Panchasneha Taila – Ingredients, Preparation, Medicinal Properties, Indications & More

Introduction

Panchasneha Taila is a classical Ayurvedic polyherbal oil formulation prepared using five different Sneha dravyas (lipid substances), which enhances its nourishing and Vata-pacifying properties. The presence of multiple fats increases tissue penetration and provides deep unctuousness, making it highly effective in chronic Vata Vyadhi (neuromuscular and musculoskeletal disorders). This formulation is especially indicated in conditions involving stiffness, wasting, restricted shoulder movement, chronic fracture pain, and degenerative disorders. The combination of nourishing decoction drugs, fermented liquid (Dhanyamla), milk, and five fats makes it both strengthening and rejuvenating.

Classical Reference

दशमूलबलामाषाकार्पासास्थिकुल्थकम् ।
प्रस्थं प्रस्थं पृथक् क्षुष्णं जलद्रोणद्वये पचेत् ।।

धान्याम्लं शूर्पसंयुक्तं पादशेषेन तेन तु।
बाराहीतिलजैरन्डनालिकेरजतक्रजैः ।।

पृथक् पृथक् त्रिकुडवं स्नेहस्य द्विगुणं पयः।
कल्कैरेतेर्विपक्तव्यं रास्नासैन्धवदारुकम् ।।

कार्पासास्थिकुलत्यानि गण्डीरं सुपेषितैः।
जयेद्वातरुजास्तम्भदीर्घभग्नरुजास्तथा ।।

वाहुशोषापबाहुश्च बाहुस्तम्भमथापि वा।
करोति बाहुवृद्धिं च वातरोगं निहन्ति च।।

पञ्चस्नेहमिदं प्रोक्तं ब्रह्मणा निर्मितं पुरा।। (Sahasrayogam)

The verse explains that decoction should be prepared from Dashamula (roots of 10 herbs), Bala (Sida cordifolia), Masha (Vigna mungo), Karpasasthi (Gossypium herbaceum), and Kuluttha (Macrotyloma uniflorum) in a large quantity of water. To this, Dhanyamla (fermented sour gruel) and milk are added along with five types of fats (Sneha) – Varahi taila, Tila taila ((Sesamum indicum), Eranda taila (Ricinus communis – Castor oil), Nalikera taila (Cocos nucifera – Coconut oil), and Goghrita (Cow’s ghee). The formulation is further processed with specific Kalka dravyas. This oil alleviates Vata disorders, stiffness, chronic fracture pain, muscle wasting, Apabahuka (frozen shoulder), and Bahu Stambha (arm rigidity). It is described as a formulation originally created by Lord Brahma.

Composition

I. Kvatha Dravyas (Decoction Ingredients)

1. Dashamula (Group of ten roots – Vata pacifying) – 640 gm
2. Balamula (Sida cordifolia – Country mallow root) – 640 gm
3. Masha (Vigna mungo – Black gram) – 640 gm
4. Karpasasthi (Gossypium herbaceum – Cotton seed/inner part) – 640 gm
5. Kuluttha (Macrotyloma uniflorum – Horse gram) – 640 gm
6. Water – 20.48 litres (reduced to one-fourth)

II. Sneha Dravyas (Five Fats)

1. Varahi Taila – 480 ml
2. Tila Taila (Sesamum indicum – Sesame oil) – 480 ml
3. Eranda Taila (Ricinus communis – Castor oil) – 480 ml
4. Nalikera Taila (Cocos nucifera – Coconut oil) – 480 ml
5. Goghrita (Cow’s ghee) – 480 ml

III. Other Drava Dravyas

1. Dhanyamla (Fermented sour gruel) – 20.48 litres
2. Goksira (Cow’s milk) – 4.8 litres

IV. Kalka Dravyas

1. Rasna (Pluchea lanceolata) – 90 gm
2. Saindhava Lavana (Rock salt) – 90 gm
3. Devadaru (Cedrus deodara – Himalayan cedar) – 90 gm
4. Karpasasthi (Gossypium herbaceum) – 90 gm
5. Kuluttha (Macrotyloma uniflorum) – 90 gm
6. Citraka (Plumbago zeylanica – Leadwort) – 90 gm
7. Gandira (traditionally referenced Vatahara drug) – 90 gm

Method of Preparation

First, a decoction is prepared from the Kvatha dravyas by boiling in water and reducing to one-fourth. To this decoction, Dhanyamla (fermented sour gruel) and Goksira (Cow’s ghee) are added along with the mixture of five Sneha dravyas (lipid substances). The Kalka dravyas are finely ground and incorporated into the mixture. The entire preparation is cooked over mild heat until only the Sneha (oil/lipid) portion remains, following classical Sneha Paka Lakshanas (signs of prepared oil). After cooling, it is filtered and stored in airtight glass containers.

Method Of Use

Abhyanga (Therapeutic massage)

Pharmacological Properties

• Vatahara (Pacifies Vata Dosha)
• Balya (Strength promoting)
• Brimhana (Nourishing)
• Stambha-hara (Relieves stiffness)
• Bahu-vriddhikara (Promotes strength and bulk of upper limbs)

Indications

• Vata Vyadhi (Neuromuscular disorders)
• Stambha (Rigidity and stiffness)
• Chronic Asthibhagna Ruja (Persistent fracture pain)
• Bahu Shosha (Wasting of arm muscles)
• Apabahuka (Frozen shoulder)
• Bahu Stambha (Arm stiffness)

Conclusion

Panchasneha Taila is a uniquely potent Vata-pacifying formulation that utilizes five different lipid media to enhance nourishment and therapeutic depth. The synergy of Dashamula (group of ten herbal roots), Bala (Sida cordifolia), Masha (Vigna mungo), and Kuluttha (Macrotyloma uniflorum) provides structural strengthening, while Dhanyamla (Fermented sour gruel) and cow’s milk facilitate deeper tissue penetration. The five Sneha dravyas collectively contribute to enhanced unctuousness and rejuvenation, making the formulation particularly beneficial in chronic, degenerative, and stiffness-dominant Vata disorders. Its classical indication in Apabahuka (frozen shoulder) and chronic fracture pain highlights its musculoskeletal benefits, especially for shoulder and upper limb pathologies. When administered appropriately as Abhyanga (medicated massage) under Ayurvedic supervision, Panchasneha Taila serves as a powerful therapeutic oil for restoring mobility, strength, and functional integrity in Vata-related disorders.