Ayurvedic products: an overview

Rasayanas: These are rejuvenating medicines, whose formulations have been perfected over thousands and thousands of years. They do not have preservatives, artificial flavors or colors, use organically grown herbs, and are prepared in strict accordance, without compromise, to the original texts which have been referenced. For several thousand years they have been used for: Strengthening-especially during and after recovery from a major health disorder or trauma. They have also been successfully used to improve immune function, vitality, vigor, stamina, and endurance. They are specific according to the individual's condition / situation. They can be used by anyone 12 years old or older.

Thailams: Herbally medicated oils generally intended for external application as scalp, hair, or massage oils. 

Chandanadi Thailam - This is cooling oil, excellent to use as head oil, as well as for massage.  Chandanadi is popular among Pitta types, and among those desiring relief from agitation and other 'Pitta' emotions.  When applied on the head it provides a calm, peaceful and refreshed mental state.  It offers relief from insomnia, fever, headache, tension and burning sensations.  

Sahacharadi Thailam- A beautiful, reddish oil with  fruity aroma, Sahacharadi has anti-rheumatic and anti-inflammatory properties and is best for Vata and Kapha types.  It is specific for pain in the limbs, tremors, wasting of muscles and nerve damage, especially in the legs.  It is used for conditions related to aging and is also good for Shirodhara.  

Karppasasthyadi Thailam - This is a fine general massage oil for Vata and Kapha types.  It has a golden tinge and a lovely, mild fragrance.  It rejuvenates and strengthens, nourishes the skin and is particularly used for chronic neck, shoulder and arm pain.    

Karpoorathi Thailam - This is a unique oil, redolent with the fragrance of camphor.  Its specific action is to dispel blockages and restore circulation.  Karpoorathi should be used in combination with other oil (25% Karpoorathi mixed with 75% other) and is used to alleviate cramps, numbness, pain, swelling and other blockages.  

Kanthi Thailam - A blend of 90% Dhanvantharam and 10% Cedar oil.  It combines the effectiveness of Dhanvantharam as a general massage oil, with the timeless fragrance of cedar.  Cedar oil is reputed to have excellent qualities as an anti-rheumatic and analgesic.  

Ksheerabala - A marvelous oil, it has a mild 'toasty' fragrance and feels very sattvic.  Ksheerabala is a traditonal nervine tonic used for anti-rheumatic, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, similar to Mahanarayana, but more cooling.  It has been shown to be helpful in fibromyalgia, arthritis, burning sensation, central nervous disorders and insomnia.  Good for massage and especially for Shirodhara and as a head oil.  

Mahanarayana - Mahanarayana is famed for its analgesic qualities, as well as its anti-rheumatic and anti-inflammatory effects.  Hence it is recommended for arthritis and other painful conditions.  Its muscle and nerve-nourishing properties is one reason why it has been traditionally used for paralysis, wasting of muscles, facial palsy and spondylosis.  In addition, the aforementioned qualities make it excellent for athletes, as it improves flexibility and refreshes the muscles and joints.  Also good as a Shirodhara or head oil. 

Dinesa Keram - This dark oil is a South Indian beauty secret from Classical times, imparting to the skin a radiant health.  Fragrant with coconut, it possesses a special skin nutrient action, which tones the complexion and protects the natural color and beauty of the skin.  It also treats itching, allergic rash, eczema and other skin diseases.

Triphaladi Thailam - This oil is traditionally used for managing diseases of the head and neck, sinusitis, alopaecia, and premature graying. Apply  over scalp before bath.

Neelibringadi Thailam - Containing herbs with well-known hair stimulating qualities, this has been Ayurveda's primary hair-loss preventative for centuries.  Additionally, it maintains and promotes the health of the hair and scalp, providing anti-fungal and anti-dandruff actions.  It can prevent and reverse premature graying as it cools the head, bestowing a refreshed mental state and a calm, peaceful sleep.  

Gandha Thailam - Specifically indicated by Ayurvedic texts for bone fractures, dislocations and other trauma, as well as degeneration of bones and joints.

Sinactil Oil - A herbal formula developed by ayurvedic doctors to assist those suffering from chronic or recurrent sinusitis.  Sinactil is an external application that can be prescribed as an adjuvant in the treatment of Sinusitis, Rhinitis, Tonsilitis, and other upper respiratory disorders including allergies.  Sinactil contain ingredients like Ocimum canum and Tillacora accuminata, which are time tested anti-allergic drugs.  Barringtonia accutangula and Boswellia serrata together help manage the draining of nasal fluids and prevent fluid accumulation in sinus thereby arresting bacterial proliferation and infection.  This action is supported by Bacopa monnieri which is a reputed immunomodulator. A judicious mixture of coconut and castor oil is used as the ideal vehicle for the drug.  This rational combination help free distress connected with allergic/infective upper respiratory tract disorders.  Sinactil is an ideal choice for palliative as well as prophylactic treatment.

Dhurdurapathradi Keram - This oil is good for dandruff and other fungal infestations of the scalp. Apply  over scalp before bath.

Murivenna - Used for contusions, myalgia with swelling, dislocation & subluxation of joints.

Anu Thailam - A most wonderful oil, the result of a very costly and time-consuming process.  Among its ingredients is rainwater from the monsoon's first downpour.  A few drops of Anu Thailam, administered into the nasal passages, can instantly dispel or soothe the most stubborn, drug resistant headaches.  It also has a reputation for being effective in alleviating sinitus, rhinitus and other diseases of the head.

2-10 drops administered into the nasal passages.

Dhanwantaram -This is a most popular general massage oil.  Named for the patron deity of Ayurveda, it is an earthy, red oil, fragrant with over 30 herbs. Dhanvantharam is good for all body types, especially Vata and Pitta. Featuring a potent anti-oxidant effect, it is reputed to rejuvenate the body and skin and increase immunity.  It is also traditionally used for neurological and rheumatic diseases, chronic Vata conditions and for pre- and post-natal care.  Also, it is a fine Shirodhara and head oil. 

 

 Bala Thailam -This is another outstanding general massage and head oil, with a lovely, light body and fragrance.  Good for all types, it has a strong rejuvenating action, making it excellent for managing exhaustion and delicate constitutions.  Bala Thailam is traditionally used to enhance complexion, gives energy, as an anti-inflammatory and strengthener to the nerves, the heart and the body's immunity.  Also good for Shirodhara.

Pinda Thailam -A cooling, soothing oil that is a specific for Pitta conditions, i.e. pain, inflammation or heat. Containing beeswax, it offers a marked emollient action towards the skin. It is known to manage burning sensations and painful arthritis and gout, as well as protecting against skin lesions. 

Prabhanjanam - This is an excellent massage oil for Vata constitutions and conditions. Restlessness, fear and anxiety are signs of aggravated Vata, which is exacerbated by excess stimulation, travel, autumn season, and even old age.  Prabhanjanam strengthens and rejuvenates, calming and warming Vata's delicate body and nerves.  It protects against aging of the skin, enhances complexion and treats arthritis and numbness.  It is also good for Shirodhara and on the head. 

Lakshadi Keram - A special head and scalp oil with varied applications.  For those who work outside in the cold, or who often experience the combination of wet hair and cold air, it will prevent them from catching a chill.  Lakshadi Keram is also a powerful tonic that helps treat emaciation and wasting conditions.  Additionally, it is the best oil for massaging newborns and infants.  

Lehyams - These are herbal therapeudic food suplements which address a variety of concerns, such as appetite, coughs, digestion, complexion, aging, nervous disorders, allergies, and improvement of bodily power. 

Chyavanaprasam - Commonly used as a rejuvenator whose properties are many and varied.  Its primary ingredient, Amla, or Amalaki, is exceedingly high in Vitamin C and anti-oxidant properties and is considered the best Rasayana for the Pitta dosha, though Chyavanaprasam is recommended for people of all constitutions.  It is known to imrove immunity and builds tissue and vigor. It is also used to manage general and sexual debility, as well as the decline resulting from old age.  It is a traditional tonic for the brain, heart, eyesight, digestion and especially the respiratory system.  It is reputed to arrest degeneration and aging at a cellular and metabolic level and to protect the liver. Also used to manage cough, lung infections, emaciation and constipation.

Aswagandhadi - An excellent rejuvenative tonic, it gives many of the same benefits as Chyavanaprasam, with a slightly warmer energy.  Its major ingredient, Aswagandha, has been called "the Indian Ginseng," and is considered the best Rasayana for the muscles, marrow, semen and for the Vata dosha. It is considered to stimulate appetite and bodily power, enhance complexion and immunity and slow aging.  Additionally, because it harbors the nervine qualities intrinsic to Aswagandha root, it is used to help manage nervous disorders and conditions of excess Vata such as emaciation, anxiety and weakness.

 Agasthya Rasayanam -This is a wonderful tonic that targets the respiratory system.  It is unique by virtue of the fact that, unlike most other Rasayanas, it can be taken effectively while the body contains ama, or toxins.  Agasthya Rasayana, then, helps the body retain and muster strength to combat all manner of respiratory ailments, whereas most other respiratory remedies are less useful once the body is in the throes of illness.  It is traditionally used to strengthen the lungs and battle lung infection.  It has been shown to effectively manage bronchitis, cough, asthma, tuberculosis, allergy, sinusitis, rhinitis, hiccups, shortness of breath and fever.  Additionally, it is also known to nourish the digestive system and, relieve constipation and bodily heaviness, gives a sense of peace.

 

Arishtams - These are naturally fermented herbal extracts which address a wide array of conditions such as gastric irritation, appetite, disease immunity, complexion, rheumatic symptoms, different types of arthritis, neurological disorders, numbness, muscular pains, low backache, indigestion, mal-absorption, gas trouble, hemorrhoids, some liver disorders, sprue, anemia, emaciation, neurological disorders, loss of memory, sluggishness, intellectual clarity, psychosis, insomnia, depression, rhinitis and allergy.

Vatis - These are herbal pills which are used to address fatigue, coughs, colds, chills, indigestion, aging, prostate problems, joint pain, menopausal syndrome, weakness after antibiotics, flu, malaria, chronic cold, headache, laryngitis, sore throat, and smoker's cough.

Choornas - These are fine powders administered orally with appropriate liquid. Some choornas are for external application.