• Revisiting ayurvedic essentials for everyday use

In many Sri Lankan homes, tucked away in cupboards or medicine boxes, are small bottles of dark, aromatic oils, often overlooked until they are suddenly needed. These are not new additions to the wellness landscape, but rather long-standing remedies rooted in ‘hela wedakama’ and ayurveda, systems of healing that have shaped how Sri Lankans approach everyday health for generations. 

While modern lifestyles may have shifted preferences towards quick, over-the-counter solutions, there remains a quiet reliance on these oils, particularly for minor ailments that do not always require clinical intervention.

As interest in natural and preventative care continues to grow, there is renewed curiosity around what these oils offer, and more importantly, which ones are worth keeping at home. When speaking to ayurvedic practitioners, it becomes clear that while there is no one-size-fits-all recommendation, there are certain oils that are widely used for their versatility and accessibility.

A first line of care

Dr. S.D. Hapuarachchi from the University of Colombo’s (UOC) Faculty of Indigenous Medicine explained that although many people turned to ready-made oils, the ideal approach was still personalised treatment. 

“It is always best to consult an ayurvedic doctor because oils can be prepared specifically for your condition and body type,” she noted. “That is where the effectiveness is highest.” 

However, she acknowledged that for everyday use, there were certain oils that functioned as reliable, general remedies within the home. In many ways, these oils operate as a first line of care, something to turn to before escalating to clinical treatment.

Similarly, ayurvedic practitioner Anil Gunawardhana reiterated that while professional consultation remained important, households often benefited from keeping a few essential oils on hand. 

“We understand that people are looking for practical solutions,” he said. “So there are some oils that can be considered useful for common issues.” He also pointed out that these remedies were often most effective when used early, at the onset of symptoms, rather than after a condition had worsened.

Among these, oils used for respiratory relief are perhaps the most familiar. Many Sri Lankans instinctively reach for these when faced with a cold, cough, or congestion. Applied externally to the chest, neck, or back, they work to ease breathing, reduce inflammation, and clear phlegm. Their strength and immediacy often make them a first response rather than a last resort, particularly during seasonal changes or periods of fluctuating weather.

Anura Kulasinghe, who regularly relies on ayurvedic remedies, described how these oils were used almost reflexively in his household. 

“If I feel even a slight irritation in my throat, I don’t wait,” he said. “I apply it on my neck, chest, and a little near my nose before I sleep. By morning, it’s gone. It works overnight.” For him, the effectiveness of these oils has made them a constant presence at home, something to turn to before symptoms escalate into something more disruptive.

Beyond respiratory concerns, there are also oils that are commonly used for wounds, burns, and skin irritations. These are valued for their antiseptic and soothing properties, often applied directly to the affected area to support healing. 

In this sense, they function almost as a natural first aid, bridging the gap between traditional remedies and everyday care. In households where children are present, or where minor injuries are frequent, these oils often replace or complement modern antiseptic creams.

Growing interest 

Pain management is another area where ayurvedic oils are widely used. Certain formulations are applied externally to relieve muscle tension, nerve pain, and inflammation. In recent years, oils such as those derived from ashwagandha have gained popularity, particularly among those with more active lifestyles or those seeking alternatives to synthetic pain-relief methods.

Gunawardhana noted this growing interest. “We are seeing more people using oils for muscle recovery and strength,” he said. “They can be used before or after physical activity to ease muscle and nerve pain.” 

This reflects a broader shift, where traditional remedies are being integrated into modern wellness routines, not just for treatment, but for maintenance and prevention. Increasingly, younger individuals are rediscovering these oils not as outdated remedies, but as practical tools for everyday health.

Another oil that continues to hold relevance is kohomba oil, derived from the neem tree. Known for its antibacterial and antifungal properties, it is often used for skin conditions, hair care, and even beyond personal use. Its strong scent and potency make it unmistakable, but also highly effective.

For Kishani Anthony, its versatility is what makes it indispensable. “It’s something I always have at home,” she said. “I use it not just for myself, but also for my pets. If they have a wound or any skin issue, I mix it with turmeric and apply it. It’s soothing, antibacterial, and I don’t have to worry if they lick it.” For her, the appeal lies in both its effectiveness and its safety, qualities that are not always guaranteed in more commercial products.

Practical inconveniences

Despite these benefits, ayurvedic oils are not without their challenges. One of the most common deterrents is their sensory impact – the strong smell, the oily texture, and the tendency to stain clothes and fabrics. In a modern context where convenience and presentation often take priority, these factors can discourage regular use.

Hasitha Pathirana, who uses these oils regularly, acknowledged this hesitation. “A lot of people don’t like using oils because of the smell,” he said. “It lingers and it transfers to everything – your clothes, your bedsheets. There’s also a bit of a stigma, since people feel it’s old-fashioned.” He noted that for many, especially younger individuals, these practical inconveniences could make oils seem incompatible with their daily routines.

This tension between effectiveness and convenience is perhaps one of the reasons why some have moved away from these remedies. In a fast-paced, image-conscious environment, the practical inconveniences of using oils can outweigh their benefits for some individuals. At the same time, there is also a growing disconnect from traditional knowledge systems, where fewer people are familiar with how and when to use these remedies effectively.

Yet, for those who continue to use them, the results often speak for themselves. “At the end of the day, they work,” Hasitha added. “You might have to deal with the smell or the mess, but you feel the difference almost immediately.” This immediate, tangible relief is often what keeps people returning to these remedies, even when more convenient alternatives are available.

A practical and cultural solution 

What emerges from these conversations is not just a discussion of specific oils, but a broader understanding of how they function within daily life. They are not used in isolation, but as part of a wider approach to health, one that values early intervention, natural ingredients, and a certain level of attentiveness to the body. They also reflect a cultural continuity, where knowledge is passed down informally through families, rather than through formal instruction.

Both ayurvedic practitioners emphasised that while these oils were useful, they should not replace professional care when needed. 

“Home remedies are helpful, but they are only for minor conditions,” Dr. Hapuarachchi noted. “If something persists, it is always better to consult a doctor.” This distinction is important, particularly as interest in natural remedies grows, to ensure that they are used responsibly and appropriately.

At the same time, their continued presence in Sri Lankan households speaks to their enduring relevance. In an era where wellness is often commodified and repackaged, these oils remain largely unchanged, simple, accessible, and rooted in tradition. They do not rely on branding or marketing to prove their value; rather, their effectiveness is sustained through repeated use and shared experience.

Perhaps what makes them most valuable is not just their ability to treat, but their ability to offer a sense of familiarity and control. In moments of discomfort, they provide an immediate response, one that is both practical and deeply cultural. They remind us that not all solutions need to be new, and that sometimes, the most effective remedies are those that have quietly stood the test of time.

In that sense, revisiting these ayurvedic oils is not merely about returning to tradition, but about recognising the quiet ways in which these practices have continued to support everyday life. Whether used occasionally or as part of a regular routine, they remain a testament to the enduring relationship between Sri Lankans and their own systems of healing – one that continues to evolve, yet remains firmly rooted in its origins.