Shirodhara Oil 1 Litre (USDA Certified Organic) | Ayurvedic Taila for Clinic Shirodhara, Grounded Calm & Vata Balance

Shirodhara Oil is a USDA certified organic Ayurvedic taila blended specifically for Shirodhara, the classical practice of pouring a gentle, continuous stream of warm oil over the forehead. It is built on Bhringaraja, Guduchi, Amalaki, Yastimadhu and Daruharidra in a certified organic sesame and cow's milk base, and is tridoshic in character. This one litre size suits the generous volume a real dhara session consumes, and is best used with a trained therapist.

• Certified organic taila formulated for dhara
• Traditionally valued for grounded calm and steadiness
• 1 litre, the practitioner and clinic size

Shirodhara, from shiras meaning head and dhara meaning a flow, is a classical Panchakarma practice in which a steady stream of warm liquid, most often a herbal oil, is poured over the forehead for a sustained period. It is traditionally used to settle the mind and encourage deep relaxation. The classical requirements are exact: the oil is warmed to body temperature, the vessel hangs a set distance above the brow, and the stream does not break. Because it needs the right setup, it is best done by, or with guidance from, a trained Ayurvedic therapist.

A calming, tridoshic certified organic blend of five herbs. Each 100 ml of certified organic Sesame oil is processed with Cow's milk (Kshira) at 100 ml, then:

• Decoction (Kwatha) extract, 10 g each, of Bhringaraja (Eclipta prostrata), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) and Amalaki (Phyllanthus emblica)
• Fine paste (Kalka), 5 g each, of Yastimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra) and Daruharidra (Coscinium fenestratum)

That is the complete formula. It does not contain Brahmi or Ashwagandha. Because cow's milk is used, it is not suitable for vegans.

It is traditionally valued for a calm, settled mind and for the grounded steadiness Ayurveda calls Sthira, and it nourishes the hair and scalp at the same time. Vata is defined by Chala, movement, and classical practice answers movement with constancy, which is why the stream is unbroken. These are traditional, supportive uses within an Ayurvedic routine. For any persistent health concern, work with a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner alongside your usual health care professional.

Dhara uses a continuous flow of oil for the whole session, recirculated through the vessel, so it needs real volume. One litre suits full length sessions and is the size Ayurvedic clinics, Panchakarma centres, training courses and frequent home practitioners order. It is also more economical per millilitre than the 200 ml bottle. If you only want to try the oil for scalp massage, the 200 ml or 500 ml listings are handier. Decant a working quantity and warm that, rather than reheating the whole litre each time.

As a gentle, additive free certified organic oil it is generally well tolerated. Apply a small amount to the inner forearm and wait 24 hours before first full use, since it contains sesame and dairy, keep it out of the eyes, and check the oil is comfortably warm rather than hot. Have dhara done by, or with guidance from, a trained therapist for comfort and safety. The cow's milk makes it unsuitable for vegans. Those who are pregnant or nursing, and anyone under ongoing care, should check with a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner first. For external use only.

You can buy the one litre certified organic Shirodhara Oil from AyurvedaBay, which ships authentic Ayurvedic products worldwide to North America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Asia and the Middle East. It comes directly from Gopala Ayurveda, certified by ECOCERT SAS, France, in accordance with the USDA Organic Regulations (7 CFR Part 205), so a clinic ordering in volume can trace the organic status back to the Western Ghats farms where the herbs are grown.