How To Make Kumkumadi Oil AT Home
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The so-called "liquid gold," Kumkumadi oil is an ancient Ayurvedic facial oil that works wonders to brighten and rejuvenate the skin. The recent trend of promoting home beauty remedies has cast doubt on the question: "Can Kumkumadi oil be made at home?"
Briefly: yes, you can try for a very basic version, but it will never have the power, authenticity, and quality of a traditionally made Kumkumadi Tailam. In this blog, we will discuss the procedure of its making, its ingredients, and its benefits, and why it should not be encouraged to prepare genuine Kumkumadi oil at home.
What Is Kumkumadi Oil?
According to ancient Ayurvedic texts and classic distillation techniques, this oil is believed to enhance skin texture, improve tone, and promote radiance. It is thus termed Kumkumadi as one of its primary ingredients is Kumkuma, saffron.
Major ingredients of Kumkumadi oil
Authentic Kumkumadi Oil is one infused with about 20 herbs in base oil using the ancient methods of Ayurveda. Thus, some main ingredients are given below:
Kesar (Saffron): Brightens the skin and reduces pigmentation
Manjistha: Clears acne and enhances the skin tone
Chandan (Sandalwood): Soothes irritated skin and adds glow
Mulethi (Licorice): Removes dark spots and uneven tone
Padmaka (Lotus): Softens and moisturizes the skin
Daruharidra (Tree Turmeric): Anti-inflammatory and antibacterial
Sesame or Almond Oil: Commonly used base oil
These herbs are cooked together using the Taila Paka Vidhi, ensuring the complete transfer of every single herb's properties into the oil.
Simple Herbal Oil: Can Kumkumadi Oil Be Made at Home?
One can make a few simple concoctions of herbal facial oil at home, but the truly Ayurvedic process is multifarious, requiring rare herbs and expertise that hardly allow such a process to be duplicated within home kitchens.
Let’s break it down:
Basic DIY Kumkumadi Oil (Non-authentic version)
Disclaimer: This is a simplified version, not a substitute for original Kumkumadi Tailam.
Ingredients:
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5–6 strands of saffron
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1 tablespoon licorice powder (Mulethi)
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1 teaspoon sandalwood powder
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2 teaspoons rose water
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100 ml almond or sesame oil
Steps:
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Heat the base oil on a low flame.
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Add saffron strands and other powders into the oil.
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Stir on low heat for 10–15 minutes.
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Allow the mixture to cool and sit for 24 hours.
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Strain the oil using a fine cloth or sieve.
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Store in a dark glass bottle.
Note: While this may help moisturize and slightly brighten the skin, it lacks the potency and medicinal value of true Kumkumadi oil.
Why Authentic Kumkumadi Oil Can’t Be Made at Home
Despite the appeal of DIY, here are key reasons why real Kumkumadi Tailam cannot be replicated at home:
1. Complex Preparation Process
The herbs are first decocted in milk or water, then turned into a paste (Kalka), and finally slowly cooked in oil at a specific temperature. This process is highly intricate.
2. Rare Ingredients
Many of the 20+ herbs, such as Laksha, Usheera, and Padmaka, are hard to source and very costly.
3. Precise Ratios and Methods
Ayurvedic pharmacies follow texts that specify ingredient quantities, cooking time, and even seasonal preparation methods. This knowledge comes from trained Vaidyas.
4. Lack of Quality Control at Home
Without lab testing and pH balancing, DIY oils can go rancid, irritate skin, or lose effectiveness quickly.
Benefits of Kumkumadi Oil
Used regularly, Kumkumadi oil offers a wide range of skin benefits:
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Brightens dull skin
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Reduces pigmentation and blemishes
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Fades acne scars and dark spots
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Slows the appearance of fine lines
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Deeply moisturizes dry skin
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Improves skin elasticity
Apply 3–4 drops at night after cleansing and gently massage into the face. Use 3–5 times a week.
References
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Ashtanga Hridayam – Ancient Ayurvedic scripture detailing classical formulations
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Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India – Government of India, Ministry of AYUSH
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“Standardization of Kumkumadi Tailam” – Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine
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NCBI Research: Benefits of saffron and Manjistha in dermatology
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Kerala Ayurveda official product formulation insights
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The Ayu Journal – Peer-reviewed Ayurvedic science articles
Final Thoughts
While it’s possible to make a herbal oil blend with some Kumkumadi-like properties at home, authentic Kumkumadi oil is a specialized Ayurvedic formulation. It requires rare herbs, traditional decoction methods, and strict preparation processes that cannot be done in a home kitchen.
For maximum safety and effectiveness, always choose Kumkumadi oil from a reputable Ayurvedic brand that follows classical preparation standards.
FAQ
1. What are the key ingredients needed to make Kumkumadi oil at home?
A: The main ingredients are saffron (Kesar), sandalwood (Chandan) powder, manjistha (Indian madder), licorice (mulethi), turmeric (haldi), lotus pollen, vetiver (khus), sesame oil (til oil), and rose water. These herbs are traditionally infused in a base oil — usually sesame oil — known for its nourishing properties.
2. How is the herbal decoction prepared for Kumkumadi oil?
A: Mix the powdered herbs (like manjistha, sandalwood, vetiver, turmeric) in water and boil it gently to reduce into a concentrated decoction. Once it reduces to 1/4th of its volume, strain the liquid and keep it aside. This decoction forms the herbal extract to be infused into the oil.
3. What is the oil preparation process after making the decoction?
A: In a clean pan, add sesame oil and the herbal decoction. Heat the mixture on a very low flame, stirring occasionally, until all water content evaporates and only oil remains. Then add saffron strands and rose water at the end, and let it cool before straining the oil into a clean, dry bottle.
4. How can I store and use homemade Kumkumadi oil?
A: Store the cooled and filtered oil in a dark glass bottle, away from direct sunlight. Use 2-3 drops daily on clean skin, massaging gently before bedtime for best results in improving skin tone and texture.
