Short answer: Thailam is the Malayalam and Sanskrit word for a medicated oil. Ayurvedic oils are made by slowly cooking herbs in a base of sesame or coconut oil, sometimes with milk or herbal decoctions. Dhanwantharam, Ksheerabala and Murivenna are three of the best-known Kerala oils, each traditionally used for a different kind of massage and body care.
Walk into any Kerala home, and you will probably find a bottle of medicated oil on a shelf. These oils are a big part of everyday Ayurvedic care. This guide explains what thailam is, what three popular oils are traditionally used for, and how to use them safely.
What is thailam?
The word thailam comes from tila, the sesame seed. Traditional oils use sesame oil or coconut oil as the base. Herbs are boiled in water or milk to make a decoction, and the oil is then cooked slowly with that decoction and a herbal paste until the water has gone and the herbs' qualities have passed into the oil. Some oils are repeated this process many times. For example, the number "101 avarthy" on some Ksheerabala oils refers to the number of times the process is repeated.
You may also see keram (coconut oil base) and velichenna (pure coconut oil). These are used mostly for hair and skin. You can browse all thailam and Ayurvedic oils in our shop.
Dhanwantharam thailam
Dhanwantharam is named after Dhanwantari, the physician of Hindu tradition. It is one of the best-known oils in Kerala, and is traditionally used in the care of new mothers and babies. After childbirth, a mother is traditionally given a gentle oil massage, and the oil is also used for babies, who are massaged before a bath. It is also traditionally used for muscle and joint stiffness.
See it here: Dhanwantharam Thailam, Rajah Ayurveda.
Ksheerabala thailam
As the name suggests, ksheera means milk, and bala is a herb traditionally used for strength. This oil is cooked with milk and the herb bala. It is described in the classical text Ashtangahrudayam. It is traditionally used in Ayurvedic practice for body massage and for head and ear care, and Ayurvedic physicians recommend it in some cases of nervous system complaints. Because it is used so widely, many Ayurvedic doctors know it by name.
See it here: Ksheerabala Thailam (Ashtangahrudayam), 200 ml, and the Ksheerabala Thailam 101 Avarthy.
Murivenna
Murivenna is a classical Kerala oil traditionally applied to the skin over sore muscles, joints and bones, for example after a sprain or a fall. It is a thick, strongly scented oil. It is also sold as a cream for easy use. Both the CNS Murivenna and the Rajah Murivenna cream are available. Murivenna is for external use only and should not be applied to open wounds.
How to use an Ayurvedic oil safely
- Read the directions on the pack. Some oils are for external use only. Others may be taken internally only on a physician's advice.
- Do a patch test. Put a small drop on the inside of your wrist or elbow and wait a day. Do not use the oil if the skin turns red or itchy.
- Warm it gently. Stand the closed bottle in a bowl of warm water. Do not heat oil directly on a flame, and test the temperature on your wrist.
- Massage with slow, even strokes. Use your palm, and stay away from broken skin, cuts and rashes.
- Be careful with babies. Ask a paediatrician or an Ayurvedic physician about the right oil and the right way to massage a newborn.
- Take care when you rinse off. Oil can make floors slippery.
How to choose an oil
- Pick by purpose. Some oils are meant for the body, some for the head and some for hair. Check the label.
- Check the base. If you are allergic to sesame or coconut, choose carefully.
- Check the maker, the batch number and the expiry date.
- Notice the smell. A medicated oil has a strong herbal smell, but it should never smell rancid.
- Choose a size that you will finish within the shelf life.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use these oils on my face?
Not unless the label says so. Many body oils are too heavy or too strong for the face. Ask your physician.
Are Ayurvedic oils safe for children?
Some are traditionally used for children, but please ask a paediatrician or an Ayurvedic physician first.
How long does an Ayurvedic oil last?
Check the expiry date on the pack. Store the bottle in a cool, dry place with the cap tightly closed.
Can I take these oils by mouth?
No, not unless a qualified physician has told you to. Most massage oils are for external use only.
This article is for general information. It is not medical advice. Please consult a qualified Ayurvedic physician before using any oil, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, treating a child or have a skin condition.