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The weekly oil bath (enne snana, abhyanga) is one of the oldest self-care rituals in Indian homes, and sesame oil has always been the oil of choice. Here is why sesame oil is the go-to massage oil, how to choose a good one, and how to do a simple oil bath at home.
Why sesame oil is the traditional massage oil
- Warming and rich: Ayurveda describes sesame (til / gingelly) oil as warming, which is why it is the classic choice for full-body massage, especially in cooler months.
- Spreads easily: it is light enough to glide over the skin but rich enough to stay on during a long massage.
- Keeps well: sesame oil contains natural antioxidants (sesamol and sesamin), so it doesn't go rancid quickly.
- Used for babies too: many families in South India use sesame oil for the daily baby massage.
Which sesame oil is best for body massage?
Use plain, unrefined sesame oil from raw (untoasted) seeds. Dark, toasted sesame oil, like the one used in Chinese cooking, is for flavour, not for massage.
- Wood-pressed: pressed slowly at low temperature, so the oil keeps its natural aroma.
- Single-seed and pure: avoid "massage oils" that are blends of unknown oils, mineral oil or added fragrance.
- Colour and smell: golden, with a mild nutty smell.
Hampi Pure® wood-pressed sesame oil (200 ml) is made in a traditional wooden ghani from raw sesame seeds. Nothing is added.
How to do a weekly oil bath at home
- Warm the oil: place a small bowl of sesame oil in hot water for 2–3 minutes. It should feel warm, not hot.
- Head first: massage a little into the scalp and the crown of the head.
- Body: use long strokes on the arms and legs and circular strokes on the joints, chest and stomach. Spend a little extra time on the soles of the feet.
- Rest: leave the oil on for 20–30 minutes.
- Bath: wash with warm water. Use besan (gram flour) or green gram powder instead of soap to remove the oil gently.
Many families do this on Saturdays or before festivals. Be careful on the bathroom floor, because oil makes it slippery.
Sesame oil with castor oil
Some families add a little castor oil to the scalp for a richer head massage. Our Oil Bath Duo gives you both sesame and castor oil.
Sesame oil for baby massage
For babies, use a small amount of pure sesame oil, warmed slightly, and always do a patch test first. Our Baby Care Combo includes sesame, virgin coconut and almond oil, so you can choose what suits your baby's skin.
Shop Hampi Pure® sesame oil
Wood-Pressed Sesame Oil, 200 ml – ₹200
Oil Bath Duo (Sesame + Castor) – ₹399
Sesame Oil for cooking and pooja, 1 L – ₹600
Hampi Pure® – The Good Oil. Trusted by 3000+ happy families.
