Did you know that the nostrils are called “the gateways to the head” (shirodwar)  in sanskrit, the ancient language of Ayurveda ? They are the entry point of the breath of life ( prana ) to the entire body, and are thus the starting point of the entire pathway of prana in the body.

Keeping the nostrils healthy and open offers more than symptomatic relief from occasional congestion and sinus discomforts. It is the way to maintain mental clarity, memory, balance and equanimity, and discrimination. For the body, taking care of this entry point of prana is crucial to having a sense of vitality and dynamism!¹

Classically, nasya oil is part of a daily routine for this very reason.

Banyan Botanicals' Nasya Oil is formulated for daily use and for soothing and protecting the nasal passages. Made in a sesame and olive oil base, it is lubricating and very nourishing. Many ancient traditions, including Ayurveda, use eucalyptus for maintaining easy breathing and for a sense of mental clarity.

Added to the mix are calming and clarifying mental rejuvenatives gotu kola, skullcap, and calamus, which are cooked into the oil according to ancient traditions. Gotu kola (also called brahmi) supports various mental functions, including memory, intelligence, and concentration, and soothes the entire nervous system, a pathway of prana in the body. Skullcap provides mental calmness and ease, while calamus sharpens the mind and increases awareness.

Alternatively, Super Nasya Oiloffers a more cleansing and potent variation of nasya oil. Formulated by renowned Ayurvedic physician Vasant Lad, it has an especially awakening quality that makes it ideal for times of cleansing. With a nourishing base of sesame and sunflower oils, it features a refreshing blend of eucalyptus and camphor that helps clear the nasal passages and the mind, while simultaneously supporting emotional well-being with the gentle qualities of rose and sandalwood.

Not sure which nasya oil is right for you? Stock your cabinet with both options with the Nasya Oil Bundle, and select which oil to use depending on your daily needs.

Adding nasya to your daily routine takes no more than a minute and is as simple as placing a few drops of the oil in each nostril every morning. Here are three steps to do this most effectively:

• Lie on your bed with your head hanging off the edge of the bed so that the nostril surface is parallel with the ceiling. 
• Place three to five drops in each nostril, inhale deeply.
• Massage the passageway externally with pressure along your nose.

You will experience an immediate heightened sense of clarity and freshness.