Your Winter Wellness Guide to Choosing the Right Lakdi Ghani Oils
As winter settles across India, our bodies naturally crave warmth, immunity, and nourishment. Cold weather slows digestion, weakens the immune system, causes dry skin, increases joint stiffness, and reduces overall energy levels. That’s exactly why Ayurveda recommends adding pure wood pressed oils (Lakdi Ghani oils) to your winter diet and lifestyle.
Unlike refined oils that are chemically processed, wood-pressed oils retain their natural nutrients, antioxidants, and warming properties—making them the perfect winter companions for stronger immunity, better digestion, healthier skin, and overall vitality.
In this blog, we explore the Top 5 Wood Pressed Oils to Keep Your Body Warm & Healthy This Winter, along with benefits, uses, and Ayurvedic insights.
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Why Wood-Pressed Oils Are Ideal for Winter
Wood-pressed oils (using Lakdi Ghani extraction) are made by slowly crushing seeds at low temperatures using a wooden pestle. Since there is no heat, chemicals, or bleaching, the oil remains:
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Nutrient-rich
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High in antioxidants
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Full of natural aroma
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Deeply warming
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Easy to digest
These qualities help maintain body heat, boost immunity, support joint lubrication, and nourish skin during harsh winters.
1. Wood Pressed Coconut Oil – The King of Winter Immunity
Why It’s Good for Winter
Wood-pressed coconut oil is one of India’s oldest winter superfoods. It contains medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) that instantly convert into energy and help maintain natural body warmth during cold weather. Its antiviral and antibacterial properties also protect against winter infections.
Key Winter Benefits
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Boosts immunity
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Reduces cold, cough & throat infections
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Improves digestion
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Provides long-lasting warmth
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Excellent for winter skin & hair care
How to Use
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Use for sautéing vegetables
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Add 1 tsp to warm water for digestion
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Use as a winter moisturiser
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Massage onto hair to prevent dryness
Best For
Families, kids, and people with weak immunity.
2. Wood-Pressed Sesame Oil – The Ultimate Warming Oil of Ayurveda
Sesame oil (Til ka tel) is considered the most warming oil in Ayurvedic science. It has a natural ability to penetrate deep into the tissues, making it a powerful winter ingredient.
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Why It’s Good for Winter
Sesame oil generates internal heat, improves circulation, and nourishes all three doshas—especially Vata, which tends to get imbalanced in cold weather.
Key Winter Benefits
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Excellent for joint pain & stiffness
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Deeply moisturizes the skin
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Boosts bone health
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Improves winter digestion
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Reduces fatigue and cold sensitivity
How to Use
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Ideal for winter tadka
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Use for deep body massage (Abhyanga)
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Apply as a natural lip and skin moisturiser
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Add 1 spoon to winter meals for warmth
Best For
Elderly people, joint pain sufferers, and those with cold hands & feet.
3. Wood-Pressed Mustard Oil – A Natural Body Heater for Peak Winters
Mustard oil has a natural warming effect due to its allyl isothiocyanate content, making it one of the best oils for extreme winter regions like North India.
Why It’s Good for Winter
It stimulates circulation, increases metabolism, keeps the respiratory system clean, and works as a natural body heater.
Key Winter Benefits
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Clears congested sinuses
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Improves blood circulation
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Great for winter cooking
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Protects against bacterial infections
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Strengthens joints & bones
How to Use
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Best for pickles & traditional winter recipes
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Perfect for frying & tadka
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Massage onto the scalp to reduce dandruff
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Apply to the soles for warmth
Best For
People in North India and those prone to winter cold, cough, or sinus issues.
4. Wood Pressed Groundnut Oil – Balanced, Warm & Rich in Good Fats
Groundnut oil is a popular Indian cooking oil with a mild warming effect—ideal for daily use throughout winter.
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Why It’s Good for Winter
Its monounsaturated fats (MUFA) help maintain energy, reduce inflammation, and keep joints lubricated.
Key Winter Benefits
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Maintains body heat
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Promotes heart health
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Boosts winter metabolism
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Great for deep frying winter snacks
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Reduces inflammation in joints
How to Use
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Everyday cooking oil
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Ideal for pakoras, bhajis & winter snacks
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Use for stir-fry and sautéing
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Can be mixed with sesame oil for extra warmth
Best For
Families looking for a daily-use winter cooking oil.
5. Wood Pressed Sunflower Oil – Light, Nutrient-Rich & Winter-Friendly
Though sunflower oil is usually considered light, the wood-pressed version retains its natural nutrients, making it suitable for winter wellness.
Why It’s Good for Winter
It’s packed with Vitamin E, antioxidants, and healthy fats that support immunity and combat dryness.
Key Winter Benefits
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Keeps skin soft and moisturised
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Protects against winter dryness
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Supports heart health
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Strengthens the immune system
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Light on the stomach
How to Use
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Suitable for low to medium-heat cooking
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Use in salads and drizzling
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Great as a winter skin oil
Best For
People who prefer light oils but want added winter nourishment.
How to Choose the Best Wood-Pressed Oil This Winter
When buying wood pressed oils, ensure:
✔ It is labelled 100% Wood Pressed / Lakdi Ghani / Kolhu Extracted
✔ No chemicals, no bleaching
✔ Cold extraction temperature below 45°C
✔ Strong aroma and natural colour
✔ Comes with lab-tested purity reports
✔ Seeds are sourced from trusted farms
Choosing a pure oil ensures maximum warmth, immunity, and health benefits.
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Final Thoughts: The Right Wood Pressed Oil Can Transform Your Winter Health
Winter is the perfect time to nourish your body with healthy fats, warmth-producing foods, and natural oils. Switching to these Top 5 Wood Pressed Oils will help you:
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Stay warm
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Strengthen immunity
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Improve digestion
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Keep skin glowing
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Reduce joint pain
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Boost energy levels
Instead of relying on refined oils that weaken the body, use pure wood pressed oils to support your health naturally this winter.
FAQs
1. Which wood pressed oil is best for keeping the body warm during winter?
Sesame (Til) oil and Mustard oil are considered the best warming oils for winter according to Ayurveda. Both have natural heat-generating properties that improve circulation, reduce cold sensitivity, and help the body stay warm during cold weather. Groundnut and Coconut oils are also excellent for overall winter immunity and energy.
2. Can wood-pressed oils help with winter joint pain and stiffness?
Yes. Wood pressed oils like Sesame oil, Mustard oil, and Groundnut oil contain healthy fats that lubricate joints, reduce inflammation, and improve mobility during winter. Using them for cooking or applying them as a massage oil (Abhyanga) can significantly reduce stiffness and body aches.
3. Are wood pressed oils better than refined oils in winter?
Absolutely! Refined oils are chemically processed and offer no real warmth or nutritional value. Wood pressed oils, on the other hand, are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and healthy fats that strengthen immunity, maintain body heat, improve digestion, and keep skin hydrated during winter. They are far more suitable for cold weather.
4. Which wood pressed oil is best for winter skin and hair care?
Wood-pressed Coconut oil and Sesame oil are the best choices for winter skin and hair. Coconut oil deeply hydrates dry skin and scalp, while Sesame oil nourishes tissues, improves elasticity, and protects against winter dryness. Both can be used for massage, moisturising, and scalp nourishment.
5. Can I use wood-pressed oils for deep frying winter snacks?
Yes! Wood-pressed Groundnut oil and Mustard oil are excellent for deep frying in winter because of their high smoke points and stable natural fats. They retain nutrients even at high temperatures and add rich flavour to winter snacks like pakoras, jalebis, mathris, and poories.
