Shadbindu Tail – Benefits, How To Use, Ingredients, Side Effects

Shadbindu Tail is an Ayurvedic herbal oil used in Nasya treatment. Few drops of oil are instilled into nostrils, useful to relieve headache, baldness and hair fall. 

Benefits

Shadbindu Tail uses:

 It is useful in Ayurvedic treatment of headache, dizziness, sneezing, cold, cough, migraine, teeth weakness.
It improves vision and immunity.

Indications

All types of Shiro rogas
Prevents falling of hair, hair thinning
Gives strength to the hair roots and teeth useful in the treatment of alopecia.
Improves strength of teeth. Prevents early teeth fall.
Improves vision, eyesight.
Gives strength to the shoulders and thus useful in cervical spondylosis, neck stiffness, pain and shoulder stiffness.
Improves strength of eyes and shoulders.
Its Its hair and eye strengthening benefit is directly attributed to Bhringaraja – Eclipta alba.

Mode Of Usage

It is used for Nasya Ayurvedic treatment. 2 – 6 drops of the oil are instilled into each nostril, after massage and hot treatment to face.

Duration

It is used from a few days to several weeks based on the prescription of Ayurvedic doctor.

Is Sadbindu tel useful in blocked nose?
It is useful in nose blockage. But the oil needs to be warmed a little in hot water bed, before using for Nasya.
Depending on the nature of nose blockage, other oral medicines might also be required along with this.

Side Effects

There are no apparent side effects with this medicine. However, Nasya treatment should only be undergone under the guidance of an able Ayurvedic doctor.
In sensitive people, it may cause nasal irritation and excessive secretions. Most of it is tolerable and symptoms are relieved within a week time.
Do not use this product for self medication.
Keep out of sight and reach of children. store in cool dry place, away from direct sunlight.

Shloka Sanskrit Verse

Contents

Shadbindu Oil ingredients and how to make:
Taila – Sesame oil – Sesamum indicum – 768 ml
Aja Ksheera – Goat milk – 3.072 liters
Bhringaja – Eclipta alba  – juice extract – 3.072 liters
Paste prepared from fine powders of 19 g of each of –
Eranda – Castor – Ricinus communis
Tagara – Indian valerian (root) – Valeriana wallichi
Shatahva – Indian Dill – Anethum sowa
Jivanti – Leptadenia reticulata
Rasna – Pluchea lanceolata / Vanda roxburghi
Saindhava – Rock salt
Bhringa – Cinnamon – Cinnamomum zeylanicum
Vidanga – False black pepper – Embelia ribes
Yashti – Licorice – Glycyrrhiza glabra
Vishwaushadha – Ginger – Zingiber officinalis
The above set of ingredients is heated till only oil remains, filtered.

Reference

 Bheshaj Ratnavali  Shirorogadhikara 49 – 51

Method of preparation

To the sesame oil, all the ingredients should be added and heated on moderate fire till only oil part remain. Taila p?ka should be completed within two days.

Shelf life

Three years from the date of manufacture. Once opened, it is best to empty the oil within 1 year.

Other Uses

Use of Shadbindu tail after nasal surgery such as septoplasty, turbinoplasty, correction of deviated nasal septum (DNS) etc:
Shadbindu oil – 2 drops to each nostril, in the morning is very useful in post operative care.
It is useful to prevent further infection, allergic attacks, rhinitis etc.
But this should be used after the surgical wounds have healed completely. Around 1 month after surgery.

Is Sadbindu tail useful in tonsillitis?
Its nasya – nasal drops are not directly useful in tonsillitis. Oral gargle with salt water + turmeric is more useful.  Read about Ayurvedic treatment for tonsillitis

Manufacturers

Baidyanath Ayurved Bhavan
Dabur
Divya Pharmacy calls the same oil as Divya Shadbindu Tail (oil)

During pregnancy, lactation

If you were using this oil before pregnancy without any allergic reaction, you can continue using this oil even during pregnancy.
If you have not used this product before and wish to use it during pregnancy, better to consult a doctor because it can cause skin allergy in some rare cases.
It is generally considered as safe to use during lactation, however consult your doctor for the right advice.

Can Shadbindu oil be applied after steam therapy?
Yes. As per Ayurveda, during nasya procedure, first oil massage is given over face and neck and then mild steam therapy is given over face and neck, avoiding eyes.
After that, nasal oils are instilled.

Difference between Shadbindu and Anu taila

Shadbindu taila is primarily advised for the treatment of headache, whereas Anu taila is mentioned and explained in the context of healthy daily routine. This hints that Shadbindu taila is used primarily for therapeutic purposes and Anu oil is used for both for health maintenance and therapeutic purposes.
While many diseases such as headache, early hair fall, teeth instability etc are mentioned as indications for Shadbindu taila, only strength promoting benefits are enlisted for Anu taila.

Both the nasal oils contain sesame oil as base.
Both contain goat milk. Goat milk is lighter to digest when compared to cow milk and has soothing effect over nasal mucosa. Its nasal mucosal absorption capacity is better when compared to cow milk. This could be the reason why both contain goat milk.
Common herbs in both Shadbindu and anu oils –
Cinnamon, Vidanga – Embelia ribes – false black pepper Licorice

Extra herbs in Shadbindu taila – ginger, rock salt, Rasna, Shatapushpa, Eranda moola, Tagara (Valerian root), Dill, Jivanti, Rasna and rock salt.

Number of ingredients is more in Anu taila than in Shadbindu taila.
When compared to anu taila, the nature of herbs in Shadbindu is stronger. Herbs like Tagara (Valerian root), castor root, Rasna are used therapeutically, but usually not used on a daily basis in a healthy individual.

Method of preparation: During preparation, Anu oil cooking happens for 10 times. Hence, it is more refined product when compared to Shadbindu tail, which is processed for only one time.

Dosage –
Shad Bindu literally means six drops. It hints that the most common dosage of this oil is six drops. However, its dose can be increased on decreased based on patient’s strength, disease intensity etc.
Anu oil is used in a variety of doses, starting from 2 drops, which is commonly administered in healthy people, its dose can go as high as 10 drops.

Position of head during Nasya procedure:


Please consult your doctor before taking this medicine.
This article is written by Dr. Janardhana V Hebbar BAMS, MD (Ayu), PGDPSM, Managing Director, Easy Ayurveda Hospital.
It is reviewed by Dr. Shilpa Ramdas BAMS, MD (Ayu), Chief Ayurvedic Physician, Easy Ayurveda Hospital

101 thoughts on “Shadbindu Tail – Benefits, How To Use, Ingredients, Side Effects”

  1. sir, I am using shadbindu tai for the treatment of allergic rhinitis as suggested by the physician but it is increasing the sneezing and chocking the nostrills.what to do ? I am using this since last 4 days

    Reply
    • There are two chances
      1. The quality of Shadbindu taila was not good and it may be infected.
      2. You might not have required it.
      3. The dose suggested was a little higher than required.
      Please stop it and consult your Ayurvedic doctor.

      Reply
  2. Hi Sir, I have a allergic rhinitis since last 3 years. Due to rhinitis, it lead to nasal polypi again and again.. I am continuing homoeopathy medicines for removing permanent allergic rhinitis since last 5 to 6 months,…But now, nasal polypi increased and physician advised for surgery…. I consult ayurvedic doctor and he advised to take shadbindu tail… so can you please suggest that how much time will be taken in this case for removing nasal polypi? Can shadbindu tail permanent remove nasal polypi?

    Reply
    • This, along with other Ayurvedic medicines can surely help in treating nasal polyp.
      Try the suggested treatment for a couple of months, within which time, you should see improvements.

      Reply
  3. Hi Sir, I have a allergic rhinitis since last 3 years. Due to rhinitis, it lead to nasal polypi again and again.. I am continuing homoeopathy medicines for removing permanent allergic rhinitis since last 5 to 6 months,…But now, nasal polypi increased and physician advised for surgery…. I consult ayurvedic doctor and he advised to take shadbindu tail. I started use of it but in first day i felt so much irritation in my nose & throat as wella s my nose was blocked after 30 min i got relief, please suggest should i go with this oil or there is any other option to use it, please advice.

    Reply
  4. Hi
    My body temperature always remain high, although I do not have fever etc… When some one touches my hand he feels it’s hot and not as normal. Someone has suggested me to use shatbindu oil to control my body temperature. Is this oil beneficial for me to regulate body temperature. Please suggest.

    Reply
  5. Hi, shadbindu oil can be used for nasal drops – 2 drops into each nostril – 10 minutes before bath, everyday, for a period of a month time. For oral medicines and complete treatment, please consult an Ayurvedic doctor.

    Reply
  6. Sir,
    What should be the exact posture of the head when putting shadbindu oil in nose. Also what is the exact procedure. Please clarify. Because as soon as I use this my nose and throat gets irritation.

    Reply
    • Sleeping on a mat, with a small folded towel underneath neck. This directs the oil through the nasal passage in downward direction. But there will surely be some level of throat irritation with this oil. Try with Anu tail (similar effects). Read more about Nasya precautions and rules – easyayurveda.com/2013/08/12/how-to-do-ayurvedic-nasya-treatment-at-home-nasal-drops-for-long-life/

      Reply
  7. Dear sir
    I am 38 male. I have gone through sinus and polyp removal operation two months ago after around 7-8 year sinus problem. Now my nose is open but I am getting allergy and my one nostril block during sleep which side I sleep. Allopathy doctor giving steriods which i dont want to use. I am using shadbindu tail from last 3 days at evening after jalneti and anulom vilom exercise. I have two queries:- one is it OK to use shadbindu at evening after pranayam or it should use in morning. Second will it cure my one side nose block during sleep.
    Ragards
    Sanjeev

    Reply
    • 1. It is better to use Shadbidnu oil in the morning after Pranayama.
      2. It can cure nose block. Avoid its usage during cloudy days.
      Follow rules of Nasya here – easyayurveda.com/2013/08/12/how-to-do-ayurvedic-nasya-treatment-at-home-nasal-drops-for-long-life/

      Reply
  8. Hi ,
    I am 26 now and I had/have tonsilitis from 9 past years but off late from 2 years i am facing repetitive throat infection. After consulting ENT doctor , they suggested me for Nasal deviation operation, its been 9 months since the operation and still have mucus accumulation always. Every day i happen to take out sputum but it frustrates me to do evryday so visited Ayurved doc and they suggested to use “Baidyanath Shadbindu Tel”. But when i use this taila it creates continuos sneezing for some 1hr approx. Is it expected ?if not why i get this effect ? Please help me in understanding what is happening to me.

    Thanks In Advance,
    Pavan,

    Reply
    • Hi, if you apply just 2 drops of the oil to each nostril, you will find some irritation, sneezing and sputum coming out for 15 – 30 minutes. I would say, one hour is bit too long, but it should eventually come down.
      I hope you also have been prescribed with Ayurvedic medicines to support the effect of Shadbindu tailam.
      Learn about rules of Nasya here – easyayurveda.com/2013/08/12/how-to-do-ayurvedic-nasya-treatment-at-home-nasal-drops-for-long-life/

      Reply
  9. My daughter is advised by an Ayurvedic doctor to use shadbindu Tailam. She explained the detailed procedure, However she cautioned to do hot water gargles to avoid sore throat . My daughter had phenomena just two months back.
    Are there any side effects of this procedure ? . Can she have a chest congestion or a sore throat

    Reply
  10. Hello Sir,I am using this Shadbindu oil because Dr suggested me it along with some Patanjli medicines.Its two days now am using it but it irritates me a lot in my throat and i feel little headache.Its like intolerable.Is it normal? OR What should i do?

    Reply
  11. Apart from throat / nasal irritation on the initial few days of usage, there are no known side effects with this Nasya oil.
    Go through the rules for Nasya procedure here – easyayurveda.com/2013/08/12/how-to-do-ayurvedic-nasya-treatment-at-home-nasal-drops-for-long-life/

    Reply
  12. hello sir I have been using shatbindu tail for last 1week for sinusitis. I use it in night before sleeping. Although my nasal discharge is reduced but mucous discharge from mouth is increased pls let me know…should I continue it ??

    Reply
  13. Someone recommended me to use shatbindu oil for headache and sinus issues i m having. I had 10 day ayurvedic nasya treatment done 2 yrs vack..felt some relief but my nose has developped some sensitivity in the mean time. I sneeze a lot from time to time. I woul like to try this oil one drop to start. Do u think it is wise to start w small doze and increase it once i know that i m tolerating it well? Thx

    Reply
  14. Hello sir, There are medicines and treatment for the condition. Do consult a ayurvedic physician.
    As mentioned in classics Nasya (nasal medication) is of prime importance in controlling this condition and its recurrence. Since most of the cases come with complications and associated symptoms,internal medicines are needed according to the presenting complaints.
    For removing the mechanical blockage KSHARA is the important medicine and the procedure called KSHARA KARMA.

    Reply
  15. Thanks Dr Hebbar.
    Us it best to use the nose drops in mornings or before bedtime. How long will it take to notice any improvement in nasal symptoms.
    what is you opinion on its effects in Autism improvement. How long before we can notice any cognitive improvement?

    Reply
  16. I ordered shadbindu tail from onlinemedicalstore.com. I think it is a fake website. They are not contactable on phone and are not responding to emails. Can you recommend any reliable website to order these amazing ayurvedic products online safely in India.
    Thanks
    Kamal

    Reply
  17. You can use anu tailam for nasya – 2 drops to each nostril, in the morning, on empty stomach. Please read the rules for nasya here- easyayurveda.com/2013/08/12/how-to-do-ayurvedic-nasya-treatment-at-home-nasal-drops-for-long-life/

    Reply
  18. Hi, usually shadbindu taila is applied after 5 minutes gentle face massage with an oil like Mahanarayana taila and mild face fomentation with a towel dipped in hot water.
    If the symptoms are continuing, then better to get this therapy done in an Ayurveda center for a week time. It only takes around 20 – 30 minutes to finish this in the morning.
    After that, continue it at home. Read more about Nasya – http://easyayurveda.com/2013/08/12/how-to-do-ayurvedic-nasya-treatment-at-home-nasal-drops-for-long-life/

    Reply