Ashwagandha Oil Benefits for Ayurvedic Massage & Skin [Review]

Ashwagandha oil is used in ayurvedic medicine as part of a regular self-massage practice.

This oil is said to have a soothing, calming effect that nourishes the skin and muscle tissue while promoting relaxation, and tonifying or rejuvenating the body.

According to Ayurvedic medicine practitioners, “Ashwagandha Oil nourishes and strengthens muscles and gives nervine strength while balancing vata.” [4]

This oil is also purported to help restore the skin’s elasticity and suppleness, alleviate dry skin and to combat signs of aging like wrinkles and sun damage. It is also believed to promote joint comfort and help reduce muscle tension.

Most ashwagandha massage oil products contain other ingredients such as sesame oil, sandalwood oil or bala oil. These topical formulations may also contain other ayurvedic herbs that promote emotional balance, feelings of well-being and restore energy levels.

Ashwagandha Bala oil is said to have warming action or virya, according to Ayurvedic energetics. It is said to be balancing for all doshas (constitutions), but to be especially beneficial for pacifying vata aggression.

Ashwagandha

Adaptogen

Stress

Mood

Sleep

How It Works:

• Reduces stress and anxiety
• Improves concentration, fatigue & sleep
• Protects against oxidative stress

Dosage:

Between 300 - 1000 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Possibly Safe

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Ashwagandha Oil

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera, Indian Winter Cherry) is a small shrub, typically only standing three to four feet tall and is indigenous to the Middle East. The unique name translates as “odor of a horse” due to the shrub’s distinct scent.

The oils are extracted from the roots of the shrub for the plant’s purported healing properties. Ashwagandha is blended with additional oils not only for the oils’ additional healing benefits, but also to improve the fragrance of the formulation.

Sesame and Bala oils are two essential oils that commonly appear in Ashwagandha blends. Although the oil is relatively new to the West, the herbal remedy has been a part of Eastern culture for centuries.

The berries and root of the Ashwagandha plant are traditionally used to make different types of herbal remedies.

Neither of these parts of the plant poses any toxicity risk to humans. However, extracts taken from the root have been shown to act as a natural pest repellent to insects.

Although oral supplement products are more widely available with Ashwagandha as the main ingredient, the essential oil has numerous topical uses as well.

Ashwagandha Oil Benefits

Nirogram cites the following purported benefits of using ashwagandha oil:

• Rejuvenative tonic to the muscle, bones, and nerves
• Calming and grounding to the nerves, great for Vata
• Stimulating and supportive of the reproductive system, a mild aphrodisiac
• Strengthening to the respiratory system

Topical uses of ashwagandha are a part of Ayurvedic medicinal practices. Ayurvedic medicine from India is a type of healing process dating back thousands of years ago with roots traced back to the ancient Indian text “Rig Veda.”

Essential oils, aromatherapy, massage, dietary practices and meditation are all methods used in Ayurvedic medicine. Ayurvedic massage aims to restore the body and soul by finding the right energy balance.

Ashwagandha Oil is used on tired, sore muscles in need of relief. The oil applied during massage is meant to rejuvenate the body and act as a tonic.

Imbalances are intended to by corrected during massage with the Ahwagandha Oil and the negative effects caused by stress, anxiety and grief are reduced.

During Ayurvedic massage, the oil’s natural heating capabilities are purported to stimulate the body’s metabolic and anabolic processes. The oil acts as a moisturizer to counteract any dryness in the body and restores proper hydration.

According to Essential Ayurveda, “It is ideal as a grounding massage oil for Vata constitutions or for anyone wanting to balance a Vata aggravation. It is also great to use after a work out or playing sport.” [5]

According to the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database (NMCD), ashwagandha is also used topically in a cream to treat ulcerations (sores on the skin), backache, and hemiplegia (paralysis of one side of the body).

Effects of Ashwagandha Supplements

While ashwagandha oil is widely used in Ayurvedic medicine, there is limited research available to evaluate its efficacy for purported health benefits. Most of the research into the effects of this herb has been conducted on oral supplements containing ashwagandha root extract.

One of the purported benefits often attributed to ashwagandha supplements is improved mood balance and support for nervous system function.

In a 2013 study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, oral use of ashwagandha extract was found to have a positive cognitive effect on those suffering from bipolar disorder.

Patients in the study were found to have better social cognition measurements, improved auditory-verbal working memory and better reaction times. Patients reported no adverse effects over the course of the eight-week study.

The cognitive benefits of Ashwagandha may help others who are prone to impairment such as patients with ADHD or patients with generalized anxiety disorders.

Ashwagandha has been used in traditional Indian medicine as a way to combat fatigue.

Fatigue is a common side effect of numerous medical conditions and health treatments. Cancer patients who are undergoing chemotherapy often experience debilitating fatigue.

A 2013 study published in the journal of Integrative Cancer Therapies reported on the potential benefits of ashwagandha for cancer patients. During the study, 100 breast cancer patients used a dietary supplement containing this plant extract to alleviate fatigue and improve overall well being.

The patients using the herbal supplement experienced much less fatigue over the course of 24 months when compared to the control group. The study also showed improved quality of life and the potential for higher survival rates in those who were administered the supplement during chemotherapy treatment.

Another purported benefit of ashwagandha is anti-inflammatory effects. Many disorders of the immune system can cause symptoms such as swelling, pain and fatigue.

Patients with disorders such as fibromyalgia and arthritis may find some relief from supplementation of ashwagandha. Studies done in 1985 on laboratory rats found that this herb did have a significant impact on health and demonstrated anti-inflammatory qualities.

More studies need to be conducted, but preliminary evidence is promising.

How to Use Ashwagandha Essential Oil

Although this ayurvedic herb is generally available as an oral supplement, the Ashwagandha Oil is applied topically. The oil can be massaged gently into the skin to improve overall well being as part of a regular massage practice.

If you plan to use the oil to address the symptoms of a specific disease, speak to your doctor first to determine whether this product is appropriate for you.

Before purchasing the oil online or in stores, compare manufacturers of the product. On Amazon, there are several formulations of oil available with varying ingredients and concentrations of active compounds.

The brand from Gopola Ayurvedic uses sesame oil as the carrier oil and contains a blend of vitamins and minerals including magnesium, copper, calcium, iron, zinc, vitamin B6 and omega-6 fatty acids.

The massage oil from Banyan Botanicals has three ingredients included in their proprietary blend: sesame oil, bala oil (from bala root or Sida cordifolia), and ashwagandha oil. The product is certified vegan.’

According to Banyan Botanicals, “Ashwagandha Bala Oil can be incorporated into any therapeutic massage where muscle or fascia may be damaged, debilitated, or in need of restoration.”

Nirogram sells an organic ashwagandha massage oil that contains several other ayurvedic herbs including:

• Amalaki(Phyllanthus emblica)
• Haritaki (Terminalia chebula)
• Vibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica)
• Chandana (Santalum album)
• Punarnava (Boerhaavia diffusa)
• Kantakari(Solanum surattense)

This product also contains Sandalwood and Sesame oil. According to the manufacturer, “Besides its soothing aroma, sandalwood oil cleans and moisturizes the skin and the passageways of the body.” [4]

Ashwagandha Bala Oil can be used directly from the bottle. If you want to experience a more relaxing massage, warm the oil first in an essential oil warmer. Massage gently, using small circular motions while targeting specific areas affected by pain and discomfort.

If you typically suffer from back pain, then target this area of the body during massage and apply a generous amount of the oil to the skin.

Continuously massage the area until most of the oil is absorbed into the skin. Repeat massage as needed. Avoid showering immediately after using the essential oil to ensure it has time to be absorbed by the skin.

If you are heading outdoors after performing the self-massage, you may notice that the oil acts as a natural way to repel bugs during the warmer months.

If you observe any adverse skin reactions, discontinue use of the product. You may be having an allergic reaction to another one of the ingredients and not necessarily the Ashwagandha extract.

Some users report that they are sensitive to certain brands but not others. You could try purchasing an alternative massage oil on retail websites like Amazon.

Is Ashwagandha Oil Safe?

There has not been enough clinical research on the use of ashwagandha as a topical oil to rate its safety. However, this herbal preparation has a long history of use in traditional medicine and is generally well tolerated.

In some of the studies conducted on the effectiveness of ashwagandha essential oil, very little to no side effects were reported.

No toxicity was noted in humans who were given different forms of ashwagandha including those who consumed the herb orally as a milk, powder and tablet.

As an oral dietary supplement, the NMCD rates this product as Possibly Safe when taken appropriately, short-term. It has been used safely in clinical trials lasting for up to 12 weeks.

Patients who take the following types of medication may need to watch out for interactions when using this herb:

• Immunosuppressants: Since Ashwagandha may increase activity of the immune system, it may counteract the effects of medications that are designed to suppress the immune system.
• Diabetes medications: This herb may lower blood sugar levels naturally. Patients who are taking medications to control their diabetes will want to monitor blood sugar levels closely.
• Hypertension medications: Ashwagandha may naturally lower blood pressure. If you use the supplement in conjunction with blood pressure medications, your blood pressure levels may drop too low. Note any signs of low blood pressure such as dizziness, lightheadedness and fatigue.
• Sedatives: This plant extract may cause drowsiness. If you’re taking sedatives as well, it may compound the effect.

Do not use ashwagandha if you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. There is some evidence that suggests taking this herb orally may lead to an increased miscarriage rate.

Not enough is known about ashwagandha to rate its safety during breastfeeding and therefore use should be avoided.

If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, thyroid disease, stomach ulcers, MS, high blood pressure or lupus, avoid using ashwagandha products unless your doctor tells you otherwise. The herbal remedy may have an adverse effect on symptoms related to these diseases.

According to one manufacturer, “Ashwagandha oil is safe to use liberally without risk of side effects.” [4] Based on anecdotal evidence from user reviews posted online, there are very few negative effects reported.

Some users describe the unpleasant smell of this product as a negative feature. If you find the smell to be unappealing, you may want to look for a different brand that combines ashwagandha with other fragrances like lavender.

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