What Is Anu Thailam
Anu Thailam is the name of a wonderful Ayurvedic Nasal Oil that is a very effective remedy for allergies, sinusitis, some headaches, and head colds. Thailam is the word in the South Indian Dravidian languages like Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, and Telegu, for oils that Ayurvedic herbs have actually been cooked in.
They are ancient recipes from classical texts, modified by family traditions, and are used exclusively for application to the skin and mucosa. They begin with sesame and/or coconut oil, to which ingredients from Triphala to Sandalwood to Ashwagandha to Cow’s Milk and even Monsoon Rain are added and steeped on the lowest of flames for days at a time.
Ayurvedic Oil Massage and the Sense of Smell
Oil massage with a Thailam appropriate to your dosha or condition, or application of Anu Thailam into the nose, is a very gentle method for getting herbs to penetrate the skin and consciousness. The sense of smell enters the brain via the hypothalamus, which is also involved in memory and is the seat of the emotions in the brain, so once you have used Thailams regularly for a while, as soon as their woody, herbal fragrance hits you, you will start to relax.
When you receive Abayangha (The Sanskrit word for Ayurvedic Oil Massage), or when you do once weekly Abayangha yourself, you are reinforcing the your healthy self-care response. You are promoting the relaxation response that counters the stress response.
Anu Thailam and Oil Massage for Vata Dryness
Vata is the source of 70% of Diseases
Ayurveda holds the concept that 70% of diseases are the result of Vata elevation. A major preventative remedy for Vata elevation is regular lubrication of the body with medicated herbal oils, tailored to you dosha, and your specific elevation. The nasal mucosa is constantly being dried simply by the passage of air through them, because moving air, or wind, called Vata in Ayurveda, is drying.
This is why traditionally Indians as part of daily bathing routine place drops of oil into the eyes, nose, and ears. They even use sesame oil as a mouth wash gargle, or massage it into their gums. The concept here is to lubricate the body, as one does ball bearing in a machine.
Vata Elevation and Dry Skin and Mucosa
Our skin and nasal mucosa get dried out all the more during dry, hot weather. Here in San Diego Vata dominant types are the ones who suffer the most during out hot, dry, Santa ana wind conditions in Autumn, because the dry air immediately elevates Vata. If they are Vata-Pitta, its even worse, as the dryness elevates their Vata, and the heat elevates the Pitta.
Vata Elevates from Diet, Vata type stress responses, External Climate, and Aging
Vata dosha types are dry by nature, and so are already prone to dryness of both the skin and the various mucosa. Vata can elevate from drying diet like raw food, from fear based responses to stressors, or just from old age. As this happens, then the different mucosa of the body, from nasal, to eyes and mouth, to vaginal canal, to the gut, become dry and oversensitive.
When we add an external climactic mechanism, like the dry weather of late autumn and early winter in the temperate zones, or the dry weather of the desert of San Diego’s Santa Ana conditions, it only gets worse. This is why Vata types are much more prone to constipation from dry food. Their constipation in part is treated with moistening foods, herbs, and medicinal herbal teas to balance Vata dosha.
Why Oil Is So Good For Vata Balancing
One of the absolutely best lifestyle practices to balance Vata is oil. Oil massaged into the skin, oil applied to the mucosa, and healthy fat/oil in food. We can protect from the natural effect of dry weather on the body and Vata dosha in general by regularly applying oil to the skin and mucosa. Here are other tips on how to keep Vata pacified , and in San Diego’s hot dry autumn weather.
Anu Thailam for Pitta Dosha Issues
When Pitta Dosha elevates pathological Heat, Tension, and Intensity Occur
Intense, tense, hot Pitta dosha types are prone to diseases of intensity, tension, and heat, from high blood pressure to tension headaches to sinusitis. Anu Thailam is an excellent adjunct to Dry Needling and Acupuncture treatment of Tension Headaches and Migraine.
Coconut oil based Anu Thailam, is cooling, as well as lubricating, so is an effective supportive remedy for hot type Pitta disorders effecting the heat, like headache and sinusits. Anu Thailam has both a physical and mental affect. Its role in reducing headache is tied to its cooling nature, but also its fragrance.
This shows us the powerful effect fragrance has on the mind. But anyone who has ever smelled the scent of a rose or jasmine in summer already knows that. The fragrance of sweet flowers is immediately calming and relaxing to the mind. This is the effect of the essential oils that carry the scent.
Anu Thailam is Tri-Doshic: Safe for All Three Doshas
Though Anu Thailam is made to target Vata and Pitta disorders involving dryness, heat, and mental tension, it also has a penetrating effect on the kapha-like congestion and watery nature of sinusitis and allergies. Depending on the presentation, allergies can be a Kapha elevation involving fluid where there should no be fluid, like your sinuses.
Because Anu Thailam is Tri-doshic, (pacifies all 3 doshas) it can be used for allergies, sinusitis, head colds, and headaches/migraines regardless of the dosha.
Oil Massage: Ayurveda Remedy for Vata Dosha and Aging
Around 60 We Enter the Vata Phase of Life
The Ayurvedic ancients observed that human beings benefit from the application of oil to the skin on a regular basis. Think about it. As we age, what happens? The body dries out. As we age we may develop problems of dry skin, dry mouth, dry eyes, even dry genitalia. The menstrual cycle ends, the vaginal mucosa thins and stops lubricating, and men produce less and less semen. Seniors who eliminated easily in their youth suddenly develop constipation.
All of this is because every last one of us, whether we like it or not, enters the phase of life “ruled” by Vata Dosha, after the age of 50-60. And Vata dosha, which is the manifestation in a human being of all the qualities of Space and Air, implies first and foremost dryness, but also sensitivity, irregularity, stiffness and cold.
Benefits of Regular Oil Massage
Regular massage of the body with warm medicated oils is one of the best ways to Pacify Mental and Physical Vata Dosha during the Vata time of year (Late Autumn/Early Winter) and the Vata time of life. Using an oil Thailam appropriate to your unique dosha combination (your primary and secondary dosha) deep cleans, moisturizes, and stimulates the Agni/healthy fire of your skin. It is profoundly relaxing and calming to the mind. In fact, Indian mothers express their love and warmth by massaging their children with oil starting in infancy, (Loving Hands, by Frederick Le Boyer)
Self oil massage of the body on a regular basis, for example, weekly, with a Thailam that matches your dosha, condition, and the season, is used to prevent dosha elevation, while daily intensive oil massage for up to 14 days straight, is said to send the pathogenic elevated dosha and its associated Toxic Ama, out from the tissues it has migrated to, (for example, the head in the case of migraines) back to the center of the body, the gut, where it can then be eliminated by panchakarma therapy. Please note: DO NOT PERFORM OIL MASSAGE WHEN YOU HAVE A COLD, FLU, OR ELEVATED TEMPERATURE.
Anu Thailam’s Many Uses
Anu Thailam is used for allergies, sinus congestion, to prevent sinus infection, and migraine headaches. It cleanses and moistens the mucus membranes, kills bacteria and fungi, thins mucus and stimulates its flow, shrinks swelling in the mucus membranes of the sinus, opens and lubricates. It can also be used for people who are quitting smoking as it improves the sense of smell and changes consciousness. Anu Thailam is very refreshing, so is also used for mental fatigue. Most of the problems of the mind, like headache and sinusitis are diseases of pathological heat, or elevated Pitta.
First Rain of the Monsoon Season
One of the ingredients in Anu Thailam is the first rain for the monsoon. Another is cow’s milk. Both are very very cooling, which is why they are so effective in pacifying Pitta dosha.
Pitta Elevation is Pathological Heat
Although the genesis of allergies and sinus problems is damp obstruction and accumulation, because we are warm living human beings, once dampness accumulates it gums up the works and obstructs our Qi, which is warm, so we are left with damp heat. That is why folk with allergies and sinus infections have red, itchy eyes, red irritated mucus membranes, and if infection, large amounts of heat manifesting in foul odor and thick mucus. This is why we recruit the cooling properties of Anu Thailam, and/or saline in the Neti Pot, to lubricate, but also to clear this heat.
In fact, since heat rises, the general problem with pathologies of the head is elevated Pitta dosha, whic his pathological fire or heat. With elderly sometimes its cold, but generally we see this problem of heat above and weak cold below. Because of its cooling properties and its profound beneficial effect on the head Anu Thailam is the go to oil.
This oil is designed for the nasal passages. It helps relieve headaches, allergies, sinus pain and rhinitis. It will clear up the accumulated mucus in the head area.
Optimally, cleaning your nose with Anu Thailam (oil) should be performed for 7 days, 3 times a year. The rest of the time, you may use neti (warm water mixed with rock salt). Never use both methods on the same day. Or you can use anu thailam once a week. It depends on the instructions given by your health care practitioner.
To use Anu thailam, (before your shower), lie down with the head tilted back as much as possible without straining your neck (you may prop a pillow under your head). Put two drops of oil in each nostril and stay lying down for a few minutes. The oil will decongest your nasal passages and cause the excess mucus to move down toward your throat. Go to the sink and spit out any secretions, as they are toxic. Keep spitting until all the mucus has been eliminated. Rinse your mouth with warm water.
Benefits: Improved sense of smell – Clears sinuses – Vibrant voice – Strengthens muscles and joints of face and neck also improves circulation – Helps relieve stiff neck – Prevents diseases like Facial palsy, Baldness, early gray hair and headaches.
Ingredients : Holostemma ada-kodien, Plectranthus vetiveroides, Cedrus deodara, Cyperus rotundus, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Vetiveria zizanioides, Hemidesmus indicus, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Cyperus esculentus, Aegle marmelos. Solanum anguivi. Desmodium gangeticum. Pseudarthria viscida. Embelia ribes. Asparagus racemosus. Kaempferia rotundus. Cinnamomum tamala. Elettaria cardamomum. Piper aurantiacum. Nelumbo Nucifera. Oil of Sesamum indicum, Goat’s milk.
– See more at: http://www.letsallbehealthy.com/store/Anu-Thailam-nasal-oil.html#sthash.gFADopFX.dpuf
This oil is designed for the nasal passages. It helps relieve headaches, allergies, sinus pain and rhinitis. It will clear up the accumulated mucus in the head area.
Optimally, cleaning your nose with Anu Thailam (oil) should be performed for 7 days, 3 times a year. The rest of the time, you may use neti (warm water mixed with rock salt). Never use both methods on the same day. Or you can use anu thailam once a week. It depends on the instructions given by your health care practitioner.
To use Anu thailam, (before your shower), lie down with the head tilted back as much as possible without straining your neck (you may prop a pillow under your head). Put two drops of oil in each nostril and stay lying down for a few minutes. The oil will decongest your nasal passages and cause the excess mucus to move down toward your throat. Go to the sink and spit out any secretions, as they are toxic. Keep spitting until all the mucus has been eliminated. Rinse your mouth with warm water.
Benefits: Improved sense of smell – Clears sinuses – Vibrant voice – Strengthens muscles and joints of face and neck also improves circulation – Helps relieve stiff neck – Prevents diseases like Facial palsy, Baldness, early gray hair and headaches.
Ingredients : Holostemma ada-kodien, Plectranthus vetiveroides, Cedrus deodara, Cyperus rotundus, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Vetiveria zizanioides, Hemidesmus indicus, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Cyperus esculentus, Aegle marmelos. Solanum anguivi. Desmodium gangeticum. Pseudarthria viscida. Embelia ribes. Asparagus racemosus. Kaempferia rotundus. Cinnamomum tamala. Elettaria cardamomum. Piper aurantiacum. Nelumbo Nucifera. Oil of Sesamum indicum, Goat’s milk.
– See more at: http://www.letsallbehealthy.com/store/Anu-Thailam-nasal-oil.html#sthash.gFADopFX.dpuf
The one brand I trust when it comes to Ayurvedic oils is Tri Health in Hawaii, but their oils are all imported from Kerala, one of the 3 centers for Ayurveda in the world. Their Anu Thailam is fresh, pure, unadulterated, and contains the correct ingredients. Here is a link if you want to purchase Anu Thailam from them. I have not found any better brand. I have no connection to them, and receive nothing from them for this recommendation.
When to Use Anu Thailam.
For prevention use Anu Thailam three times a year for seven days each time. Good times are Summer Solstice week, Autumn equinox, and Spring equinox.
People getting treated by Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal medicine for allergy and sinus problems may also do it once per week throughout the year along with their acupuncture and Chinese or Ayurvedic herbal medicine.
When treating an acute allergy or sinus problem during Allergy season use saline spray or the Neti pot for two days and then use your Anu Thailam for one week, along with your herbs by mouth. Repeat if necessary. . WARNING: NEVER USE THE NETI POT OR SALINE IRRIGATION ON THE SAME DAY AS YOUR ANU THAILAM, IT WILL BURN THE MUCUS MEMBRANES.
How to Use Anu Thailam Correctly
Lie down on a flat surface with a small towel rolled up under your neck so your head is tilted back. This will help the oil to drain downward. Put two drops of oil in each nostril and relax for 3 minutes while the oil and other material drain down the back of your sinuses into your throat. Now go to the bathroom and spit out the oil and mucus. Continue spitting until all the mucus has been eliminated. Rinse your mouth with warm water and dry your nose with a towel.
Warning: DO NOT BLOW YOUR NOSE IMMEDIATELY AFTER USING ANU THAILAM, AS THIS MAY SHOOT UNWANTED MATERIAL INTO YOUR EUSTACHIAN TUBE. Just keep drying your nose with a hankerchief as needed. After about 30 minutes, if you still need to blow your nose, blow it very gently, ONE NOSTRIL AT A TIME. Never blow both nostrils at once.
WARNING: NEVER USE THE NETI POT or SALINE IRRIGATION ON THE SAME DAY AS YOUR ANU THAILAM, IT WILL BURN THE MUCUS MEMBRANES.
Please note: Anu Thailam is a bit strong, so if you are the sensitive type start with 1 drop and proceed upward. It should burn slightly for an hour or so in your nose and/or sinuses. That is normal
copyright eyton j. shalom san diego, cal, usa oct 2013 all rights reserved use with permission.
Where do i get this oil, I stay in Hyderabad, India
you should be able to get Anu Thailam from any Kerala Ayurveda company in Hyderbad, but the company i mention in my article has very pure Ayurvedic products, thanks.
All kottakkal aryavaidyasala outlets in Hyderabad sell this
i have a long history of allergy and had been having recurrent sinus infections for the last few months. i had been on various antibiotics for more than 6 weeks, but the bloody thing does not get better. i tried anuthailam from an ayurvedic pharmacy and it actually got better. It burns a bit for a while. Actually solved it when antibiotics alone could not do it.
Srisri ayurveda’s anutailem is best medicine
Wonderfully informative ! I caused myself problems using the Neti Pot too soon after taking. Took many days to get right again. A quick question, is it ok to go swimming in salt water close to the time of use of Anu Thailam ? This may also have been the source of my problem.
thanks N,
i would not go right in after Anu…if you were using it just routinely, but not for a specific problem like allergies or sinus, then i would say anu in the a.m. then swimming in the afternoon ok, although if possible dont use anu t on days you will be swimming. but if you have a sinus issue i would not swim. if you just have allergies, no infection, ok to swim , but no Anu that day…..cheers!
In delhi from where i het Anu Thailam
should be easy to find from kerala Divya. look at a TriHealth Ayurveda website
In Delhi from where i get this medicine
Anu thailam .. of Kottakal AVS company is the best in india.
AVP Arya Vaidya Pharmacy in Kharol Bhag
InPimpri Chinchwad area in Pune where I can get the medicine.
Is anu thailam Good for sneezing
It depends on the cause of the sneezing. If the sneezing is related to cold or allergy it will help. If its a nervous kind of sneezing, it may also help in conjunction with other medicine…..
for me its too early to comment about anu thailam, but to be fair it had worked for me very well. iam using it since 10 days i could feel remarkable change in the nasal system. prior to that i had been advised for nasal surgery for my chronic sinus infection.
I hope and sure that i could be getting rid of my sinus problem after continuing it for some more days.Truly i do appreciate this medicine “ANU THAILAM”, in helping to get back my senses.