Oil Bath: Benefits and Recipes

Oil bath is an age old tradition for body and health care, especially in southern parts of Asia.  It is believed that the oils penetrate deep into the skin to repair and provide rejuvenation.

Benefits of Oil Bath

Regular bathing with oils has been observed to provide protection against skin cancer. Many people who have had oil bath at least once in a week since their childhood showed to have stronger immunity than those who did not. Oil bath is helpful in prevention of viral diseases and jaundice.

Oil bath improves circulation of the blood; removes fatigue and drowsiness. Oil baths, especially with sesame seed oil and coconut oil, are helpful in eliminating stiffness of joints. It may have certain role in prevention of rheumatoid arthritis because oil baths reduced swelling, numbness and pain in joints.

Bathing the bride with the oils is believed to impart instant glow to the body. Bath with warm oils is said to help uterus shrink to its original size after delivery of the baby. It also helps in circulation of breast milk and reduces soreness of the nipples. Oil bath must be given frequently to the new mother for at least one and half month. This helps her to gain physical strength post-delivery.

Here are examples of a few oils baths that you can prepare at home. After bath, hair should be washed with natural cleansers like gooseberry powder or shikaki powder. The bath must be taken once a week for perfect results. Body can be washed with fuller`s earth. Also, it must be followed by bath with lukewarm water only, avoiding use of chemical based soaps.

Coconut Oil Bath

Mix enough coconut oil with finely ground pieces of garlic and pepper. The spices impart additional antioxidant value to the oil. Prepare it in a glass bottle, preferably amber colored. Do not use plastic bottles as it will cause unwanted chemical reaction with the plastic.

Sandalwood Oil Bath

Mix sandalwood oil with any other oil (olive, coconut or sesame seed oil) in 2:1 ratio in a ceramic pot. Let the oils blend well in a dry place for 3 days. You can add hibiscus flower petals or rose petals.