Bitter oil: is a penetrating detox oil, specially designed for kapha type people, but it can also be used by any body type or dosha, when the toxins have accumulated in the deeper tissues and are not easy to evacuate. The primary function of this bitter oil is that it has been formulated to penetrate to the deepest levels of the cellular system, to melt down toxins, bind them, and ready them for evacuation. The formula contains many different bitter ayurvedic herbs, as you know the bitter taste or action of herbs and plants are known for their detoxifying and cleansing effect. Here is a list, with their respective actions.

The first herb is Neem (Azadiracta indica). Neem is very famous for cellular detox. This formula contains both Neem leaf and Neem bark. Different parts of a plant have different impact on the physiology as well as different actions. Both the leaf and the bark are very powerful in their detoxifying action, as each acts on a different level and in a different way. The Neem plant, in general, is also known to support the immune system - the topical or local immune system as well.

The second herb in this formula is my personal favorite: Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia). It is also a famous bitter that supports the intelligence of the cellular system. The “intelligence” of the cellular system means that the system knows what to hold when, and what to release and when! In other words, it knows when to nourish itself and when to detox itself. Guduchi is ideal for re-establishing the cellular intelligence of any system. Guduchi helps wake up the intelligence in the tissue so that it starts to release toxins on its own, but Guduchi also helps to repair the damage left behind by toxins. Toxins never sit quietly wherever they go. Rather, they tend to be active and to damage the local and system intelligence. That’s how they create problems. Guduchi repairs the intelligence as it also cleanses and that’s why it is considered a highly valuable, sacred herb.

The next herb is called Chirita (Indian Gentian), also known as the “king of bitter.” It is, by definition, the most bitter herb in the ayurvedic treasury. It supports deep tissue and cellular detoxification.

Sudarshan (Crinum zeylanicum) is another very powerful detoxifying that also helps re-establish intelligence. I have chosen a couple of herbs with this function, because any weakness in the tissue’s or cell’s intelligence can cause an accumulation of toxins that results in problems. Sudarshan is very good in that sense.

Next is Kutki (Picorrhiza kurroa). This is another bitter detoxifying herb which supports the connection between bhrajak pitta and ranjak pitta – or the connection between the pitta or transformative principle of the skin with that of the liver. The Sudarshan plant also does this, and together these two plants help the detox function through re-awakening the liver’s ranjak pitta where most hot acidic toxins can reside.

Kshirini (Indian sarsaparilla) is important in this formula because its main action is on the fat tissue, and the fat issue is inevitably always involved in toxic build-up. Indian Sarsparilla primarily targets the cleaning and evacuation of toxins that may be stuck and hiding in the fat tissue – causing undue and hard-to-shake off weight gain.

Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia): this ingredient is necessary in this formulat, because anytime you initiate a deep tissue cellular detox, you run the risk of over-activating your immune system. Your immune system receives the signal of free-flowing toxins and kicks in to take measures to protect itself. This is a natural desirable process but it can cause some unwanted reactions if it is not kept in check. Manjistha is the perfect plant that helps keep things in control, when it comes to the immune system.

Last but not least, we have Magnesium. We know now that it carries all the 3 desirable aspects of any detox process which are:

1. cleaning;
2. pacifying;
3.  nurturing.

 Or in the original Sanskrit terms;

1. sodhana.
2. samana, 
3. santharpana.

The Bitter Detox Massage Oil is a perfect formula to use for detox, because all these bitter herbs would be very difficult ot ingest orally, as their extreme bitterness can cause nausea. But when applied on the skin they penetrate and reach their destination quickly and effectively. I have added essential oils of Ylang- ylang, Grapefruit, and Sweet Orange, to act as carriers of the herbal molecules, or yog-vahis.

This oil should only be used to massage the legs below the knees, or only the feet. If you are planning on using this oil, you should also follow a SVA detox diet in conjunction (avoid nightshades, heavy or late meals, processed food items, etc), consume the SVA Detox soup, and make sure you have at least once daily bowel movements. This detox oil is ideal for kapha types.

Directions

Warm the oil slightly in hot water in your sink, pour some oil into the palm of your hand and massage into the skin. When using a big bottle - pour an amount needed in a glass container and warm it up separately instead of holding a big plastic bottle under the hot water (sink). Use circular motions over the joints and swipe out and away from your core over the long bones. Leave the oil on your skin for 20 minutes before showering. You may leave it on for longer but you must cover your head with a cotton scarf to keep warm and stay away from cold drafts.

As with all herbs, please consult your physician before using.

Store in a cool, dark place. Do not leave exposed to sunlight.

Disclaimer

This product and statements have not been evaluated by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and are not intended to be used to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. All of the information above is intended to be used for educational purposes only and may not be used to replace or compliment medical advice.