Nalpamaradi thailam is a traditional Kerala Ayurvedic oil used for sun tan, dull skin and an uneven-looking tone on the face and body. It is made by cooking the barks of four Ficus trees (nalpamaram) with other herbs into a sesame oil base. Use it at night on the face, or 20–30 minutes before a bath on the body, and wear sunscreen by day. Auravedic Nalpamaradi Thailam has 14 ingredients: 13 herbs, including the four Ficus barks, turmeric, manjistha, sandalwood and vetiver, in a til (sesame) oil base. It costs ₹370 for 100 ml on auravedic.com.
Quick facts
| What it is | A classical Kerala Ayurvedic oil (thailam) for face and body |
|---|---|
| Used for | Sun tan, dullness, uneven-looking tone, dry patches |
| Auravedic ingredients | 14: 13 herbs in a sesame (til) oil base |
| Listed for (product page) | Sun tan, dull skin, dry skin, sensitive skin |
| How much | 3–4 drops for the face; about a teaspoon per arm or leg |
| When | Night on the face; before a bath on the body |
| Not for | People allergic to sesame |
| Size and price | 100 ml, ₹370 (auravedic.com, November 2026) |
More: how to fade a tan · Ayurvedic face oils compared
What is Nalpamaradi thailam?
Nalpamaram means "four trees": banyan, fig (udumbara), peepal or bodhi (ashvattha) and Java fig (plaksha). Their barks are the heart of the formula. They are cooked with supporting herbs into sesame oil, the traditional base for this thailam. Recipes differ between brands, so always check the full ingredient list.
What is in Auravedic Nalpamaradi Thailam?
Full list from the product page: Oudh, Gorakhmundi, Indian banyan, Indian fig tree, Bodhi tree, Java fig, Shahtrah, Indian madder (manjistha), Turmeric (haridra), Chandan (sandalwood), Til (sesame) oil, Indian gall nut, Bibhitaki, Vetiver.
| Ingredient | Traditional role |
|---|---|
| Four Ficus barks (banyan, fig, bodhi, Java fig) | Give the oil its name; traditionally used for an even, clear-looking complexion |
| Turmeric (haridra) | A classic ingredient for brightness and even tone |
| Manjistha (Indian madder) | Used for uneven pigmentation |
| Chandan (sandalwood) | Cooling and soothing |
| Vetiver | Cooling; used for dull skin |
| Sesame (til) oil | The nourishing base oil |
What is Nalpamaradi thailam used for?
| Use | What to expect | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Sun tan (face and body) | Gradual fading over several weeks | Daily use plus sunscreen |
| Dull skin | Brighter, softer-looking skin within a couple of weeks | Massage it in for a minute |
| Uneven tone and dark patches | Slow change over weeks | See a dermatologist for melasma |
| Dry skin | More comfortable, nourished skin | Apply on slightly damp skin |
| Old marks and stretch marks | Traditionally used to help fade their look | Be patient; results vary |
How do you use it?
On the face
- Cleanse and pat almost dry.
- Warm 3–4 drops and massage in for a minute.
- Leave on overnight; wash with a mild cleanser in the morning.
- Wear sunscreen by day.
On the body
- Warm about a teaspoon per arm or leg.
- Massage in long upward strokes.
- Leave on 20–30 minutes, then bathe.
- Apply sunscreen to exposed areas.
How often should you use it?
| Skin type | How often |
|---|---|
| Dry | Every night; also mornings under sunscreen if very dry |
| Normal or combination | Every night |
| Oily or acne-prone | 2 drops, every other night to start |
| Body | Daily or every other day before a bath |
How long does it take to work?
Skin usually looks brighter and feels softer within the first couple of weeks. Tan and dark patches respond over several weeks. Daily use and daily sunscreen decide the result more than the amount of oil.
Who should be careful?
- People allergic to sesame.
- Acne-prone skin: patch test and use small amounts.
- Turmeric can leave a faint yellow tint on fabric.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: please check with your doctor first.
How do you choose a Nalpamaradi oil?
- A full ingredient list, with the four Ficus barks named.
- Base oil: sesame for a classical thailam; coconut for a "keram".
- Price per ml, not per bottle.
- Bottle size: 200 ml suits body use; 50–100 ml suits face only.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use Nalpamaradi thailam daily?
Yes, most people use it every night.
Can I use it with kumkumadi tailam?
Yes, on different nights or areas: for example kumkumadi on the face and Nalpamaradi on the body.
Can I use it in the daytime?
On dry skin, yes, under sunscreen. Most people prefer night.
Is it suitable for sensitive skin?
Auravedic lists it for sensitive skin, but patch test first, as with any oil.
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