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The Ayurvedic Daily Nasal Oil Ritual
Nasya Therapy
Nasya is the Ayurvedic practice of applying herbal oil to the nasal passages, one of the daily practices described in the Vedas as part of Dinacharya (the morning routine).
The technique is simple: tilt the head back, place two drops of warm oil in each nostril, and inhale gently. The oil coats the nasal passages, and the aromatic herbs do the rest.
In Sanskrit, the phrase "Nasa hi Shiraso Dwaram" means "the nose is the doorway to the head." This is the principle behind the practice, the nasal passages are the most direct route to the head region, and keeping them well-oiled is considered essential in Ayurveda.
Art of Vedas Nasya Oil is an authentic Anu Thailam, the most important nasal oil in classical Ayurveda, documented in Ashtanga Hridaya over 1,500 years ago. This traditional formula combines 24 carefully selected herbs in pure sesame oil, prepared according to ancient methods to support nasal wellness, promote mental clarity, and nourish all five sense organs.
In Ayurveda, the nose is called "Nasa hi Shiraso Dwaram", the doorway to the head. Daily Nasya practice with Anu Thailam is considered one of the most important rituals for maintaining wellness of the head, eyes, ears, and mind. Just 2 drops per nostril each morning can become a transformative part of your Dinacharya (daily routine).
Whether you are new to Nasya or an experienced practitioner, this classical formula offers authentic support for clear breathing, mental focus, and overall head region wellness throughout all seasons.
Shadbindu Thailam is a classical nasal oil that works where your sinuses actually need help, directly through the nasal passages. This isn't a supplement you swallow or a balm you rub on your chest. It's a specialized Nasya oil (nasal drops) that delivers 10 powerful herbs exactly where congestion, inflammation, and dryness begin. With soothing Bhringraj for scalp nourishment, calming Valerian for mental clarity, anti-inflammatory Licorice for irritated tissues, warming Ginger and Cinnamon to open blocked passages, and nourishing Goat Milk to soothe delicate nasal membranes, this classical formulation supports your sinuses, eases headaches, calms your mind, and even strengthens your hair—all through the nose, the gateway to your head.
Hand-cast brass vessel for Nasya Karma procedures (Pratimarsha/Snehana Nasya). The wide mouth allows easy warming and mixing of nasya taila; the tapered spout gives a controlled pour or clean decant into a dropper. A stable pedestal base keeps the bowl secure on the dhara table.
Use (professional)
-
Warm the prescribed oil in a water bath to body temperature.
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With the client supine and neck supported, pour a thin stream or decant to a dropper and administer the advised drops to each nostril.
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Follow with gentle nose–cheek massage and instructed expulsion, per protocol.
Care
Wash with mild soap, rinse, and dry thoroughly after each use; sanitize per clinic protocol. Lightly oil-season brass if storing. Avoid abrasives and open flame.
Safety
For external procedural use only. Check temperature before application and maintain hygienic handling of oils. Use under guidance of an Ayurvedic practitioner.
Hand-cast brass vessel for Nasya Karma procedures (Pratimarsha/Snehana Nasya). The wide mouth allows easy warming and mixing of nasya taila; the tapered spout gives a controlled pour or clean decant into a dropper. A stable pedestal base keeps the bowl secure on the dhara table.
Use (professional)
-
Warm the prescribed oil in a water bath to body temperature.
-
With the client supine and neck supported, pour a thin stream or decant to a dropper and administer the advised drops to each nostril.
-
Follow with gentle nose–cheek massage and instructed expulsion, per protocol.
Care
Wash with mild soap, rinse, and dry thoroughly after each use; sanitize per clinic protocol. Lightly oil-season brass if storing. Avoid abrasives and open flame.
Safety
For external procedural use only. Check temperature before application and maintain hygienic handling of oils. Use under guidance of an Ayurvedic practitioner.
How to Practice Nasya (Pratimarsha Nasya)
What you need
Your chosen Nasya oil (Anu Thailam or Shadbindu Thailam), a cup of warm water to heat the bottle, and a comfortable place to lie down or sit with your head tilted back.
Step 1 — Warm the oil
Place the bottle in a cup of warm water for 1–2 minutes. The oil should reach body temperature — test a drop on your inner wrist. It should feel neither warm nor cool.
Step 2 — Position yourself
Lie on your back with a small pillow under your shoulders so your head tilts gently backward. Or sit in a chair and tilt your head back.
Step 3 — Apply the oil
Place 2 drops in each nostril. Inhale gently — just enough to draw the oil slightly deeper. You may feel the oil reach the back of your throat. This is normal.
Step 4 — Rest
Stay in position for 1–2 minutes. You can gently massage the bridge of the nose and the area around the nostrils.
Step 5 — Sit up and clear
Sit up slowly. If any oil has reached your throat, spit it out gently. Blow your nose softly if needed.
When to practice
Morning, on an empty stomach, after washing your face. This is the traditional Pratimarsha Nasya — the gentle, daily version of Nasya described for home practice.
When to skip
During a cold or flu with thick, coloured mucus. During fever. Immediately after meals or vigorous exercise. If you have recently had nasal surgery, wait until fully healed.
Nasya Therapy — Common Questions
Nasya is the Ayurvedic practice of applying a small amount of herbal oil to the nasal passages. It is part of Dinacharya, the classical daily routine described in texts like Ashtanga Hridayam. The daily home version is called Pratimarsha Nasya — two drops of warm oil per nostril each morning.
Both are classical Nasya oils from different Ayurvedic texts. Anu Thailam (from Ashtanga Hridayam) is lighter, Tridosha-balancing, and made for everyday practice. Shadbindu Thailam (from Bhaishajya Ratnavali) is warmer and more penetrating, with a spiced, aromatic character — traditionally used for shorter, more focused courses. If you are new to Nasya, start with Anu Thailam.
Place the bottle in a cup of warm water for 1–2 minutes. Test a drop on your inner wrist, it should feel neutral, neither warm nor cool. Never microwave the bottle or heat it directly.
Yes. The nasal passages connect to the throat. When you apply oil and tilt your head back, some may flow down. You can spit it out or simply swallow it, both are fine. This is a normal part of the practice.
During a cold or flu with thick, coloured discharge. During fever. Immediately after eating (wait at least 30 minutes). After vigorous exercise (wait until your breathing settles). If you have had recent nasal surgery, wait until fully healed and consult your practitioner first.
Yes, this is a traditional combination. Jala Neti (nasal rinsing with warm salt water) is often practiced first to clear the passages, followed by Nasya oil to nourish them. Wait 10–15 minutes between the two practices so the passages are not too wet when you apply the oil.
The sensation of warm, herbal oil coating the nasal passages is immediate. How the practice feels over time depends on consistency, most people who practice daily notice a difference in how their mornings feel within the first one to two weeks.
Complete Your Morning Routine
