Sutra 18 - Oil Baths

The best way for an oil bath, is to first wash your skin with a little water and then when the skin is still wet apply oil all over your body. Massage the oil gently all over your body. You can choose a simple locally available traditional oil (e.g. coconut oil or sesame oil or mustard oil).

After allowing it to be absorbed by the skin for a about half an hour, wash it away with Reetha powder or Soapnut powder. Do not wash away the oil with strong soaps and shampoos. Oil is the best moisturiser and a coolant. It can prevent colds in summers. The rubbing also increases circulation on the skin and prevents several skin diseases. Coconut oil has antifungal and antibacterial properties.  Coconut oil helps in healing the skin.