How to Choose the Perfect Herbal Massage Oil

The use of herbal oil is an essential foundation of an Ayurvedic lifestyle. Even beyond the many physical benefits, the simple act of applying oil to the body can be a life-changing act of self-care.

In fact, the word for oil in Sanskrit—sneha—is also a word for love.

So when it comes to showing yourself love and care with Ayurvedic herbal oils, how do you choose the oil that’s right for you? This guide is intended to clarify the uses and benefits of Banyan’s wide array of herbal oils, along with our new line of physician-formulated Sidha Soma Supreme oils. 

In this article:

• What Are Ayurvedic Herbal Oils?
• The Benefits of Ayurvedic Oil
• Which Oil Is Right for Me?
• How to Use Herbal Oils

What Are Ayurvedic Herbal Oils?

Ayurvedic herbal oils are at the heart of Ayurveda’s tradition of self-care, offering the lubricating and nourishing qualities of oil alongside the powerful benefits of herbs. 

Unlike many massage oils that are made with essential oils or fragrances, our oils are unique in that the raw herbal material is cooked into the oil in the traditional Ayurvedic method. This is done in small batches over a period of several days, using low heat to create an oil infused with potent herbal properties.

Our new line of 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. These potent blends offer even more ways to deeply nourish and support specific areas of well-being.

The Benefits of Herbal 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. While the oil itself soothes, moistens, and nourishes the tissues of the body, the addition of organic herbs delivers powerful healing benefits deep below the surface layers to address your unique needs. 

The many health benefits of implementing oil massage into your daily routine include supporting a strong and healthy musculoskeletal system, nourishing a healthy nervous system, improving circulation and lymph drainage, promoting healthy sleep patterns, nurturing supple skin and lustrous hair, and cultivating a sense of calm. 

Which Oil Is Right for Me?

Banyan offers a wide array of the highest quality ethical herbal oils, including an entire new line of physician-formulated Sidha Soma Supreme oils. This guide will help you compare different herbal oils so you can choose the formula that is perfect for you.

If you’re new to herbal oils, you may want to start with one of our best-selling blends:

• Daily Massage Oil. This soothing and balancing oil features a hint of lavender and lemon verbena and is perfect for all body types.
• Healthy Hair Oil. Perfect for hair care and scalp massage, this Ayurvedic hair oil is infused with bhringaraj, known for increasing hair health, luster, and shine.
• Sleep Easy Oil. With calming herbs like chamomile and passionflower, this oil promotes relaxation and supports sound, restful sleep. 

Beyond these, let’s compare some of our herbal oils that may have a slightly less obvious use.

Similar Oils and Key Differences

Banyan Oil	vs.	Sidha Soma Supreme Oil
Ashwagandha Bala Oil (discontinued) Key Ingredients: Ashwagandha, bala Dosha Effect: Balancing for vata Why we discontinued it: This oil was very similar to our new and improved Ashwagandha Oil+	vs.	Ashwagandha Oil+ Key Ingredients: Ashwagandha, bala, vidari kanda Dosha Effect: Balancing for vata When to Use It: Post workout, or anytime to nourish and rejuvenate the muscles, nerves, and entire body
Bhringaraj Oil Key Ingredients: Bhringaraj Dosha Effect: Balancing for all doshas, especially pitta When to Use It: To support healthy hair, clear skin, and a calm mind	vs.	Bhringaraj Oil+ (coming soon) Key Ingredients: Bhringaraj, rose, sandalwood Dosha Effect: Balancing for all doshas When to Use It: When pitta is elevated, for extra potent support for the hair, skin, and mind
Face Oil Key Ingredients: Moringa, saffron, rosehip Dosha Effect: Balancing for all doshas When to Use It: For daily facial care to replenish healthy skin and protect a healthy skin barrier	vs.	Bakuchi Oil+ Key Ingredients: Bakuchi, manjjistha, neem Dosha Effect: Balancing for pitta and kapha When to Use It: On your body or face to support a clear and radiant complexion
Mahanarayan Oil Key Ingredients: Arjuna, manjistha, shatavari Dosha Effect: Balancing for all doshas, especially vata When to Use It: To comfort sore muscles and joints, after exercising	vs.	Maha Ganesh Oil+ Key Ingredients: Camphor, shatavari, punarnava Dosha Effect: Balancing for all doshas When to Use It: To soothe the joints and nervous system when feeling stress and fatigue
Neem Oil Key Ingredients: Neem Dosha Effect: Balancing for pitta and kapha When to Use It: To soothe and support clear, healthy skin	vs.	Neem Oil+ Key Ingredients: Neem, guduchi, manjistha Dosha Effect: Balancing for all doshas When to Use It: To soothe sensitive skin, especially when pitta is elevated
Sleep Easy Oil Key Ingredients: Ashwagandha, chamomile, passionflower Dosha Effect: Balancing for all doshas When to Use It: Before bed to encourage sound and restful sleep	vs.	Nirgundi Oil+ Key Ingredients: Vitex, valerian, calamus Dosha Effect: Balancing for vata and kapha When to Use It: To release tension, to support sleep, or while cleansing
Vata Massage Oil Key Ingredients: Ashwagandha, bhringaraj, passionflower Dosha Effect: Balancing for vata When to Use It: When vata dosha is elevated and out of balance	vs.	Dashamula Oil+ Key Ingredients: Bilva, gokshura, ashwagandha Dosha Effect: Balancing for all doshas When to Use It: Anytime you are seeking a feeling of calm, grounded vitality

 

Beyond these oils, Banyan also offers dosha-balancing oils for pitta and kapha, Brahmi Oil in both a sesame and coconut base, and a signature lightweight Body Oil perfect for daily use. 

Choosing Your 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. You can start with one oil, or incorporate several into your routine. 

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. Or, you may want to use a dosha-balancing oil for a weekly abhyanga practice and Body Oil for quick, daily skin care after you shower. 

If you're still not sure where to start, our Customer Care team is always happy to support.

How to Use Herbal Oils

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. Here are a few resources on self-massage and getting the most out of your herbal oils.

• Ayurvedic Self-Massage: Learn more about the many benefits of this ancient practice and how to establish your own abhyanga ritual.  
• How to Massage Your Head: This simple practice is deeply relaxing and brings many benefits to the body-mind.
• How to Massage Your Feet: Calming and grounding, massaging your feet with oil before bed is a perfect practice to support sweet sleep.
• Face Massage and Marma Points: If you want to go deeper into your self-care routine, incorporate marma points into your massage!