Nasya is the Ayurvedic practice of applying a few drops of herbal oil inside the nose. It takes less than a minute, and in Ayurveda it is as much a part of the daily routine as brushing your teeth.
Below, we explain where Nasya comes from, why an oil rather than a spray, and how to use one at home.
Where does Nasya come from?
Nasya is described in the classical texts of Ayurveda, including the Charaka Samhita and the Ashtanga Hridayam. The Ashtanga Hridayam calls the nose "the doorway to the head", and for that reason Ayurveda gives it daily care.
The texts describe several forms of nasya. Some are stronger treatments given by a practitioner. The gentlest, pratimarsha nasya, is just one or two drops of oil in each nostril, suitable for everyday use at home. That is the form we describe here.
Why oil in the nose?
The lining of the nose works best when it is moist. Central heating, cold outdoor air, long flights and air conditioning all dry it out, and many people notice that dry, tight feeling most in winter.
A saline rinse washes the nose; a nasal oil nourishes it. A few drops of oil soften the lining and leave a fine layer that holds in moisture, so the nose stays comfortable through the day. In Ayurvedic terms, the warm, heavy quality of the oil balances the cold, dry quality of vata, which is strongest at this time of year.
How to use a nasal oil
- Warm the oil. Hold the bottle in your closed hand for a minute, or stand it in a cup of warm water, so the oil is at body temperature.
- Tilt your head back. Sit or lie down with your head tipped back and your nostrils pointing upwards.
- Apply the drops. Place one or two drops in each nostril with the pipette.
- Breathe in gently. Sniff softly so the oil moves into the nose. There is no need to sniff hard.
- Massage. Rub the sides of the nose and the area between the eyebrows for a few seconds, then stay still for a minute before sitting up.
- Wipe away any excess with a tissue.
Nasya is traditionally done in the morning, on an empty stomach, and not straight after a meal. If drops feel strange at first, dip a clean little finger in the oil and smooth it just inside each nostril instead.
Inside our Nasya Oil
Our Nasya Oil is made on a base of sesame and sunflower oils. Sesame is the classical carrier for Nasya, valued in Ayurveda for its warming, nourishing quality; sunflower adds essential fatty acids that soften the delicate lining of the nose.
Into that base go aromatic and soothing ingredients drawn from Ayurvedic and Western herbal traditions:
- Eucalyptus and fennel, traditionally valued for clear, comfortable breathing
- Sweet flag root, used in Ayurveda to keep the nasal lining well lubricated
- Skullcap and gotu kola, traditionally used to soothe delicate tissues
- Himalayan rock salt, a traditional mineral for moisture balance
It comes in a 30ml amber glass bottle with a glass pipette and is suitable for adults and children aged 12 and over.
Nasya as part of a daily routine
In the Ayurvedic morning routine, Nasya sits alongside tongue scraping, oil pulling and abhyanga, the daily self-massage with warm oil. A simple order is:
- Brush your teeth and scrape your tongue
- Oil pulling with our Peppermint Mouthwash Oil
- Nasya
- Abhyanga, then a warm shower
The whole routine takes about twenty minutes, and nasya on its own takes less than one. If you are curious how Nasya Oil compares with teas, tinctures and supplements through the pollen season, see our guide to herbal support in the spring and summer.
Frequently asked questions
How often can I use nasya? The gentle, everyday form is traditionally used once or twice a day, morning and evening.
I don't like putting anything up my nose. Is there another way? Yes. Dip a clean little finger in the oil and smooth it just inside each nostril, then gently pinch and release the nose a few times.
Is Nasya Oil suitable for children? Our Nasya Oil is suitable for children aged 12 and over.
Does it contain sesame or nuts? It contains sesame oil, so it is not suitable for anyone who avoids sesame. Full allergen information is on the product page.
Can I use it when I fly? Many people apply a drop before a flight, when cabin air is especially dry. The 30ml bottle fits within hand-luggage liquid limits.
If you are taking medication, pregnant or living with a health condition, speak to one of our herbalists or your doctor before starting nasya. Our free 15-minute discovery call is a good place to begin.
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