Go for a relaxing oil bath

Oil bath is an age-old practice which has been neglected these days says, Lakshmi Thiagarajan - Sr Distinguished Scientist, CavinKare Research Centre.

At present, many people face lifestyle problems such as stress, depression, insomnia, pre-mature grey, hair-fall, etc. As per Ancient literature, one of the reasons such problems was body heat. But off late, many such old-gold practices are gaining momentum to overcome these problems.

Benefits of oil bath

Oil bath, comes with mounts of benefits. Medico benefits of oil bath are, clearing dead cells, activating hair follicles and improving blood circulation, while therapeutic benefits include improvised sleeping, calmed mind and relaxed body.

Other cosmetics benefits are removing dirt from hair, providing glowing skin and making hair smooth and shiny and delaying graying. It also helps to remove dandruff flakes, reduce hair damage and control hair fall.

Oil bath in our tradition

Any auspicious occasion commences with oil bath. In fact as kids, our mothers used to massage the head and body and expose us to mild sunlight.

Oil baths are incomplete without shikakai powder. The traditional shikakai powder comes with a goodness of ingredients such as reetha, thulasi, neem, hibiscus, fenugreek, vetiver, green gram, arappu and amla.

When to have oil bath

Summer always calls for oil baths. Now with never-ending lock down and WFH norm, stress piles up on most of us. Oil bath is one of the ways to relive such stress.

Oil massage should be done only after sunrise and it is preferred to be taken once a week. Traditionally, for Men the ideal days for taking oil bath are Wednesdays and Saturdays while for Women it is on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Any day is good to take an oil bath than not taking it. On your oil bath days, make sure to eat light food and dry your hair completely. Daytime napping and cold food must be avoided.

How to take oil bath with a traditional touch in the current scenario

Oil should be heated using a hot water bath. After massaging the oil, let it set for 30-60 minutes. People with a medical history of sinus, migraine or prone to frequent cold, cough & fever can leave the oil for about 10-15 minutes. Expose to mild sunlight after application.

Traditionally sesame, coconut, castor and mustard oils are used for oil baths. Nowadays even almond, olive and argan oils are being used. Hence one can go by what best suits their body.

Generally, sesame or gingelly oil is best suited. However a mixture of oils from any of the mentioned oils can also be used. Avoid soaps and shampoos and opt for warm water shikakai for bathing.