Understanding Ayurvedic Oils, Types and Effects Part2
Furthering our endeavor to understand ayurvedic oils we will next be exploring the yonibedhaclassification of oils, or classification according to their origin. Each type of fat or oil has distinct qualities and consequently each have distinct therapeutic utilities. The general nature of an oil and its utility will be derived from the organism which created it, and it is for this reason that ayurvedic oils are classified into two general categories according to their origin. These are known as sthavarasneha, or plant oils, and jangamasneha, or animal oils. Let’s now explore ayurvedic oils according to yonibedha.
First are the ayurvedic oils which are derived from the various parts of plants, these are collectively called sthavarasneha.The plants of the world are very diverse and each plant has several distinct parts which bear proportionally distinct products. Consequently, there are a wide variety of oils from the plant kingdom which have diverse qualities and effects. These oils are often bear distinct qualities due to the rich diversity of compounds and minerals found in each plant, and can render the oils to have very specific therapeutic utilites. These oils are rich and diverse and the most commonly used in ayurvedic formulations.
The second type of ayurvedic oils are those derived from different parts of the bodies of animals, known as jangamasneha. These include milks, butters, ghees, and all manners of fats. This class is further subdivided into three general categories. The first of these is ghrita or ghee which is the oil that is derived from refining milk. Though ghee can be obtained from any milk, for therapeutic purposes it is specifically taken from one of seven mammals. These are the cow, sheep, goat, buffalo, water-buffalo, yak, and camel. However, ghee from cow’s milk is the best and most recommended by ayurvedic medicine. Ghee is regarded as the best of all ayurvedic oils both for its ability to blend well with herbs and its uniquely nourishing effects. Ghee has a rare property of stimulating the activities of the body and its tissues without unbalancing pitta, in addition to all the oleaginous effects which are common to oils.
The next subtype of jangamasneha in the yonibedha of ayurvedic oils are the vasaoils, or those derived from the muscle of the animal. The nature and quality of these oils will vary greatly depending upon the type of animal from which it is taken, its age, diet, its location etc. For example, fat obtained from wet-land animals increases the heat in the body, while that obtained from dry-land animals has a cooling effect. This type of ayurvedic oil is generally used for internal applications and preferred for people who normally include meat as part of their diet, althoughvasa oils are also recommended to be used topically for ear-aches. Further, they can be very good for the treatments of poisoning and bone fractures.
The final sub-type of the jangamaayurvedic oils are the majjaoils, or those derived from the bone marrow of animals. These, like vasa oils, vary greatly depending upon the source, and are almost exclusively intended for internal application. Of all ayurvedic oils these are the heaviest for digestion and so are not to be used excessively, however, they have unique and very potent therapeutic effects. Majja oils enhance physical strength, increase the quality and quantity of reproductive tissue, nourish the plasma, stabilize the bones, improve the ability to tolerate various kinds of stress, and are great for the expulsion of heavy metals and easing of constipation.
These are the four basic types of oils used in ayurvedic medicine as organized according to their origin, or yonibedha. Drawing from both the plant and the animal kingdom each type includes a broad array of varieties each with their own specific potencies, but these four provide one framework from which to further understand the nature and use of allayurvedic oils. In the next article, we will explore the classification of ayurvedic oils according to their therapeutic utility and the various distinctions made according to their specific dose, preparation, and application.
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