1.1 Introduction  

 

Ayurveda does encourage a personal approach to wellness, with “one size fits all.” Ayurveda's attentiveness to making distinctions means that the oils in our cooking or for body massage correspond to our constitution or dosha—a specific reflection of how the five elements—earth, water, fire, air, and ether —relate to the uniqueness of our body.

In this blog, I will detail how to select the best wood-pressed oil for the type of body you possess, with a focus on three eminent oils from Ayurveda- black sesame oil, groundnut (peanut) oil, and yellow mustard oil. Each of these oils provides wellness for different dosha types — Vata, Pitta, and Kapha body styles — and, when used correctly, can restore balance to the body.

 

1.2 Understanding Your Dosha: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha

 

Ayurveda recognises three main doshas:

 

1. Vata (Air + Ether)

 

Vata individuals are characterised by being light, dry, mobile, and cool. Vata types have dry skin, erratic energy levels, and active minds. Imbalance refers to hyperactivity, anxiety, constipation, lack of sleep, and joint issues.

 

2. Pitta (Fire + Water)

 

Pitta types are fiery, sharp, intense, with warm bodies and sharp minds. Imbalance manifests as inflammation in the body, agitation, skin rashes, irritability, a burning sensation in the belly, or an inability to digest caffeine or difficult-to-digest foods.

 

3. Kapha (Earth + Water)

 

Kapha persons are heavy, cool, stable, and calm. Kapha is also heavy. They tend to gain weight easily, and imbalance can lead to lethargy, emotional heaviness, as well as congestion or oily skin.

Being aware of your predominant dosha will help you make informed decisions on the best oils to use in cooking, massage, bodywork, and offer care to yourself every day.

 

1.3 Why should we use wood-pressed oils?

 

Opposite refined oils, wood-pressed (cold-pressed) oils are extracted at low temperatures with old-fashioned wooden presses. Since they are processed at low temperatures, their nutrients, enzymes, and the oil's natural properties are retained. They are chemical-free, unprocessed, and nutrient-dense, and, in terms of health benefits, they are a core part of Ayurveda wellness.

 

The best wood-pressed oils for each dosha:

 

1. Black Sesame Oil – Best for Vata:

 

 

In Ayurveda, black sesame oil is known as the "king of oils," especially if you want to pacify Vata's dry, cold quality.

 

Why it works for Vata:

• Warming and grounding: Helps calm Vata's often flighty, airy quality
• Dual effect—deeply nourishing: Provides deep hydration for dry skin and oils the joints
• Rich in calcium, magnesium and antioxidants

How to use it:

• Great for abhyanga (self-massage)—particularly great in the winter or dry seasons
• Use the oil abundantly for cooking (without frying, of course)
• Great for the scalp and oil pulling

Note: Be sure to always warm it slightly; its warming and soothing properties cannot be beat when warmed!

 

2. Groundnut Oil—Great for Pitta:

 

 

Groundnut (peanut) oil is somewhat warming, but not as warming as some others that are hotter, like mustard oil. It should work well for Pitta types who want to avoid any excess heat while maintaining the balance they need to thrive.

Why is it Good for Pitta

• Neutral to moderately warming: It is not going to overwhelm the body
• Contains vitamin E: A great support for skin health and inflammation
• Contains heart-healthy fats: Supports metabolism and clarity

How to Use

• Excellent for cooking, especially in cooler seasons
• Can be used for body massage in conjunction with a cooler oil, such as coconut oil
• Occasionally, using groundnut oil can help lay irritation to rest

Tip: Groundnut oil should be avoided in heavy summer or during times when Pitta is already increased (like during fevers, rashes, or angry outbursts).

 

3. Yellow Mustard Oil—The Best for Kapha

 

Yellow mustard oil is hot and pungent and stimulating, which makes it wonderful for Kapha types who are sluggish, heavy, dull, and congested.

Why is it good for Kapha? 

• Strong heating effect: It clears stagnation and increases circulation. 
• Antimicrobial: It helps with congestion and clearing skin buildup.
• Invigorating: It helps activate fat metabolism and reduce excess mucus. 

How to Use:

• Excellent for massage, specifically during the colder/damp parts of the year to stimulate lymphatic flow.
• Can be used sparingly in cooking, not for deep frying, and is careful for sensitive digestion. 
• Good for oil pulling for dental or gum health with a drop of clove or eucalyptus oil and mustard oil. 

Caution: Mustard oil can be too heating for Vata and Pitta types, so always patch test.

 

1.4 How to Apply these Oils According to Seasonal and Dosha Characteristics

 

Ayurveda includes seasonal living as significant. Even if you are mostly one dosha, external seasonal characteristics can dictate your needs.

 

You can modify oils based on your current situation. For example, if you are feeling anxious and dry in the spring, you might use sesame oil to balance the Vata down, even though it is Kapha season.

 

1.5 Final Thoughts: Paying Attention to Your Body

 

Ayurveda is not about established rules—it is about being aware and making adjustments. Choosing the appropriate wood-pressed oil for your body type is not just an identity like Vata or Kapha—it’s about paying attention to how you feel, what your skin needs, and what your digestion and energy patterns are telling you.

Work slowly. Start by choosing one oil based on your predominant dosha or current imbalance and use it consistently for two weeks. You may be amazed by how fast your body may start responding—potentially better clarity, skin improvement, deeper sleep, and overall equilibrium.

 

1.6 Frequently Asked Questions

 

1. What if I’m a combination of doshas (Vata-Pitta, Pitta-Kapha, etc.)?

 

Most people have a dual-dosha constitution. In this case, pay attention to the dosha that feels out of balance at the moment (e.g., dryness = Vata; inflammation = Pitta) and choose your oil accordingly. You can also combine oils, such as sesame and groundnut oil, for Vata-Pitta types.

 

2. Can these oils be used both internally (for cooking) and externally (for massage)?

 

Yes. For cooking, ensure you use food-grade, cold-pressed oils. For external use, such as massage or oil pulling, choose organic, therapeutic-grade wood-pressed oils for maximum purity and effectiveness.

 

3. How often should I apply oil to my body (abhyanga)?

 

Daily self-massage (abhyanga) is ideal, especially in the morning before your shower. However, you can adjust frequency based on season, dosha imbalance, or skin condition. Even 2–3 times per week offers noticeable benefits.

 

4. Can I change oils based on the season?

 

Absolutely. Ayurveda encourages seasonal adjustments:

• Winter (Vata) – Use warming sesame oil.
• Summer (Pitta) – Use lighter groundnut or coconut oil.
• Spring (Kapha) – Use stimulating mustard oil.

 

5. Are wood-pressed oils better than refined oils for dosha balance?

 

Yes. Wood-pressed (cold-pressed) oils retain nutrients, enzymes, and natural properties that support balance and healing, unlike refined oils that lose their therapeutic value during high-heat processing.

 

6. Is mustard oil too strong for all dosha types?

 

Yes, mustard oil is very hot. It’s ideal for Kapha types but may aggravate Vata or Pitta. If you’re not Kapha-dominant, use mustard oil sparingly and always patch-test for sensitivity.

 

7. How long does it take to notice the benefits from using the right oil?

 

Results vary, but most people notice positive changes—such as softer skin, improved digestion, or calmer energy—within 1 to 2 weeks of consistent use.