Taila (medicated oil)

A medicated oil prepared by Sneha-paka. The most common Ayurvedic dosage form for external use.

The default base is Tila Taila (sesame oil) — Charaka calls it “the best of vegetable oils for strength and Snehana purposes” (Sutra 13.12). Alternative bases:

• Eranda Taila (castor) — for purgative-aligned formulas
• Coconut oil (Narikela) — Kerala-tradition, especially for hair oils
• Mustard (Sarshapa) — for warming, anti-Kapha preparations

A Taila keeps for ~16 months at room temperature in dark glass, per Sharangadhara. Iron-pot-matured anti-greying Tailas can keep for years.

The 1 : 4 : 4 sneha-paka ratio applies. Cook to Madhyama paka unless the recipe specifies otherwise.