differently than adults do and often require a smaller serving size than adults.

Is it okay to use Nasya Oil while pregnant?
The practice of traditional nasya is considered a cleansing or detoxification process said to "remove the doshas ," which is generally contraindicated during pregnancy. For more individualized guidance, we recommend seeking the guidance of an Ayurvedic practitioner.

Can I use Nasya Oil to help with a sinus infection?
While using Nasya Oil as preventative care is recommended, it is contraindicated if you have a cold or sinus infection. Because oil has a protective effect, there is a chance that it could coat the infection and cause it to spread. Wait until sinus issues have resolved before resuming your nasya practice.

How many times per day can I use Nasya Oil?
We recommend using Nasya Oil no more than two times per day—once in the morning and once in the evening, as a part of your daily routine.

Is it okay to use Nasya Oil and a neti pot at the same time?
These two powerful practices complement each other beautifully, but please be sure to give at least 24 hours in between the two. The neti pot uses warm water to cleanse the nasal cavity, while nasya oil provides lubrication and nourishment afterward.

Is it common for Nasya Oil to cause sneezing?
While this is not a common complaint, it's possible that the body may need a few days to acclimatize to the sensation of nasya. If you experience excess sneezing or any irritation, we encourage you to discontinue using nasya for a couple of days, then try again with a smaller amount of oil. You can also put a small amount of oil on your pinky and apply the oil inside each nostril, rather than sniffing it, and then eventually work your way up to the recommended 3 to 5 drops.

I accidentally touched the dropper to the inside of a my nose—is it contaminated?
While it is best to avoid having the dropper touch your nose, it sometimes happens, especially if you're new to the practice. As an extra precaution, wipe down the tip of the dropper bottle before placing it back in the bottle. However, if you weren't able to clean the dropper before putting it back into the bottle, the oil is probably still safe to use!

Will Nasya Oil help with dry sinuses at night?
Yes, Nasya Oil offers protection and lubrication for the nasal membranes. Practicing nasya before bed also offers the added benefit of promoting relaxation and sound sleep, helping ease stress accumulated during the day.

Is it okay to heat the Nasya Oil before use?
Yes, as long as it's not too hot! Slightly warmer than room temperature is the hottest you'll want to get it, since too much heat in the nasal cavity may lead to irritation or discomfort.

Does Nasya Oil have anti-microbial properties? 

While we don't make specific anti-microbial claims, these herbs have been used in Ayurvedic medicine to support overall respiratory health and maintain clear nasal passageways. Many of the essential oils and herbs in our nasya formulas, including eucalyptus, have been traditionally valued for their cleansing and protective properties.

What is the shelf life of Nasya Oil?
Our Nasya Oil has a two-year expiration date from the date of manufacture. The manufacture date is based on the lot number, and we only keep the most current lots on our shelves. If you'd like to check the lot number on a bottle of Nasya Oil you purchased, feel free to contact our Customer Care team at 1-800-953-6424.