SRI ANU THAILAM

Introduction

Sri Anu Thailam by Planet Ayurveda is a traditional Ayurvedic nasal oil formulated to support nasal hygiene and overall wellness. It is influenced by the classical Ayurvedic preparation of Anu Taila, described in ancient Ayurvedic texts for nasal administration (Nasya). This formulation draws inspiration from the traditional use of herbal oils to nourish the nasal passages and support the health of the head and sensory organs. Sri Anu Thailam reflects the principles of Ayurveda by incorporating the wisdom of herbal care into a convenient oil-based formulation. It can be included in an Ayurvedic wellness routine according to the recommended method of use. Planet Ayurveda focuses on bringing traditional Ayurvedic knowledge into accessible herbal wellness products.

Ancient Verse

वर्षे वर्षेऽणुतैलं च कालेषु त्रिषु ना चरेत्॥
प्रावृट्शरद्वसन्तेषु गतमेघे नभस्तले।
नस्यकर्म यथाकालं यो यथोक्तं निषेवते॥
न तस्य चक्षुर्न घ्राणं न श्रोत्रमुपहन्यते।
न स्युः श्वेता न कपिलाः केशाः श्मश्रूणि वा पुनः॥
न च केशाः प्रमुच्यन्ते वर्धन्ते च विशेषतः।
मन्यास्तम्भः शिरःशूलमर्दितं हनुसङ्ग्रहः॥
पीनसार्धावभेदौ च शिरःकम्पश्च शाम्यति।
सिराः शिरःकपालानां सन्धयः स्नायुकण्डराः॥
नावनप्रीणिताश्चास्य लभन्तेऽभ्यधिकं बलम्।
मुखं प्रसन्नोपचितं स्वरः स्निग्धः स्थिरो महान्॥
सर्वेन्द्रियाणां वैमल्यं बलं भवति चाधिकम्।
न चास्य रोगाः सहसा प्रभवन्त्यूर्ध्वजत्रुजाः॥
जीर्यतश्चोत्तमाङ्गेषु जरा न लभते बलम्॥
                       (Charak Samhita Sutra Sthana, Chapter 5 (Matrashiteeya Adhyaya) Verses 56-63)

An annual course of Anu Taila (a traditional Ayurvedic nasal oil) should be administered during the three appropriate seasons: the pre-rainy season, autumn, and spring, when the sky is clear of clouds. A person who practises nasal therapy (Nasya) correctly and at the prescribed time can help preserve the normal functioning of the eyes, nose, and ears. The hair and beard do not become prematurely white or grey, and hair fall is prevented while promoting healthy hair growth. Nasal therapy helps alleviate conditions such as neck stiffness, headaches, facial paralysis, restricted jaw movement, chronic nasal congestion, hemicrania (pain affecting one side of the head), and head tremors. It nourishes and strengthens the blood vessels, joints, ligaments, and tendons in the head. The face becomes clear, cheerful, and well-nourished, while the voice becomes smooth, stable, and strong. The sensory faculties become clearer, and overall sensory strength improves. Diseases affecting the region above the collarbone, including the head and neck, are less likely to develop suddenly in a person who follows this practice appropriately. Even with advancing age, the effects of ageing are described as having less influence on the head.

चन्दनागुरुणी पत्रं दार्वीत्वङ्मधुकं बलाम्॥
प्रपौण्डरीकं सूक्ष्मैलां विडङ्गं बिल्वमुत्पलम्।
ह्रीबेरमभयं वन्यं त्वङ्मुस्तं सारिवां स्थिराम्॥
जीवन्तीं पृश्निपर्णीं च सुरदारु शतावरीम्।
हरेणुं बृहतीं व्याघ्रीं सुरभीं पद्मकेशरम्॥
विपाचयेच्छतगुणे माहेन्द्रे विमलेऽम्भसि।
तैलाद्दशगुणं शेषं कषायमवतारयेत्॥
तेन तैलं कषायेण दशकृत्वो विपाचयेत्।
अथास्य दशमे पाके समांशं छागलं पयः॥
दद्यादेषोऽणुतैलस्य नावनीयस्य संविधिः।
अस्य मात्रां प्रयुञ्जीत तैलस्यार्धपलोन्मिताम्॥
स्निग्धस्विन्नोत्तमाङ्गस्य पिचुना नावनैस्त्रिभिः।
त्र्यहात्त्र्यहाच्च सप्ताहमेतत् कर्म समाचरेत्॥
निवातोष्णसमाचारी हिताशी नियतेन्द्रियः।
तैलमेतत्त्रिदोषघ्नमिन्द्रियाणां बलप्रदम्॥
प्रयुञ्जानो यथाकालं यथोक्तानश्नुते गुणान्॥
(Charak Samhita Sutra Sthana, Chapter 5 (Matrashiteeya Adhyaya) Verses 63-71)

Anu Taila is a classical Ayurvedic nasal oil prepared using a combination of herbs, including Indian sandalwood (Santalum album), agarwood (Aquilaria agallocha), Indian bay leaf (Cinnamomum tamala), Indian barberry (Berberis aristata), liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), country mallow (Sida cordifolia), lotus rhizome (Nymphaea lotus), small cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum), false black pepper (Embelia ribes), bael (Aegle marmelos), blue water lily (Nymphaea caerulea), Hribera (Coleus zeylanicus), vetiver (Vetiveria zizanioides), rush nut (Cyperus species), nut grass (Cyperus rotundus), Indian sarsaparilla (Hemidesmus indicus), tick trefoil (Desmodium gangeticum), cork swallow-wort (Leptadenia reticulata), painted-leaf uraria (Uraria picta), Himalayan cedar (Cedrus deodara), wild asparagus (Asparagus racemosus), Harenu (Pisum sativum), Indian nightshade (Solanum indicum), yellow-berried nightshade (Solanum xanthocarpum), Indian groundsel (Pluchea lanceolata), and lotus stamens (Nelumbo nucifera). The above-mentioned herbs are boiled in clean rainwater, using water in a quantity one hundred times that of the oil to be prepared. The mixture is reduced until the remaining decoction is ten times the quantity of oil. The decoction is then used to process the oil, repeating the cooking procedure ten times. During the tenth cooking, an equal quantity of goat’s milk is added. This process describes the classical preparation of Anu Taila for nasal administration (Nasya). The classical text specifies half a Pala of oil, approximately 20 ml according to the traditional conversion used here. This is the textual reference, not a recommended self-administered nasal dose. The classical procedure describes applying oil after preliminary oleation (oil application) and sudation (therapeutic warming) of the head and related areas. The oil is administered through the nostrils using the prescribed method, with the procedure repeated at three-day intervals over seven days, as described in the passage. The person undergoing the procedure should remain in a warm place protected from direct drafts, consume wholesome food, and maintain appropriate self-discipline during the course. According to the verse, Anu Taila helps balance the three functional principles of Ayurveda—Vata (movement), Pitta (transformation), and Kapha (structure and stability)—and supports the strength of the sensory faculties when used at the appropriate time and according to the prescribed method.

जीवन्तीजलदेवदारुलदत्वक्सेव्यगोपीहिमं ॥
दार्वीत्वङ्मधुकल्पवागुरुवरीपुण्ड्राहबिल्वोत्पलम् ॥
धावत्यौ सुरभिं स्थिरे कृमिहरं पत्रं त्रुटिं रेणुकां ॥
किञ्जल्कं कमलाद्बलां शतगुणे दिव्येऽम्भसि क्वाथयेत् ॥
तैलाद्रसं दशगुणं परिशेष्य तेन तैलं पचेत सलिलेन दशैव वारान् ।
पाके क्षिपेच्च दशमे सममाजदुग्धं नस्यां महागुणमुशत्यणुतैलमेतत् ॥
(Ashtanga Hridayam (Sutrasthana) Chapter20, Verses 37-38)

According to the above verses, Jivanti (cork swallow-wort), Devadaru (Himalayan cedar), Lodhra (symplocos bark), Madhuka (liquorice), Darvi (Indian barberry), Ela (cardamom), Aguru (agarwood), Bilva (bael), Utpala (blue water lily), Bala (country mallow), lotus filaments, and other medicinal ingredients should be boiled in one hundred times the quantity of pure water to prepare a herbal decoction. The decoction is then reduced until ten times the quantity of oil to be prepared remains. This liquid is used to cook the oil, and the process is repeated ten times. During the tenth cooking, an equal quantity of goat’s milk is added. This preparation is known as Anu Taila, a classical Ayurvedic oil intended for nasal administration (nasal therapy), and is described as having multiple therapeutic benefits when used according to the prescribed method

INGREDIENTS USED IN ANU TAILUM

It contains the following ingredients:

S. No.	Herb Used	Latin Name	Quantity
1.	Jivanti	Leptadenia reticulata	1 Part
2.	Bala	Sida cordifolia	1 Part
3.	Ushir	Andropogon muricatus	1 Part
4.	Devadaru	Cedrus deodara	1 Part
5.	Mustak	Cyperus rotundus	1 Part
6.	Tejpatra	Cinnamomum cassia	1 Part
7.	Daruharidra	Berberis aristata	1 Part
8.	Yashtimadhu	Glycyrrhiza glabra	1 Part
9.	Shatavari	Asparagus racemosus	1 Part
10.	Pacmak (Padmak)	Prunus puddum	1 Part
11.	Bilwa	Aegle marmelos	1 Part
12.	Kantakari	Solanum surattense	1 Part
13.	Brihati	Solanum indicum	1 Part
14.	Shallaki	Boswellia serrata	1 Part
15.	Shalparni	Desmodium gangeticum	1 Part
16.	Prishnaparni	Uraria picta	1 Part
17.	Vaividang	Embelia ribes	1 Part
18.	Ela	Elettaria cardamomum	1 Part
19.	Renuka	Vitex agnus	1 Part
20.	Kamal Kesar	Nelumbo nucifera	1 Part
21.	Aja Dugdh (Goat’s Milk)	–	16 Parts
22.	Til Tail	Sesamum indicum	4 Parts

Ingredients with Description

1. Jivanti (Leptadenia reticulata)

Jivanti is traditionally valued for its nourishing and restorative properties in Ayurvedic nasal therapy (Nasya). It complements the oil’s role in lubricating the nasal passages and supporting the nourishment of tissues in the head region.

2. Bala (Sida cordifolia)

Bala is traditionally used in Nasya formulations for its nourishing and strengthening qualities. It supports the Ayurvedic objective of maintaining the tissues and sensory functions associated with the head and neck region.

3. Ushir (Chrysopogon zizanioides / Andropogon muricatus)

Ushir, or vetiver, is known for its cooling and soothing properties in Ayurveda. In nasal oil preparations, it complements the formulation by supporting a soothing sensation and maintaining comfort in the nasal passages.

4. Devadaru (Cedrus deodara)

Devadaru is an aromatic herb traditionally used in formulations associated with Kapha and Vata balance. In Nasya oil, it complements the herbal blend used to support nasal passage comfort and the traditional wellness of the head region.

5. Mustak (Cyperus rotundus)

Mustak is traditionally valued for its balancing properties, particularly in relation to Kapha. Its inclusion in Sri Anu Thailam complements the classical herbal approach to Nasya and supports the formulation’s role in maintaining nasal comfort.

6. Tejpatra (Cinnamomum tamala)

Tejpatra contributes aromatic and warming qualities to the nasal oil formulation. In Nasya, it complements the other herbs in the oil and contributes to the traditional Ayurvedic approach to maintaining the comfort of the nasal passages.

7. Daruharidra (Berberis aristata)

Daruharidra is traditionally valued for its cleansing and balancing properties. In Sri Anu Thailam, it contributes to the herbal combination used in Nasya to support the care and maintenance of the nasal passages.

8. Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

Yashtimadhu, or liquorice, is traditionally known for its soothing and nourishing qualities. In Nasya, it complements the lubricating action of the oil and supports comfort in the nasal lining.

9. Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus)

Shatavari is traditionally regarded as a nourishing herb in Ayurveda. Its inclusion complements the purpose of Nasya by supporting the traditional nourishment of the nasal tissues and the sensory region of the head.

10. Padmak (Prunus puddum)

Padmak is traditionally valued for its cooling and soothing qualities. In Sri Anu Thailam, it complements the other herbs in the formulation and contributes to the traditional aim of maintaining comfort in the nasal passages during nasal oiling.

11. Bilwa (Aegle marmelos)

Bilwa is traditionally associated with Kapha-balancing properties in Ayurveda. Its inclusion supports the balanced herbal composition of Sri Anu Thailam and complements the traditional use of Nasya for maintaining nasal passage wellness.

12. Kantakari (Solanum surattense)

Kantakari is traditionally used in Ayurvedic formulations for respiratory wellness and Kapha balance. In Nasya, it complements the herbal blend intended to support nasal comfort and the wellness of the upper respiratory region.

13. Brihati (Solanum indicum)

Brihati is traditionally valued for its role in formulations associated with Kapha-Vata balance. Its inclusion in Sri Anu Thailam complements the Ayurvedic approach of using selected herbs to support the nasal passages and the head region.

14. Shallaki (Boswellia serrata)

Shallaki is traditionally valued for its tissue-supportive properties. In Sri Anu Thailam, it contributes to the overall herbal combination used in Nasya and complements the oil’s role in lubricating the nasal passages.

15. Shalparni (Desmodium gangeticum)

Shalparni is traditionally recognised for its nourishing and Vata-balancing qualities. Its inclusion complements the traditional purpose of Nasya in supporting the tissues associated with the head and neck.

16. Prishnaparni (Uraria picta)

Prishnaparni is one of the traditional Dashamoola herbs and is valued for its balancing properties. In Nasya oil, it contributes to the classical combination of herbs intended to nourish the head and neck region.

17. Vaividang (Embelia ribes)

Vaividang is traditionally associated with cleansing and Kapha-balancing properties. Its inclusion complements the herbal composition of Sri Anu Thailam and the traditional Ayurvedic approach to maintaining nasal passage comfort.

18. Ela (Elettaria cardamomum)

Ela, or cardamom, contributes aromatic qualities to Sri Anu Thailam. In Nasya, it complements the formulation’s combination of herbs and supports its traditional use as an aromatic herbal oil for nasal care.

19. Renuka (Vitex agnus-castus)

Renuka is included as part of the traditional herbal combination used in Sri Anu Thailam. It complements the formulation’s overall properties and contributes to the classical Ayurvedic approach to nasal oiling for head and sensory wellness.

20. Kamal Kesar (Nelumbo nucifera)

Kamal Kesar, or lotus stamens, is traditionally valued for its cooling and soothing qualities. In Nasya oil, it complements the herbal blend and supports the traditional objective of maintaining comfort in the nasal passages.

21. Aja Dugdh (Goat’s Milk)

Goat’s milk is used during the preparation of traditional medicated oils to contribute nourishing and conditioning qualities. In Sri Anu Thailam, it complements the oil-processing method and helps create the final preparation intended for nasal administration.

22. Til Tail (Sesame Oil, Sesamum indicum)

Sesame oil is the base of Sri Anu Thailam and is traditionally valued for its lubricating, nourishing, and Vata-balancing properties. During Nasya, it helps coat the nasal passages and supports the traditional practice of maintaining moisture and nourishment in the nasal lining.

Indications of Sri Anu Thailam

• Sensory wellness
• Nasal lubrication
• Nasal hygiene
• Tissue nourishment
• Hair nourishment
• Nasal comfort
• Head wellness
• Neck wellness
• Vata and Kapha Dosha balance

Benefits of Sri Anu Thailam

Supports Daily Nasal Care

Sri Anu Thailam is inspired by classical Ayurvedic nasal oil preparations and helps maintain a regular nasal care routine when used according to the recommended method.

Promotes Nasal Passage Moisture

Its sesame oil base helps lubricate the nasal lining, supporting moisture and comfort as part of an appropriate nasal care practice.

Supports Head and Neck Wellness

Traditional Ayurvedic Nasya is used to nourish the region above the collarbone, making Sri Anu Thailam suitable for an Ayurvedic routine focused on head and neck care.

Helps Maintain Sensory Function

Classical Ayurvedic texts describe properly administered Nasya as supportive of the sensory faculties, including the eyes, ears, and nose.

Provides Traditional Herbal Nourishment

The combination of herbs, including Bala, Jivanti, and Yashtimadhu, reflects the nourishing principles used in classical Ayurvedic oil formulations.

Supports Vata Balance

Sesame oil is traditionally valued for its Vata-balancing properties. Its use in Sri Anu Thailam reflects the Ayurvedic approach to maintaining balance and nourishment in the nasal region.

Complements Seasonal Wellness Practices

Nasya is included in traditional Ayurvedic daily and seasonal routines. Sri Anu Thailam draws inspiration from these practices when used at an appropriate time and according to professional guidance.

Supports Traditional Hair and Scalp Care

Classical Ayurvedic descriptions associate regular, properly administered Nasya with maintaining hair health. Sri Anu Thailam follows this traditional approach through its herbal oil formulation.

Encourages a Consistent Ayurvedic Wellness Routine

Sri Anu Thailam offers an oil-based formulation inspired by classical Ayurvedic practices, making it relevant to individuals seeking traditional approaches to nasal care under suitable guidance.

Panchkarma Uses of Sri Anu Thailam

Nasya Therapy

Sri Anu Thailam is inspired by classical Anu Taila and is intended for nasal administration (Nasya), an Ayurvedic procedure used in therapies focused on the head and neck region.

Modern Researches

For Respiratory Issues

A 2023 short communication by Vijay et al., published in the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine, explored the potential role of sesame oil-based Anu Taila in supporting respiratory health during the COVID-19 pandemic. The authors reviewed classical Ayurvedic texts and findings from computational (in-silico), preclinical, and pharmacological studies. They discussed how fatty acids present in sesame oil may influence viral binding and how nasal application could help maintain the nasal mucosal lining. The article also examined the fatty acid composition of sesame oil and Anu Taila, including oleic and linoleic acids. Findings from earlier experimental research were considered when discussing possible respiratory-protective effects. Based on this combined evidence, the authors proposed nasal application of Anu Taila as a potential supportive approach to respiratory protection.

DIRECTION FOR USE

It is used as nasal drops to maintain healthy nose, ear and throat. Few drops of oil are installed into each nostril and number of drops depend upon imbalance of dosha and health condition of person.

Conclusion

Sri Anu Thailam by Planet Ayurveda is inspired by the classical Ayurvedic formulation of Anu Taila. It combines selected herbs with a sesame oil base, reflecting traditional Ayurvedic principles. The formulation is intended for nasal care as part of an appropriate Ayurvedic wellness routine. It highlights the traditional practice of Nasya for supporting nasal comfort and head wellness. Sri Anu Thailam brings classical Ayurvedic knowledge into a convenient herbal oil formulation. Its use should follow the product instructions and guidance of a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner.