When we tell patients that applying oil on the head once a week is enough, many of them ask back:

“But doesn’t Ayurveda say to oil and bathe every day?
Then why not apply oil to the head every day too?”

That’s true — Ayurveda indeed recommends Abhyanga (oil massage) daily.
In fact, it even specifies that oil should be applied particularly to the head, ears, and feet before bathing.

So, for those who have the time and circumstance, my opinion too is that daily oil massage is ideal.
If not possible, applying oil once or twice a week to the body still helps —
it improves blood circulation,
prevents Vata disorders to some extent,
and keeps the skin soft and supple.

For those without any illness, Ayurveda recommends sesame oil for daily use.
Medicated oils — those prepared by boiling herbs in base oil — can also be used.

Before we go further, it’s good to understand what “tailam” (oil) means.
The word refers to oil extracted from tila — sesame seeds.
So, all oils prepared by processing sesame oil with herbs are generally called tailam.

When you hear names like Dhanwantaram Tailam or Narayana Tailam,
you should understand that these are sesame oils medicated with various herbs.

Another commonly used word is Kuzhambu.
The difference between tailam and kuzhambu is mainly the base oils used —
usually a mix of two base oils like sesame and castor.
For example, Dhanwantaram Kuzhambu is widely known.

However, when one suffers from Vata-related diseases or neuropathies due to diabetes,
simply picking up any medicated oil and applying it on your own won’t help —
it may even worsen the condition.

If someone with diabetic neuropathy and burning in hands and feet applies Karpooradi Tailam bought from a shop,
it will only increase the burning!
Because such conditions usually require cooling, Pitta-pacifying oils —
not strong, heating ones.

So the summary is: for neurological conditions,
one should not select or apply oils on their own or based on others’ advice.

For those who are healthy and wish to stay that way,
plain sesame oil (without medicine)
or medicated oils prescribed by a physician can be used.

Now, coming back to oiling the head —
just as the body is oiled, Ayurveda also recommends applying oil on the head.
However, those who frequently suffer from colds, sinus congestion, or nasal discharge
are advised to avoid or limit head oiling.

This is a recommendation that most people overlook.

For those without such conditions,
there is no harm in applying oil to the head daily before bathing.

If one does not have sinusitis or other health problems,
they can also use oils that promote hair growth.

Unfortunately, many people who constantly have colds or congestion
still use coconut-oil-based herbal preparations —
which are cooling and can worsen their symptoms.

The goal for most is thick, beautiful hair —
but the result often turns out to be joint pain, neck stiffness, and other Vata disorders!
In the end, they lose both hair and health.

Oils prepared in coconut oil are commonly called Kerams —
like Neelibhringadi Keram, Kanjunnyadi Keram, or Kunthalakanthi.
These are not bad oils;
they just don’t suit people who have persistent cold or congestion.

Such individuals should use warming oils that relieve moisture accumulation —
but only under medical supervision,
and at most once or twice a week.

To summarize:
Ayurveda does not recommend regular head oiling for those with sinus congestion or similar issues.

Before running behind various oils in the kitchen, laboratories, YouTube, or green-colored advertisements,
keep at least these facts in mind.

Another topic is oiling for skin health.
Many use medicated coconut oils like Eladi oil to improve skin texture and beauty —
and that’s fine.

However, when skin diseases like eczema or itching occur,
some apply oils like Nalpamaradi Keram just because someone suggested it.
But Ayurveda generally does not recommend applying oils when there is inflammation or infection —
it can aggravate the condition.

So, for such skin problems,
always consult a doctor to know when oil can be applied and when it should not.

Apart from external application, Ayurveda also prescribes many internal medicated oils like Ksheerabala Tailam.

In short — in Ayurveda, “oil” (tailam) is not something trivial.
Used with understanding, oil nourishes health; used wrongly, it can invite disease.

Dr.Shabu Pattambi

Medical Officer, District Ayurveda Hospital. Palakkad