Thailam
Classical Ayurvedic Body Oil
Narayana Thailam is a classical Vata-pacifying medicated oil, warming in character, composed to work across both the surface muscles and the body's deeper framework.
Asparagus Racemosus (Shatavari) Root Powder, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil, Aegle Marmelos (Bael) Fruit Extract, Premna Corymbosa (Premna) Root Extract, Oroxylum Indicum (Indian Trumpet) Root Extract, Stereospermum Colais (Stereospermum) Root Extract, Erythrina Variegata (Indian Coral) Bark Extract, Paederia Foetida (Skunkvine) Whole Plant Extract, Withania Somnifera (Ashwagandha) Root Extract, Solanum Indicum (Indian Nightshade) Root Extract, Solanum Xanthocarpum (Yellow-Fruit Nightshade) Whole Plant Extract, Sida Cordifolia (Bala) Root Extract, Abutilon Indicum (Indian Mallow) Root Extract, Tribulus Terrestris (Gokshura) Fruit Extract, Boerhaavia Diffusa (Punarnava) Root Extract, Anethum Sowa (Indian Dill) Seed Powder, Cedrus Deodara (Deodar Cedar) Wood Powder, Parmelia Perlata (Stone Flower) Thallus Powder, Elettaria Cardamomum (Cardamom) Seed Powder, Pseudarthria Viscida (Pseudarthria) Root Powder, Desmodium Gangeticum (Salparni) Root Powder, Vigna Pilosa (Wild Mung) Seed Powder, Vigna Radiata (Mung Bean) Seed Powder, Alpinia Galanga (Galangal) Rhizome Powder, Withania Somnifera (Ashwagandha) Root Powder, Sodium Chloride, Boerhaavia Diffusa (Punarnava) Root Powder, Limonene, Linalool, Carvone
Long revered within the Ayurvedic tradition, it is most often chosen to support comfortable, easeful movement and to nourish the structural seat of Vata.
Traditionally suited for:
For Abhyanga (full body massage)
For targeted use
Apply a small amount to the chosen area and massage gently until absorbed.
Recommended frequency
Daily use is the traditional practice. For maintenance, use two to three times a week.
Important
Traditional use: In the classical tradition, Narayana Thailam is applied in Abhyanga across the joints, lower back, neck and limbs. Nourishing (Brimhana) and strength-giving (Balya) by nature, it is traditionally valued to support comfortable movement, suppleness and steadiness, and is a mainstay of Vata-balancing daily routines and classical oleation practices.
The oil is also referenced in Sahasrayogam, a classical text containing thousands of Ayurvedic formulations, and is included in the Ayurvedic Formulary of India (AFI), the official government compendium of standardized Ayurvedic preparations.
Notably, Narayana Thailam is considered the parent formulation from which the more elaborate Mahanarayana Thailam later evolved through the addition of more herbs.
Sanskrit Name and EtymologySanskrit: नारायण तैलम् (Nārāyaṇa Tailam)
The name combines:
The divine name reflects the high regard in which this formulation has been held, suggesting therapeutic power of the highest order.
Narayana Thailam is classified as:
Ayurvedic Pharmacology (Dravyaguna)
Rasa (Taste): Predominantly Tikta (bitter), Kashaya (astringent), Madhura (sweet)
Guna (Qualities): Snigdha (unctuous), Guru (heavy), Ushna (warming)
Virya (Potency): Ushna (warm), balanced by cooling herbs like Shatavari and Shaileyaka
Vipaka (Post-digestive effect): Madhura (sweet)
Dosha Action:
Narayana Thailam has particular affinity for:
In traditional Ayurvedic Panchakarma therapy, Narayana Thailam is used for:
Note: These Panchakarma applications should only be performed by or under the supervision of qualified Ayurvedic practitioners.
Narayana Thailam is a classical Ayurvedic body oil prepared from a blend of herbs in a sesame oil base, documented in the Bhaishajya Ratnavali. Art of Vedas offers Narayana Thailam as a warming oil for Abhyanga of the muscles and joints.
Narayana Thailam is traditionally used for massage of the muscles and joints. It is valued in Ayurveda for balancing Vata and for a strengthening, warming ritual that supports the body's ease of movement.
Warm the Narayana Thailam and massage it into the muscles and joints with long strokes along the limbs and circular motions around the joints. Allow it to absorb before a warm bath. For external use.
Narayana Thailam is traditionally considered best for Vata, the Dosha associated with the muscles, the nervous system and movement. Its warm sesame base suits the Vata season.
Yes. A daily Abhyanga with Narayana Thailam is part of Dinacharya, the classical daily routine, and is especially welcome during the cooler Vata months.
Narayana Thailam is traditionally valued in Ayurveda for nourishing and strengthening the muscles. A regular warm massage is a classical way to keep the body feeling strong and supple. For external use.
Yes. Narayana Thailam is a warming full-body Abhyanga oil. Apply it from the scalp downward with long strokes, giving attention to the muscles and joints, then allow it to absorb before bathing.
Both are classical Vata oils for Abhyanga. Narayana Thailam is a traditional oil for the muscles and joints, while Mahanarayana Thailam is the larger, richer formulation often chosen for more focused joint and muscle massage.
Narayana Thailam is prepared in a sesame oil base with a classical blend of supporting herbs, without synthetic fragrance or colour. Store in a cool, dry place away from sunlight, and warm gently before use if it thickens.
From our customers
I've started to use this product with my clients. the feedback has been wonderful there has been improvement in the areas of pain, one patient had a very sore lower back which was proving difficult has applied this oil daily and notices the benefits and its really helping, its a wonderful addition to my practise thank you
Namaskār
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