Sneho Saro Ayam Purushah- This human being is the very essence of Sneha
(Sushruta Chikitsa Sthana)
Introduction
Ayurveda has long emphasized the importance of Sneha, not merely as fat or oil, but as a vital principle of nourishment, lubrication and cohesion.
Its applications span across contexts, from daily life conduct (Dinacharya) to the management of life-threatening disorders, offering support for both physical and mental health. The classics describe Sneha as essential to the functioning of the human body and mind.
What is Sneha?
If we try to translate it literally, “Sneha” means love and this is not far from its Ayurvedic significance. It is that which nourishes, binds, strengthens, and soothes. Sneha plays a crucial role in cellular integrity, joint function, and that glow on your face.
Types of Sneha
Ayurvedic texts broadly classify Sneha Dravyas into two categories:
- Sthāvara (plant origin) — such as oils from sesame, coconut, or castor
- Jāṅgama (animal origin) — including Ghṛita (clarified butter), Vāsa (muscle fat), and Majjā (bone marrow).
While ancient scholars did not speak in terms of lipids or cholesterol, their deep understanding of how Sneha supports human physiology is undeniable. They recognized its role in digestion, tissue development, lubrication, immunity, mental clarity, and even longevity.
Ayurveda encourages the selection of appropriate Sneha based on one’s Prakriti (constitution) and Vikriti (imbalance or disease state) — making it a deeply personalized therapeutic tool.
When did Fat become the Enemy?
Modern lifestyle is all about looking good and present your best self to the world. Take it personally or professionally, we have set certain standards that it is almost impossible to stick to them all the time.
In the quest for a perfect body, many of us adopted certain lifestyles and, unfortunately, removed some important things from our routines. Dietary fat is one such target. Especially our media and social media influencers have played a major part in promoting the ” no-fat movement”. This has lead to increasing trends of restrictive diet.
“In trying to avoid disease, we created imbalance.”
What most people don’t understand is that all fat is not bad but its all in the type and the quantity you consume.
Healthy fat in good amount, is actually important for hormonal function, digestion, cognition and overall vitality.
You should limit the intake of highly processed trans fats and certain saturated fats. These can deposit in the vessels as plaques and may lead to vascular disorders.
Ayurveda’s Timeless Stand on Sneha
Ayurveda has always placed Sneha at the very core of health, nourishment, and rejuvenation. Unlike modern diet culture, which often demonizes fat, Ayurveda respects Sneha as a life-sustaining substance. Fat is considered vital for both prevention and healing.
Whether through food, medicine, or therapeutic preparation, the careful use of Sneha Dravyas (unctuous substances) is a central theme across Ayurvedic texts.
Sneha in Daily Life
Ayurveda recommends incorporating fats in subtle, natural ways through daily routines that nourish both body and mind. While Abhyanga (oil massage) and Nasya (nasal oleation) are part of this, there are many beautifully simple, Indian homes still follow anecdotal practices that reflect this deep understanding of Sneha.
Daily Sneha Rituals: Traditional Uses That Still Hold Value
- A drop of ghee in the navel: Said to soften and hydrate dry skin, calm the nervous system, and promote better digestion. A grandmother’s remedy for cracked lips.
- Oiling the soles before sleep: Massaging warm sesame or ghee into the feet at night is a grounding ritual that promotes better sleep, reduces fatigue, and soothes an anxious mind.
- Head massage (Shiro Abhyanga): There’s something timeless about a good champi. Many Ayurvedic practitioners and traditional users believe that regularly massaging the scalp with Brahmi or Bhringraj oil can help enhance memory, relieve headaches, support scalp health, and promote deep relaxation.
- Nasal ghee or oil (Nasya): Lubricating the nasal passages with plain ghee helps sharpen senses, reduce sinus congestion, and even support emotional balance.
Generations of wisdom recognized the importance of fat, not as an enemy, but as a friend to body, mind, and soul. Thus, making these little acts of self-care not just comforting, but deeply therapeutic.
Nourishing from Within: The Role of Dietary Sneha
- Consuming ghrita (ghee) -It is one of food items ancient scholars have stressed on taking on a regular basis. It is especially beneficial for those with strong digestion (Tikshna Agni). Consuming Ghee enhances absorption, Ojas (vital energy), and fosters mental calmness.
- Using milk regularly – Experts consider milk a complete food. It is naturally rich in calcium, healthy fats, proteins, and micronutrients. When used mindfully, it acts as a Rasayana (rejuvenator), nourishing tissues and calming the mind. But modern trends have stripped milk of its natural fat, pushing skimmed or low-fat versions as healthier. Unless your doctor specifically advises otherwise, Ayurveda recommends using whole, unprocessed milk.
Simply boil it well in a clean vessel and store it in a cool place.
- Traditional dishes like khichdi, yusha, or soups often included a teaspoon of ghee not just for taste, but to enhance bioavailability of nutrients (Yogavahi effect).
Acharya Charaka, one of the revered sages of Ayurveda, has clearly mentioned that everyone should take milk, ghee, honey, mung, certain varieties of rice and meat regularly.
Sneha in Disease Management
Ayurveda does not encourage fear of fat, rather it suggests to use fat strategically as medicine. Here’s how:
- Ayurvedic practitioners use Snehapāna (internal oleation) before cleansing therapies like Vamana (emesis) or Virechana (purgation) to loosen deep-seated Doshas from the body.
- Especially, in neurodegenerative, joint, or Vata-dominant conditions, ghee or oil infused with herbs is used to replenish lost unctuousness, rebuild tissues, and calm the nervous system.
- Scholars of Ayurveda encourage rational use of medicated fats in chronic digestive ailments, which can aid in restoring gut-lining, nourish Agni, and correct long-standing imbalances.
- For mental health concerns like anxiety or insomnia, Sneha works as a Rasayana (rejuvenator) supporting brain tissue and neurotransmitter function.
Sneha Beyond Calories- As a Carrier
Our brain is indeed one of the most important organs. It is the master organ and controls the functions of other organs via many chemical and neural pathways.
But do you know what those pathways or the synapses are made of?
Drumroll… F-A-T-S!
Ayurveda recognizes the unctuous nature of the brain with the classical reference:
“Avaleena Ghritakara Mastaka Majja”
—the brain (mastaka majja) is immersed in a ghee-like substance.
This metaphorical yet physiologically relevant description reflects how Ayurveda views the brain as naturally rich in Sneha (fat).
Modern science echoes this ancient insight—about 60% of the brain is made up of fat, with phospholipids, cholesterol, and omega-3 fatty acids forming the essential framework of its neural communication network. These fats are not just structural; they are critical for neurotransmission, memory, learning, and cognitive health.
Ayurveda, in its timeless wisdom, sees fat (Sneha) not merely as a source of nourishment, but as a carrier of deeper healing—an agent that transports herbs, and nutrition to the tissues (Dhatus) where they are most needed.
- Fats transport fat-soluble herbs and nutrients into deeper tissues.
- They improve the palatability and digestibility of food.
- They provide satiety, stability, and emotional grounding, especially in high-Vata lifestyles.
- In modern medicine also, Vitamins like A,D, E, K are fat soluble. Cholesterol and other lipids along with protein, ensure the structural integrity of our bodies.
- So, our bodies indeed require it in sufficient amounts to function well.
Pick your Sneha- What to take based on your wellness goal!
Ayurveda advocates the inclusion of all forms of Sneha i.e., Ghrita, Taila, Vasa, and Majja to nourish different tissues. While you may want to avoid Vasa and Majja for cultural and religious reasons, they carry significant health benefits.
Ghrita
Ghrita is undoubtedly the best Sneha in general, as stated in classics. It has excellent properties to act as a carrier (Yogavahi) while not loosing its innate properties.
Ayurveda recommends using it in Sharada Ritu (~ autumn) with warm water.
According to ancient Ayurvedic texts, Ghrita is ideal for:
- People with Vata-Pitta Prakriti or related disorders.
- Those wanting to improve eyesight, memory, and digestion.
- The elderly, children, and women needing nourishment.
- Anyone recovering from injury, weakness, or emaciation.
- Those aiming for longevity, strength, glowing skin, and a vibrant voice.
- Individuals dealing with burning sensations or toxin exposure.
In short, Ghee is a rejuvenator, perfect for building strength, clarity, and vitality.
Taila
Taila isn’t just for cooking and you know it.
Think of that blissful champi after a long day, or the soothing strokes of a face or foot massage during your self-care ritual. Taila (oil) plays a vital role in Ayurveda, not only in diet but also in daily routines. From Abhyanga (self-massage) to Kavala (oil pulling) for oral health, it’s a timeless wellness ally.
In Ayurveda, its use is multidimensional and is indicated in Pravrita Ritu (~pre-monsoons) with Yusha (lentil soup).
According to Ayurveda, oils are ideal for:
- Those with Kapha imbalance or excess body fat.
- Individuals with Vata Prakriti or Vata disorders
- Those wanting:
- Strength and stamina
- A lean, agile body
- Smooth, supple skin
- Those with constipation, intestinal worms, or sinus ulcers.
Vasa
Vasa is derived from animal fat. It is a major and sometimes the only source of energy for people who dwell in harsh polar regions.
It is chockful of vitamins, minerals and dense calories which are essential for the existence in such climates.
Ayurveda recommends taking this in Vasanta Ritu (~spring) along with Manda (rice gruel).
Vasa isn’t just a traditional fatty substance it’s deeply therapeutic when used wisely. It may benefit:
- Those who tolerate breezy or sunny climates well.
- Individuals experiencing body dryness or exhaustion from intense physical activity.
- People with low levels of semen, blood, Kapha, or Meda (fat tissue).
- Anyone with deep-seated joint, bone, or nerve pain.
- Pathological changes in the body hindering the flow of Vata.
- People with strong digestion who regularly consume fatty foods.
Used in moderation and with proper guidance, Vasa can be a powerful support in nourishing and grounding the body—especially in high Vata conditions.
Majja
We can refer to Majja as bone marrow in Ayurveda.
It may appear unconventional at first but many cultures promote its use in general diet. Take bone broth, for example. Sound trendy? Well, it’s nothing but a modern, delicious way of consuming Majja! When bones are simmered for hours with herbs and spices, they release all their deep nutrients into the broth.
What you get is a warm, comforting bowl packed with goodness perfect for nourishing your Majja Dhatu (bone marrow and nervous tissue) while also supporting collagen production, which is essential for joint health, skin elasticity, and overall vitality.
And yes, it tastes amazing too!
Just like Vasa, Majja is also traditionally consumed during Vasanta Ritu (spring), often along with Manda (rice gruel), to support nourishment and balance.
Majja is deeply nourishing and ideal for individuals who:
- Have strong digestion and regularly consume heavy meals
- Can tolerate intense physical exertion
- Already include unctuous (Snehana) foods in their regular diet.
- Suffer from Vata-related disorders
- Experience hard or difficult bowel movements
Majja, when consumed mindfully, acts as a rejuvenating superfood for those in need of deep tissue nourishment.
Conclusion
Ayurveda never promoted a fat-free life. It promoted a conscious, constitution-based, and balanced use of Sneha — as food, as medicine, and as nourishment.
By embracing the right kind of fats in the right amounts, we nourish not only our tissues but our very essence. Let’s move beyond fat-phobia and instead ask, “What does my body truly need to thrive?”
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