Shadbindu Taila

Shadbindu means "six drops", the classical dose of this oil for each nostril. It is recorded in the Bhaishajya Ratnavali in the chapter on Shiroroga (disorders of the head) and is the best known Ayurvedic oil for Nasya, the therapy of putting medicated oil into the nose. Why the nose? Ayurveda describes the nose as the gateway to the head ("Nasa hi shiraso dvaram"). Nasya is traditionally used to nourish and clear the head, sinuses, eyes, ears and hair roots, and is one of the five classical Panchakarma therapies in its stronger forms. What it contains: sesame oil and milk are cooked with 225 parts of Bhringaraja juice and a paste of ten herbs, Eranda (castor) root, Tagara, Rasna, ginger, fennel, Jivanti, rock salt, cinnamon, Vidanga and Yashtimadhu. Bhringaraja is a classical Keshya herb (for the hair), which is why Shadbindu is also used for early greying. Each ingredient is listed in the table below. How to use it: lie on your back with the head tilted back, warm the bottle in warm water, and put 6 drops into each nostril. Sniff gently, stay lying for a minute, then spit out anything that reaches the throat. It is usually done in the morning on an empty stomach. Your physician may start you on 2 drops. Traditional use and evidence: these uses come from the classical texts; there are only small studies on Nasya. Do not use it during a cold with fever, right after a meal, or after a bath. A severe or sudden headache, headache with fever and stiff neck, or sinus pain with swelling around the eye needs a doctor.

Classical reference: Bhaishajya Ratnavali (Nasya / Shiroroga Chikitsa Prakarana).

Nasya: 6 drops of lukewarm oil in each nostril once a day, in the morning on an empty stomach, or 2–6 drops as directed by a qualified Ayurvedic physician. For external use in the nose only; do not swallow.

For nasal and external use only; do not swallow. Label caution present: use under medical supervision. Do not use during a cold with fever, acute sinus infection, nosebleeds, right after a meal or a bath, or during menstruation and pregnancy unless your physician advises it. Not for children under 7 without a physician. Stop if it causes burning, sneezing fits or headache. A sudden severe headache, headache with fever and stiff neck, or swelling around the eye needs a doctor. Keep out of reach of children.

What is Shadbindu Taila used for?

Shadbindu Taila is a classical Nasya (nasal) oil traditionally used in Ayurveda for Pratishyaya (recurring cold and sinus congestion), Shirashoola (headache) and Palitya (early greying of hair). Ayurveda describes the nose as the gateway to the head, so oil put into the nose is used to nourish and clear the head and sinuses.

How do I use Shadbindu Taila in the nose?

Warm the bottle in warm water. Lie on your back with your head tilted back, and put 6 drops into each nostril, or the number your physician advises. Sniff gently, stay lying for a minute, then spit out any oil that reaches the throat. Do it in the morning on an empty stomach, and avoid cold air and cold water afterwards.

Is Shadbindu Taila good for sinusitis?

It is traditionally used for Pratishyaya, recurring cold and sinus congestion, and many practitioners use it between episodes to reduce how often they recur. It should not be used during an acute infection with fever or thick coloured discharge. See a doctor for sinus pain with swelling around the eye, high fever or symptoms lasting more than 10 days.

Can Shadbindu Taila help with headache or migraine?

Classical texts describe it for Shirashoola, headache, especially the kind with heaviness and congestion linked to Vata and Kapha. Some people with recurring headaches use it as a daily Nasya. A sudden, severe or "worst ever" headache, headache with fever and a stiff neck, or with weakness or confusion is an emergency.

Does Shadbindu Taila help with grey hair or hair fall?

It contains a large amount of Bhringaraja, a classical Keshya herb for the hair, and the Bhaishajya Ratnavali mentions it for Palitya (early greying). Nasya is traditionally believed to nourish the hair roots from within. Results vary and are slow; hair fall can also come from thyroid problems, iron deficiency or stress, so see a doctor to check.

What are the side effects of Shadbindu Taila?

The first few uses can cause sneezing, a runny nose, mild burning or a feeling of the head clearing, which usually settles. Start with 2 drops if you are sensitive. Stop and see a physician if burning persists, you get nosebleeds or headaches worsen. Its label carries a caution to use it under medical supervision.

Is Shadbindu Taila a classical formulation?

Yes. Shadbindu Taila is recorded in the Bhaishajya Ratnavali in the Shiroroga (head disorders) chapter, and is included in the Ayurvedic Formulary of India. The classical method cooks sesame oil with milk, Bhringaraja juice and a paste of ten herbs. Prachyam's pack follows this classical pattern.