Dhanwantaram, Mahanarayan and Ksheerabala are three classical Ayurvedic massage oils, all made on a sesame oil base and all traditionally used for vata-type stiffness, but they differ in ingredients and traditional emphasis. Dhanwantaram is built around Bala root and the Dashamoola roots, Mahanarayan is a larger, more aromatic formula with Shatavari juice and milk, and Ksheerabala is the simplest, made only of Bala, milk and sesame oil. Here is how they compare, and how to choose sensibly.
Key takeaways
- All three oils are listed in India's official Ayurvedic references and are meant mainly for external massage (abhyanga).
- Dhanwantaram Taila combines Bala (Sida cordifolia) root, the ten Dashamoola roots and about thirty other herbs, and is traditionally linked with joint stiffness and postnatal massage.
- Mahanarayan Taila has around fifty plant ingredients plus Shatavari juice and cow's milk, and is traditionally used for stiffness in muscles and joints.
- Ksheerabala Taila is the simplest, made from Bala root, milk and sesame oil, and is traditionally used for dryness, depletion and head massage.
- None of these oils has strong clinical evidence of its own, and none is a treatment for arthritis, injury or nerve conditions.
What is the difference between Dhanwantaram, Mahanarayan and Ksheerabala oil?
The main difference is the recipe: Ksheerabala has three ingredients, Dhanwantaram has about forty, and Mahanarayan has around fifty, which changes the smell, colour and traditional purpose of each oil. All three share sesame oil and Bala root, which is why they are often grouped together.
The details below come from the GRAYU database, built by researchers at the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), Bengaluru, from the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, the Ayurvedic Formulary and the Ministry of AYUSH's Ayurvedic Standard Treatment Guidelines1234. Brands may follow slightly different classical versions, so always check your own bottle's label.
| Feature | Dhanwantaram Taila | Mahanarayan Taila | Ksheerabala Taila |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base | Sesame oil | Sesame oil (castor oil also used in processing) | Sesame oil |
| Signature ingredients | Bala root, Dashamoola roots, barley, jujube, horse gram | Bilva, Bala, Atibala, Punarnava, Gokshura, Shatavari juice, cow's milk | Bala root and cow's milk |
| Approximate number of plant ingredients | About 40 | About 50 | 2 (sesame and Bala) |
| Pharmacopoeial description | Reddish-brown, pleasant odour | Yellowish-brown, unpleasant odour | Dark brown, pleasant odour |
| Traditional associations | Vata disorders, lower back stiffness, sciatica-type pain, postnatal and childhood care | Vata disorders, stiffness of neck and jaw, muscle wasting, tremor, after fractures and ligament injuries | Vata disorders, lower back stiffness, emaciation, hoarseness, head application |
| Other classical uses (only under an Ayurvedic doctor) | Internal use, oil enema (basti) | Internal use, nasal drops (nasya), basti | Internal use, nasya, basti |
A note on the traditional associations: these are the classical categories listed in the reference books. They describe how Ayurvedic physicians have used the oils, often alongside other treatment, and are not evidence that the oils work for those conditions.
What is in Dhanwantaram Taila?
Dhanwantaram Taila is sesame oil cooked with a strong decoction of Bala root, a second decoction of the Dashamoola roots with barley, jujube and horse gram, and a paste of around thirty herbs. Bala is used in by far the largest quantity in the pharmacopoeial recipe1.
Dashamoola, meaning "ten roots", is a classical group: Bilva (Aegle marmelos), Agnimantha, Shyonaka (Oroxylum indicum), Gambhari (Gmelina arborea), Patala, Shalaparni (Desmodium gangeticum), Prishniparni (Uraria picta), Brihati, Kantakari and Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris). The herbal paste includes Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Devadaru (Cedrus deodara), Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia), Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Vacha (Acorus calamus), Sariva (Hemidesmus indicus), Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa) and the three Triphala fruits.
Traditionally, Dhanwantaram is the oil most Indian families associate with postnatal massage, and it is listed for vata disorders, lower back stiffness (katigraha), sciatica-type pain (gridhrasi) and conditions of the postnatal period and childhood1. We cover its ingredients and a full joint massage routine in our guide to Dhanwantaram Taila uses and ingredients.
What is in Mahanarayan oil?
Mahanarayan Taila (also Mahanarayana Tailam) is a large classical formula of about fifty plant ingredients, Shatavari juice, cow's milk and rock salt, cooked into sesame oil. It is one of the best-known vata oils in North India and is sold by many Ayurvedic pharmacies.
In the pharmacopoeial version recorded in GRAYU, the ingredients used in the largest quantities include Bilva, Bala, Atibala (Abutilon indicum), Punarnava, Gokshura, Brihati, Kantakari, Agnimantha, Shyonaka, Patala and Paribhadra (Erythrina variegata). Smaller quantities of many aromatic and nourishing herbs follow, including Ashwagandha, Rasna (Pluchea lanceolata), Devadaru, Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi), Haridra (turmeric), Musta, Yashtimadhu, Kumkuma (saffron) and camphor2.
The classical indications listed for Mahanarayan are broad. They include vata disorders affecting movement, stiffness of the neck and jaw, tremor, muscle wasting, and use after fractures and ligament injuries2. In the classical setting, these uses sit inside a physician-led plan; after any fracture or ligament injury, an orthopaedic assessment and proper rehabilitation come first. Purely Yours does not make Mahanarayan oil; we describe it here so you can compare the three honestly.
What is in Ksheerabala Taila?
Ksheerabala Taila is made from just three things: sesame oil, a decoction of Bala (Sida cordifolia) root, and cow's milk. The name says it all: ksheera means milk and bala is the herb3.
Because the formula is so short, Ksheerabala is often described in Ayurvedic practice as a gentle, nourishing oil. The pharmacopoeial references list it for vata disorders, lower back stiffness, emaciation (karshya) and hoarseness, and note that it is used for head and external application3. In some Ayurvedic clinics, specially processed versions are also used internally or as nasal drops, but only under a doctor's direction.
The method is simple in principle but slow in practice. Bala root is boiled in water and reduced to a strong decoction, then the decoction and milk are cooked into treated sesame oil over low heat until all the water has evaporated and only the oil remains. Classical pharmacists judge when the oil is ready by checking the texture of the residue and the absence of crackling when it is heated, which signals that no moisture is left. Store the finished oil in a cool place, tightly closed and away from light.
A short ingredient list has one practical advantage: it is easier to check for allergies. If you have reacted to herbal products before, a three-ingredient oil is simpler to patch test and easier to rule in or out.
Which Ayurvedic oil is right for you?
There is no single right oil; in Ayurvedic practice the choice depends on your constitution, the season and what you want from the massage. As a practical guide, choose by purpose, skin tolerance and smell, and remember that regular gentle massage matters more than the exact bottle.
A practical way to choose
- For a stiff knee, back or shoulder after a long day: Dhanwantaram and Mahanarayan are both traditional choices for joints and muscles. Many people pick by smell; Dhanwantaram is described as pleasant, while Mahanarayan has a stronger, camphor-and-herb odour.
- For postnatal oil massage: Dhanwantaram is the traditional choice in many Indian homes. Ask your obstetrician first, especially after a caesarean section or stitches.
- For a daily full-body or head massage, or dry skin: Ksheerabala's simple, milk-processed formula is traditionally favoured for nourishment and for the scalp.
- For sensitive or allergy-prone skin: start with the shortest ingredient list, which is Ksheerabala, and patch test first.
- For a baby or young child: do not choose by yourself; ask your paediatrician.
Does dosha matter?
Ayurveda matches oils to dosha and season, for example favouring warming oils in cold, dry weather. The pharmacopoeial remarks describe both Dhanwantaram and Mahanarayan as suited to vata and vata-kapha conditions12. If you want a choice matched to your constitution, an Ayurvedic practitioner can assess you properly. For the full self-massage method, see how to do abhyanga step by step.
What about plain sesame oil?
Plain cold-pressed sesame oil (til ka tel) is the base of all three classical oils and is itself widely used for daily abhyanga in Ayurvedic practice. If you simply want a warm, relaxing self-massage routine and do not need a specific classical formula, plain sesame oil is a perfectly traditional starting point. The classical oils add herbs that tradition associates with particular purposes, such as Bala for strength and nourishment, but no good-quality study has compared them with plain sesame oil in people.
Can you mix or alternate the oils?
Classical texts prepare each oil as a complete formula, so mixing two finished oils is not a traditional practice. Alternating them, for example Ksheerabala for a full-body massage and Dhanwantaram for a stiff knee, is a common home approach and is reasonable if your skin tolerates both.
Where Purely Yours Dhanwantaram and Ksheerabala Taila fit
Purely Yours makes two of these three classical oils. Dhanwantaram Taila is prepared as classical Dhanwantaram Tailam, with its composition based on the classical texts, and Ksheerabala Taila is made the classical way with Bala and milk processed in sesame oil. Both are for external massage only and are traditionally used to support comfort and suppleness as part of a regular abhyanga routine; please check the label for the full ingredient list. Neither oil is a treatment for arthritis, injury or any medical condition, and neither replaces exercise, physiotherapy or medical care. For help choosing, book a free consultation or browse the joint and mobility collection.
Is there scientific evidence for these Ayurvedic oils?
Evidence for these specific oils in people is limited: their use rests mainly on classical texts, practitioner experience and small or laboratory studies. Massage itself has some evidence for short-term comfort in knee osteoarthritis.
The US National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) states that few well-designed clinical trials have shown Ayurvedic approaches to be effective, and that most Ayurvedic osteoarthritis trials have been small or poorly designed5. We did not find large, good-quality human trials comparing Dhanwantaram, Mahanarayan and Ksheerabala with each other or with plain sesame oil, so any claim that one is clinically better than another is not supported.
For massage, the picture is more encouraging but still modest. A 2012 randomised trial in 125 adults with knee osteoarthritis found that weekly 60-minute Swedish massage improved pain and function scores more than usual care after 8 weeks, although the difference largely faded by 24 weeks6. NCCIH reports that 5 of 6 studies of massage for knee osteoarthritis found short-term improvement in pain7. These studies looked at massage, not at these particular oils.
So, the honest answer is this: if you enjoy one of these oils and it suits your skin, there is no evidence-based reason to switch to another. If you have a joint condition, your most effective tools are still exercise, weight management and medical care, with oil massage as a pleasant, supportive habit. Our guide to knee pain on the stairs covers the exercises that have the best evidence.
How do you use these oils safely?
Use them only on the skin, warm them gently, patch test first, and avoid broken skin, fresh injuries and joints that are red, hot or swollen. Never swallow a massage oil unless an Ayurvedic doctor has prescribed a version meant for internal use.
- Patch test: apply a few drops to your inner forearm and wait 24 hours before wider use.
- Warm, not hot: stand the oil in hot water for a few minutes and test a drop on your wrist.
- Gentle pressure: NCCIH notes that rare serious events from massage, such as blood clots, nerve injury and fractures, have mostly involved vigorous massage or higher-risk people such as older adults7.
- Medicines and conditions: if you take blood thinners, have varicose veins, diabetes with reduced feeling in the feet, or a skin condition, ask your doctor before regular massage.
- Pregnancy and babies: check with your obstetrician or paediatrician before use.
- Slippery floors: wipe up oil and use non-slip slippers, especially in the bathroom.
- Quality: buy from licensed manufacturers with a full label and batch number. NCCIH warns that some Ayurvedic products have been found to contain heavy metals5; this mainly concerns oral products, but quality matters for anything you use daily.
How to read the label of a classical oil
Whichever oil you choose, the label tells you most of what you need to know. Look for the classical name and, ideally, the text it is based on; a full list of ingredients with quantities; the manufacturer's Ayurvedic drug licence number; a batch number and date of manufacture; an expiry or "best before" date; and clear wording that it is for external use. Be wary of any massage oil that promises to make arthritis disappear or end pain for good: classical oils are traditional supportive products, and that kind of promise should make you cautious.
Some ingredients in these oils, such as Ashwagandha, are also taken as capsules. Using an oil on the skin is a different matter from taking a herb by mouth; if you are considering capsules, read who should avoid Ashwagandha and how to take it safely.
When to see a doctor
- A joint that is red, hot or badly swollen, especially with fever or chills, which can signal infection or gout.
- Pain after a fall, twist or injury, a joint that looks misshapen, or you cannot put weight on the leg.
- A knee that locks, gives way or clicks painfully8.
- Pain that wakes you at night, or joint pain with unexplained weight loss, rash or tiredness.
- New weakness, numbness, facial drooping or difficulty speaking; call emergency services, as these can be signs of a stroke.
- Any pain that has not improved after a few weeks of sensible self-care.
The bottom line
Dhanwantaram, Mahanarayan and Ksheerabala are all respected classical vata oils on a sesame oil base; they differ mainly in how many herbs they contain and in their traditional emphasis. No trial has shown any one of them to be better than the others, so choose by purpose, smell and skin tolerance, use it as part of a gentle massage routine, and see a doctor for any joint problem that is persistent, swollen or follows an injury.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Dhanwantaram or Mahanarayan oil?
Neither has been shown to be better in good-quality trials. Both are classical vata oils on a sesame base used for stiffness in joints and muscles. Dhanwantaram centres on Bala and the Dashamoola roots and is traditional in postnatal massage, while Mahanarayan is a larger formula with Shatavari juice, milk and aromatic herbs. Choose by purpose, smell and how your skin responds.
What is Ksheerabala oil used for?
Ksheerabala oil is traditionally used for massage in vata conditions such as dryness, stiffness of the lower back and general depletion, and for head application. It is made from Bala root, milk and sesame oil. It is a traditional self-care oil, not a treatment for any medical condition, and specialised internal uses need an Ayurvedic doctor.
Can Ksheerabala oil be used on the hair and scalp?
Yes, Ksheerabala oil is traditionally used for head application as well as body massage, and Ayurvedic practice values it as a nourishing scalp oil. There is no good-quality evidence that it changes hair growth or hair fall. Patch test first, wash it out with a mild shampoo, and see a dermatologist for sudden or patchy hair loss.
Can I use Dhanwantaram and Ksheerabala oil together?
Mixing two finished classical oils is not a traditional practice, because each is prepared as a complete formula. Alternating them is a common home approach, for example Ksheerabala for full-body or scalp massage and Dhanwantaram for a stiff knee or back. Patch test each oil first and stop if your skin becomes irritated.
Which Ayurvedic oil is best for knee pain?
No oil has strong evidence for knee pain, and none is a treatment for arthritis or injury. Dhanwantaram and Mahanarayan are the traditional choices for joint massage. The approach with the best evidence for knee comfort is regular strengthening exercise. See a doctor if your knee is swollen, hot, locking or painful after an injury.
Sources
- NCBS GRAYU database: Dhanvantara Taila (from the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India and Ayurvedic Standard Treatment Guidelines) (accessed 2026)
- NCBS GRAYU database: Mahanarayana Taila (from the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India and Ayurvedic Standard Treatment Guidelines) (accessed 2026)
- NCBS GRAYU database: Ksirabala Taila (from the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India and Ayurvedic Standard Treatment Guidelines) (accessed 2026)
- Frontiers in Pharmacology: GRAYU, a graph-based database integrating Ayurvedic formulations, medicinal plants, phytochemicals and diseases (2026)
- NCCIH (NIH): Ayurvedic Medicine: In Depth (2019)
- PLoS One: Massage Therapy for Osteoarthritis of the Knee: A Randomized Dose-Finding Trial (2012)
- NCCIH (NIH): Massage Therapy: What You Need To Know (2019)
- NHS: Knee pain (accessed 2026)
