An Ultimate Guide to Ayurvedic Turmeric Oil called Nalpamaradi Thailam

The Nalpamaradi Thailam - Ayurvedic Turmeric Oil for Skin Treatment

In the world of Ayurveda, certain treatments and concoctions are timeless. They never get old and often become introductory products used by people new to Ayurveda. And in the Ayurvedic skincare world, the Nalpamaradi Thailam is one such concoction with a timeless charm.

It is said that Nalpamaradi Thailam was traditionally recommended by Ayurvedic experts to de-tan the skin and reverse sun damage. Apart from this, the oil was popularly used for medicinal purposes. The oil contains a variety of magical herbs and natural ingredients that make it effective in treating various skin conditions. This blog is here to introduce you to the Nalpamaradi Thailam so you know exactly what you’re in for before trying it.

Turmeric - the Key Ingredient in Nalpamaradi Thailam and Indian Skincare
When you see the mention of Nalpamaradi Thailam anywhere, it is always accompanied by the legends and stories of the wonderful spice “turmeric”. Turmeric is a spice that has a lot of importance in the Indian culture (home to Ayurvedic knowledge) - not only is it used in several recipes to make food that is consumed daily, but it is also used in religious rituals, skincare, soaps, weddings, etc. In fact, it has its own wedding ritual called “Haldi”, which is practiced by multiple cultures in the Indian subcontinent.

Turmeric is yellow and leaves a golden tinge on everything it touches. It quite literally makes your skin glow, which is perhaps why it is so beloved. But that’s not all! Turmeric is well-known not just for improving the outward appearance of the skin but also boosts skin health, digestive health, and more.

Turmeric’s astonishing anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties make it a valuable herb for treating a wide range of conditions, from skincare to mental health. It is used in food often because it has multiple digestive benefits. It is suggested that turmeric helps stimulate bile production, which aids in the digestion of fats. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce inflammation in the gut, preventing acidity.

What gives turmeric such amazing abilities? The answer, scientifically speaking, is that turmeric contains a compound called curcumin, which is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Here are some of the specific benefits of turmeric for the skin in brief:

• Reduces inflammation: Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce redness, swelling, and irritation on the skin. This makes it an effective treatment for conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, which are characterized by inflammation.

• Brightens the skin: Turmeric is known to have a brightening effect on the skin. It can help to reduce the appearance of dark spots and uneven skin tone, giving the skin a more youthful and radiant appearance.

• Anti-aging benefits: Turmeric is rich in antioxidants, which can help to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells, leading to the formation of wrinkles and fine lines. The antioxidants present in turmeric help to neutralize these free radicals, which in turn helps to prevent the signs of aging.

• Acne treatment: Turmeric has antimicrobial properties that can help to fight off the bacteria that cause acne. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce redness and inflammation associated with acne.

So, what exactly is Nalpamaradi Thailam?

Nalpamaradi Tailam is a multi-purpose Ayurvedic body massage oil that has been used for centuries in traditional Indian medicine for the treatment of various skin conditions and regular skincare. Ayurveda, which translates to "the science of life," is a holistic system of medicine that originated in ancient India over 5000 years ago. It is based on the belief that health and wellness depend on a delicate balance between the mind, body, and spirit. The creation of this oil is based on ancient Ayurvedic texts, which are considered to be the home to exceptional wisdom about medicine, well-being, and the “ideal lifestyle”.

Thus, the recipe of Nalpamaradi Thailam comes directly from ancient Ayurvedic texts. It is made from a blend of herbal ingredients that are known to have medicinal properties for the skin. According to Ayurveda, the skin is a reflection of the overall health and balance of the body, and the use of Nalpamaradi Tailam is believed to restore this balance.

Ingredients of Nalpamaradi Thailam 

What makes this herbal oil so special?

Much like other Ayurvedic concoctions, the Nalpamaradi oil gets its benefits from the unique blend of natural ingredients that make up its composition. It is the ingredients of this oil that give it its name too! Read on to know about the ingredients that make up this legendary oil.

The Nalpamara

The Ficus species Religiosa, Bengalensis, Microcarpa, and Racemosa are together known as "Nalpamara" in Ayurveda. This is where the intriguing name of Nalpamaradi Thailam comes from. These trees' bark is used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat ulcers, nervous disorders, skin diseases, and blood impurities. Even as ingredients of the Nalpamaradi oil, the function of these tree bark is to purify the skin.

Turmeric

As we have discussed before, the main ingredient in Nalpamaradi Tailam is turmeric, which is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Turmeric is considered a "Rasayana" in Ayurveda, which means that it can rejuvenate and revitalize the body.

It is also considered a "Varnya" herb, which means that it can improve the complexion and radiance of the skin.

Licorice root

Licorice root is known for its ability to soothe and calm the skin, making it an effective treatment for eczema and other inflammatory skin conditions. Quite like turmeric, licorice root (referred to as Yashtimadhu) is considered a "Varnya" herb in Ayurveda. It is used to improve the complexion and radiance of the skin.
Sandalwood
You may know of sandalwood from the perfume industry. This ingredient, which is derived from a tree, has a wonderful scent and is often used in soaps, rituals, and perfumes made in India.

As an ingredient in the Nalpamaradi Thailam, sandalwood, is considered an "Ushna" herb in Ayurveda. Ushna herbs are believed to have a warming effect on the body. It is also considered a "Rasayana" herb, which means that it can rejuvenate and revitalize the body.

Apart from these key ingredients, sesame oil serves as the foundation for its production. These ingredients together contribute to creating a perfect blend that aids in tan removal and skin lightening. Nalpamaradi Thailam may also be made with coconut oil, in which case it is referred to as “Nalpamaradi Kera”. Generally, sesame oil variations of the oil are appropriate for use in winter, and coconut oil variations in the summer.

Uses and benefits of the Nalpamaradi Thailam

Nalpamaradi Thailam has several different uses in the modern world, even as an ancient concoction. It is mostly used as a body oil, though some may prefer to use it on the face too if they have normal to dry skin. The oil itself is used as a complete product, but may also be used as an ingredient for other products such as lotions or soaps.

Here are the main benefits you can reap from regularly using Nalpamaradi Thailam:

1. De-tanning and reversing sun damage

India, where the oil originates, is a tropical country where the Sun shines as bright as it can. Therefore, tanning used to be a concern for people even centuries ago. Since Nalpamaradi Thailam has healing properties and multiple anti-oxidant herbs, it is considered in soothing sun damage on the skin. Regularly using it may help you de-tan your skin and thereby reduce sun damage.

2. Helps in treating sunburns and irritated skin

One of the main benefits of Nalpamaradi Tailam is its anti-inflammatory properties. The main ingredient in the oil is turmeric, which has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine for its anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric, therefore, helps to reduce redness and irritation on the skin and can be effective in treating conditions such as sunburn.

3. Gives you an even skin tone with a golden glow

Another benefit of Nalpamaradi Tailam is its ability to improve the appearance of the skin. The oil is formulated with several herbs that together help you work toward this goal. Licorice root soothes and calms the skin, preventing chances of any redness. Sandalwood with its healing properties helps to reduce the appearance of scars and blemishes, making it an effective treatment for acne scars and dark spots. Finally, the bright yellow tinge of turmeric gives your skin a natural golden glow to top off the even skin tone.

4. Moisturizes skin effectively

Oils are occlusive that create a barrier on your skin that prevents your skin from getting dehydrated or dry. Nalpamaradi Thailam has a base of thick oils such as sesame oil or coconut oil. These oils are rich in fatty acids and help to lock in moisture, keeping the skin soft and supple. Therefore, the oil can be used as a daily moisturizer to keep the skin healthy.

5. Slows skin aging

Nalpamaradi Thailam has multiple ingredients that are antioxidants. Antioxidants help you protect your skin from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells, leading to the formation of wrinkles and fine lines. The antioxidants present in the oil help to neutralize these free radicals. This helps you prevent signs of aging on your skin.

Can Nalpamaradi Thailam be made at home?

If you are a first-time user, it would perhaps be better for you to try Nalpamaradi Thailam from a trusted brand first before trying to make it. However, if you have used it before and are a fan, you’d be happy to know you can indeed make Nalpamaradi Thailam at home. Finally, even if you do not wish to make the oil at your house, knowing the procedure may help you appreciate it better.

Three components are used in the order to prepare Nalpamaradi Thailam:

Kalka Dravya - Herbal powder used to make a paste
Sesame Oil - Taila Dravya (Base Oil)
Drava Dravya - Liquid content - Herbal juices
Kalka Dravya
To create the Kalka Dravya you will need the following herbs (available in the form of herbal powders):
∙Nalpamara (18 grams each of all 4 ficus trees)
∙Triphala (18 grams each of Indian Gooseberry, Licorice Root, and Haritaki)
∙Red Sandalwood (Rakta Chandana) - 18 grams
∙Manjistha (Rubia Crodifolia) - 18 grams
∙Ushira (Vetiver) - 18 grams
∙Chora (Smooth Angelica) - 18 grams
∙Kushta (Indian Costus Root) - 18 grams

Mix all these herbal powders to make a paste. This will become your Kalka Dravya.

Drava Dravya

To make the Drava Dravya, you will need fresh juice from turmeric roots and fresh “Pitpapra” or Fumaria Indica juice. You will need about 1300 ml of each of these juices. These together make up the Drava Dravya.
The procedure with All Three
Pure sesame oil or pure coconut oil makes up for the Taila Dravya. To make the oil, you must blend your Kwatha and Drava with the Taila. To do this, bring about 700 ml of sesame or coconut oil to boil in a vessel. Then, add the Kwatha and Drava to the hot oil.

Let the oil simmer until the water content from the Drava Dravya completely evaporates, leaving only oil and herbs in the pot. Then, let the oil cool and filter the herbal remains out of it.

Once filtered, your homemade Nalpamaradi Thailam is ready!

The Takeaway

Ayurveda has held in itself an amazing pot of herbal secrets that we can all use in the present day. One of its most beloved creations is the Nalpamaradi Thailam. Loaded with the goodness of numerous natural herbs such as turmeric, licorice root, sandalwood, and sesame - it is effective in dealing with a variety of skin issues. Regular usage of this oil may help you achieve healthy, glowing skin, free of sun damage, premature aging, and flaws. 

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