OIL BATH, A TRADITIONAL HEALTH HABIT OF SOUTH INDIA

In South India people living in villages are having a traditional health habit of

taking oil bath to improve and keep their good health. It is believed by the

people of previous time that oil is penetrating inside the head to add cold to

the body. But now it has been understood that applied oil dissolves the dusty,

oily particles present on the skin and later those are removed by the appli-

-cation of herbal powder and warm water. This phenomenon helps to make

the skin to remove heat from inside the body, which acts as a valve, to outside

easily. Any way it is being experienced by the people of South India that their

habit has great tendency to clear the body heat.

Commonly two varieties of oils such as coconut and gingle oils are used in

this treatment. But it is experienced by the people that coconut oil is more de-

-sirable than the other one. In some places coconut oil is mixed with broken

spices like pepper and garlic before boiling it to get the additional properties

of spices. However the plain coconut oil is used in the most parts of the count-

-ry.

About 25 ml of coconut oil is taken in a small amber colored or white colored

bottle. Strictly avoiding the taking of oil in plastic bottles just before the appli-

-cation as they affect the medicinal properties of the coconut oil. A small qua-

-ntity of the oil is applied on the tophead and it is let for a few minutes.

Mostly warm water is preferred by the people to take oil bath. A green colored

herbal powder ( soap nut powder ) and sikkakai powder are used to rinse on

the head to remove the applied oil thoroughly. Toilet soaps are avoided in

oil bath to have good result. Weekly once oil bath is followed by the people to

have nice health. Fridays are selected by ladies to take oil bath and satur-

-days for gents.

Benefits of taking oil bath

1. It clears the oily substances from the skin of the total body and facilitate

the same to transfer heat from inside of the body to outside.

2. By giving healthy cold to our body we can have good appetite and feeling

of taste.

3. Healthy cold prevailing in our body prevents many diseases like jaundice,

cancer and other viral diseases.

4. We can get healthy, deep sleep and good concentration in our daily activi-

-ties.

5. Side effects of severe diet control can be cleared by this good healthy

habit.

6. Skin and hair health can be maintained as it removes surface tension on

the body.

7. It is very economical and also required once in a week.