Kumkumadi Tailam (Oil)

Reference: Astanga Hridayam, Bhaishajya Ratnavali – 60/115-120

Introduction

Kumkumadi Tailam is Ayurvedic herbal oil preparation used for face massage. It is helpful to improve skin texture, complexion and also to relieve skin problems such as acne, scars etc. Kumkuma, which is the main ingredient of this taila, kumkuma means saffron. It is also known as Kumkumadi Thailam, Kumkumadi Taila, Kumkumadi tail.

Ingredients

48 grams of each of:-

• Kesara – Saffron – Crocus sativus
• Chandana – Pterocarpus santalinus
• Laksha – Laccifer lacca
• Manjishta – Rubia cordifolia
• Madhuyashtika – Licorice – Glycyrrhiza glabra
• Kaliyaka – Berberis aristata
• Usheera – Vetiveria zizanioides
• Padmaka – Prunus cerasoides
• Neelotpala – Nymphaea stellata
• Nyagrodha - Ficus bengalensis
• Plaksha – Ficus lacor
• Kamala keshara – Pollen of Lotus – Nelumbo nucifera
• Dashamoola – Group of ten roots:-

1. Bilva – Aegle marmelos
2. Agnimantha – Premna mucronata
3. Shyonaka – Oroxylum indicum
4. Gambhari – Gmelina arborea
5. Patala – Stereospermum suaveolens
6. Shalaparni – Desmodium gangeticum
7. Prinshnaparni – Urarica picta
8. Gokshura – Tribulus terrestris
9. Brihati – Solanum indicum
10. Kantakari – Solanum xanthocarpum

• Water for decoction – 9.126 liters, Boiled and reduced to – 2.304 liters

12 grams of each of:-

• Manjishta – Rubia cordifolia
• Madhuka – Madhuca longifolia
• Laksha – Laccifer lacca
• Pattanga – Caesalpinia sappan
• Yastimadhu – Licorice – Glycyrrhiza glabra
• Taila – Oil of Sesamum indicum – 192 ml
• Goat milk - 384 ml

Method of Preparation

Boil First set of herbs (except saffron) upto Dashamoola roots in water and Kashayam (decoction) is prepared and then filtered.

Sesame oil and herb powders From Manjishta to Yastimadhu, along with goat milk are added to above prepared decoction. Boil in mild fire till the Thailam is prepared.

Indications

• Dull complexion
• Hyper-pigmentation
• Pimple
• Blemishes
• Wrinkled skin
• Scars

Directions for Use

Take just 3 -5 drops of the oil into your hands, apply a light coat of it evenly onto the face or to the acne area. Do a gentle massage with your fingers. Leave it for 10 – 20 minutes. Wash off with hot water.

Side Effects

There are no side effects of this oil but for people with oily skin it should use in small quantities.

It is better to test this oil over a small skin area before starting using it. If you develop any rash / burning / itching sensation, avoid using it. Arya Vaidya Sala Kumkumadi taila caused such rash in one of my clients, who used it for dark circles.