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Amla, the Fruit of Life - What has been called "Mother" in India -
Amla is a fruit that has been called "mother" and "the fruit of life" in Ayurveda, traditional Indian medicine. We will explain what kind of fruit it is, why it has been used for hair and scalp care, and why it is steeped in oil, in a way that is easy for beginners to understand.
Bhringaraj, "King of Hair" - a surprisingly common herb good for hair
Bhringraj is an herb that has been called "King of Hair" in Ayurveda. Its Japanese name is "Takasaburou," and it actually grows in rice paddies in Japan. In China, it has been called "Mohanlian." We will explain to beginners why this herb has been so closely associated with hair.
Black Cumin Seed Oil "Cures Everything But Death" - Its Amazing Power
Black cumin seeds are dark seeds that have been traditionally described in the Middle East as "healing everything but death." We will explain to first-time users that black cumin is a different plant from cumin, that it is rarely available in the market, that Ayurveda describes its properties as "warm, light, and sharp," and its compatibility with the scalp and skin.
Castor oil, the "enemy of dryness" - an oil that protects skin and hair with a film
oil stories — castor Thick and sticky, it effectively protects the skin's surface. Castor oil is a rather unique vegetable oil. And most of its protective power comes from a single ingredient. From the plant Ricinus communis Castor oil is pressed from the seeds of the plant Ricinus communis. It belongs to the spurge family (Euphorbiaceae) and, despite its Japanese name containing the word "goma" (sesame), it is entirely unrelated to sesame. In English, it's known as castor oil. It is also listed as "ヒマシ油" (castor oil) in cosmetic ingredient labels. Widely cultivated in India, Brazil, China, and other countries, it is also produced in large quantities for industrial use, making it a common and familiar oil. 90% is a single fatty acid This is the most unique aspect of this oil. Ricinoleic acidapprox. 85-90% Other fatty acidsapprox. 10-15% Typical vegetable oils are composed of several fatty acids, such as linoleic acid, oleic acid, and palmitic acid, each mixed in varying percentages. One could say they are based on a balance. Castor oil is different. A single fatty acid makes up90% of the oil. Furthermore, this fatty acid, ricinoleic acid, is rarely found in other vegetable oils. It's an ingredient that can be said to be unique to castor oil. The reason lies in the fact that this fatty acid possesses a hydroxyl group, a structure unusual for oils. Strong viscosity and soluble in alcohol The presence of a hydroxyl group changes the characteristics of the oil. Firstly, it increases viscosity. Castor oil is one of the thickest vegetable oils, and when you tilt the bottle, it moves slowly like honey. Secondly, it dissolves in alcohol. Most vegetable oils do not dissolve in alcohol, but castor oil does. While being an oil, it has a slightly water-like quality. Very strong protective power In a word, what ricinoleic acid does is protect. Hydroxyl groups weakly attract molecules to each other. That's why castor oil is thick and heavy. And that thickness creates a thin film on the surface of the skin and hair. Dry skin and frizzy hair are caused by moisture escaping from within to the surface. The film of castor oil seals off that exit. For hair, there's another benefit. The thick oil smoothly coats the surface, making it easier to run your fingers through and adding shine. It also helps to smooth down cuticles and prevent split ends and breakage. This is why castor oil is known as "the enemy of Vata (wind), which causes dryness." It stays on the surface andcontinues to protect. There are many vegetable oils, but not many work so effectively by remaining on the surface. The reason castor oil has been used for thousands of years is due to the strength of its protective power. However, used on its own, it is a heavy oil. Traditionally, it was used in combination with other oils. How Ayurveda viewed it Let's talk a little more about the previously mentioned term, "enemy of Vata." In Ayurveda, this oil is called Eranda. Among its many alternative names is Vatari — "enemy of Vata." Vata is one of the three doshas (constitutions) in Ayurveda. It represents dryness, coldness, and instability. This term collectively describes conditions that are dry, cold, and restless. QualityWarming AddressesDryness and cold (Vata) / Heaviness and stagnation (Kapha) In other words, Ayurveda has used this oil to address dryness and coldness. Therefore, its uses are clear. It's an oil that comes in handy during dry seasons, in rooms with air conditioning or heating, for dry skin, and for frizzy hair. In India, it's also an ingestible oil Castor oil has uses beyond topical application. In India, it has long been traditionally used by ingesting a small amount to regulate the body internally. This usage appears repeatedly in ancient Ayurvedic texts. In Japan, it was once an oil found in pharmacies. Why it works when ingested has been clearly elucidated. Ricinoleic acid is separated in the intestines, triggering switches in the intestinal muscles. The thickness when applied and the effect when ingested are all connected. However, it is a potent oil. Please do not consume it on your own without the judgment of an expert or doctor. Usage based on body type Vata Dry, rough, frizzy, cold. — As the name suggests, this oil is for addressing this body type. It possesses both warming properties and smoothness. Kapha Greasy, heavy, feeling constricted. — It falls into the calming category. However, since it's a very viscous oil, a small amount is sufficient. Pitta Accumulated heat, prone to redness. — As it is a warming oil, use sparingly. Traditionally, it's used in combination with cooling ingredients. Oils blended with Castor Oil HAIR & SCALP OIL Scalp & Hair Oil- dusk till dawn - 30ml ¥3,960 (tax incl.) View Details SCALP OIL Scalp Oil- awaken your roots - 30ml ¥4,850 (tax incl.) View Details
Coconut oil is a "special oil" for hair.
oil stories — coconut The oil that has protected hairin hot climates In Ayurveda, the traditional Indian medicine, there is "oil wisdom" that has been refined over 5000 years. While sesame oil is central as a "warming oil," coconut oil is its exact opposite—it has been treated as a "cooling" oil, one that soothes heat. It is an indispensable item that has supported daily hair and scalp care in South India and Sri Lanka, where the sun is strong. Furthermore, coconut oil is an oil for which interesting reports from a scientific perspective regarding hair care have accumulated. This is a story about oil that might change your world a little. Coconut in Ayurveda In Ayurveda, oils themselves are believed to have specific properties. Coconut oil is considered "cooling"—an oil that gently balances heat and hot flashes. In hot climates prone to overheating, its excellent balance of not overcooling the body while soothing excessive heat was highly valued. In the concept of understanding body types through three energies (doshas), it has traditionally been positioned as an ingredient that calms "Pitta," which has heating properties. That is why, for centuries, cooling coconut oil has been chosen for scalp care in areas prone to dryness and heat. Modern science's view of coconut oil and hair Coconut oil has frequently been the subject of research in terms of hair care. In a well-known experiment comparing several oils, differences were reported in indicators related to hair damage when coconut oil, sunflower oil, and mineral oil were tested. The key is believed to be the molecular shape. Lauric acid, the main component of coconut oil, has a relatively small and straight shape. For this reason, unlike other oils that only coat the surface, it has been thought to easily penetrate into the hair's interior. The oil absorbed inside the hair gently reduces the swelling of hair when it absorbs water, and lessens the burden during washing. Experiments have also reported a significant reduction in protein leaking from damaged hair under certain conditions. (This is an example of an experiment using oil and does not indicate the effects of the product.) "Apply, leave on, then wash" - known for 5000 years This is where it gets most interesting. That experiment also taught us this: coconut oil is more effective when applied *before* shampoo, left on for a while, and then washed off, rather than *after*. This is precisely the Ayurvedic method. Applying oil to the hair and scalp, leaving it on for a period, and then washing it off—it aligns perfectly with the practice of "oil packing" that has continued for thousands of years in India. Without knowing the reasons or mechanisms, they arrived at the sequence of "apply, leave on, then wash" purely through experience. And now, modern laboratories, 5000 years later, have confirmed, "that order is correct." It's a story that reveals the profound power of traditional wisdom. Science, 5000 years later, has caught upto what experience had already discovered. The soothing oil, coconut. It has protected hair in hot climates, and modern research has gently confirmed the "apply, leave on, then wash" method, which was discovered purely through experience. The next time you pick up coconut oil, try to remember its depth, just a little. Please try our scalp and hair oil, which has coconut oil as its main ingredient. Handling Precautions Natural coconut oil solidifies below 20°C, so it will harden in autumn and winter. Please warm it in a hot water bath or at body temperature, as it will quickly return to liquid. Scalp and hair oil with coconut oil as its main ingredient HAIR & SCALP OIL Scalp & Hair Oil- dusk till dawn - 30ml ¥3,960 (tax included) Learn More
Hibiscus has two faces: the seed oil and the infused flower oil.
oil stories — hibiscus Two Different Oils,Born from the Same Flower The red-blossoming hibiscus has long been known in India as the "flower of the hair goddess," used for hair and skin care since ancient times. However, there are actually two very different forms of "hibiscus oil." One is oil pressed from the seeds that remain after the flowers have fallen. The other is infusion oil, made by steeping the petals themselves in oil. Even though they come from the same plant, where and how they are used creates completely different characteristics. Today, we'll talk about the differences between these two and what each excels at. Hibiscus Seed Oil—The Deliberate Type, Pressed from Seeds The first is oil pressed from seeds. Not the splendor of the petals, but the tiny seeds that remain after the flower has faded. It was believed that the blessings cherished by Ayurveda were concentrated there. Oil pressed from seeds contains components typical of plant oils, such as vitamin E (tocopherol), linoleic acid, and oleic acid. It is relatively light and easily absorbed by the skin, and its resistance to oxidation makes it easy to handle. It is a well-balanced oil suitable for repeated daily use. What seed oil excels at is providing gentle support over time. Rather than a dramatic immediate change, it's the kind of oil that fosters well-being from within, with comfort growing with continued use. *These are general characteristics of the ingredients and do not guarantee specific effects. Hibiscus Flower Infusion Oil—The Circulatory Type, Steeping Flowers The other is infusion oil, made by steeping petals in oil. The process is simple but time-consuming. Hibiscus flowers are slowly steeped in a base plant oil, gradually transferring the flower's components into the oil. Not pressing, but "transferring" - this is a traditional Ayurvedic method for making herbal oils. Flowers contain different components than seeds. Polyphenols, which give flowers their color, slowly dissolve into the oil. This infusion oil is known for its feeling of circulation and making the skin appear brighter, so much so that it's sometimes affectionately called "natural Botox" due to the high hopes placed on the power of the flower. (* "Natural Botox" is merely a common colloquialism and does not imply a medicinal effect.) What flower infusion oil excels at is the immediate feeling of comfort and a circulating sensation upon use. In contrast to the deliberate nature of seed oil, this oil has a vibrant character that works on the "now." The Idea of Using Seeds and Flowers Differently Even with the same hibiscus, seeds and flowers have different strengths. seed / seed oil Slowly, from within A well-balanced character that supports with continued use. flower / flower infusion oil Now, with a circulating feel A character distinguished by an immediate feeling of comfort. Therefore, the best way to enjoy this plant is not to ask "which is better," but "what do you want to achieve?" Just as Ayurveda interprets ingredients by their properties, by using them according to your purpose, hibiscus can fully exert its power. Not which is better,but choose based on what you want to achieve. Nagaraj's Differentiated Use of Hibiscus At Nagaraj, we also leverage these two characteristics in different products. For areas you want to nourish slowly from within, use hibiscus seed oil. In our two scalp oils for nourishing hair and scalp, and in our night facial oil for relaxing the skin slowly at night. This is because the characteristic of seed oil, which provides support over time, pairs well with deliberate care. For areas where you want an immediate, circulating feeling of comfort, use hibiscus flower infusion oil. In our day facial oil, which works on the skin in the morning. We chose infusion oil made by steeping flowers, not seeds, because we want it to provide a vibrant feeling upon use to start the day. Two oils, born from the same "flower of the hair goddess." Depending on your concerns, both the seeds and the flowers will exert their power. Facial oils are scheduled for pre-sale around autumn! Products containing Hibiscus Seed Oil are here HAIR & SCALP OIL Scalp & Hair Oil- dusk till dawn - 30ml ¥3,960 (tax included) Learn More SCALP OIL ／ Hair Growth Scalp Oil- awaken your roots - 30ml ¥4,850 (tax included) Learn More
It's actually a super herb from 5,000 years ago. Do you know the true identity of "CICA"?
CICA, a familiar ingredient in Korean cosmetics, is actually Centella Asiatica, a plant that has been cherished in India for 5,000 years – not for the skin, but as a "mind-calming herb." Discover the true identity of CICA, and you'll want to share it with everyone.
The Secret of Kumkumadi Oil, the Golden Saffron Hailed as the "Pinnacle of Beauty Oils"
Saffron, a luxurious spice that adds color to cuisine, has also been lauded in India for over 1,000 years as the "finest beauty oil." This is the story of Kumkumadi, the golden oil, and the "expensive small bottle" that its developer encountered in India.
The secrets of sesame oil and coconut oil at the heart of Ayurveda
Sesame oil is a "warming oil," while coconut oil is a "cooling oil." Discover the secrets of these two oils, used discriminately for 5,000 years, and the modern scientific proof behind the efficacy of "apply, leave on, and wash."
Why Sesame Oil Is the "King" of Ayurveda
oil stories — sesame The Oil that Has Been at the Heart of Things for 5,000 Years In Ayurveda, the traditional Indian medicine, there is a "wisdom of oil" that has been refined over 5,000 years. The base for the majority of the hundreds of medicinal oils was familiar in kitchens: sesame oil. It is no exaggeration to say that when "oil" is mentioned in Ayurveda, it primarily refers to sesame. It is, truly, the oil at the center of everything. Why has this one oil been cherished so much? And what does modern science say about it? This is a story about oil that might just change your perspective a little. Three Reasons Why Sesame Oil Has Been Considered "Central" ① Because it is a "warming" oil that warms the body. In Ayurveda, oils themselves are believed to have specific properties. Sesame oil is considered "warming" — an oil that has been used to warm the body and alleviate dryness and cold. Many of our ailments are said to stem from dryness, cold, and imbalance (what Ayurveda calls "Vata imbalance"). Sesame oil was thus a "linchpin of defense" that gently calmed these imbalances. ② Because it was believed to have a special ability to penetrate deeply. In Ayurvedic tradition, sesame oil was considered to have an exceptional ability to penetrate deep into the body, more so than many other oils. This is why it has been valued as a "carrier" for the power of herbs. The idea is to slowly infuse medicinal plants into sesame oil, then apply that oil to the skin to deliver the benefits of the plants to the body. This is why a vast array of Ayurvedic herbal oils have been made with sesame as their base. ③ Because it is fundamental to full-body care. Abhyanga, an oil massage where sesame oil is massaged all over the body, is central to daily Ayurvedic care. Filling the skin with moisture, loosening stiffness, calming the mind — sesame oil has supported this daily ritual. With the saying "oil cures a thousand diseases," oil, and sesame in particular, has remained at the heart of life. Sesame's Components as Seen by Modern Science So, what can be observed about this tradition from a scientific perspective? Sesame contains unique antioxidant compounds such as sesamin and sesamol. Antioxidants work to inhibit oxidation — or "rusting," so to speak. Thanks to these compounds, sesame oil itself is a very oxidation-resistant oil. The ancient people who intuitively felt that "sesame oil lasts a long time" without knowing the reason, actually had scientific backing for their observation in these compounds. Furthermore, research using these compounds has also reported on changes related to pigmentation under UV light and components related to skin firmness. (This is an example of an experiment with components in oil, and does not indicate product efficacy.) Modern science is gradually shedding light on the traditional belief that "sesame keeps skin healthy" — we are at that stage. The center and pinnacleof all oils. Sesame, a warming oil. It has remained at the heart of Ayurveda, harboring antioxidant compounds and serving as a "foundation" that embraces many herbs. There's a 5,000-year story hidden in this kitchen oil. The next time you pick up sesame, take a moment to recall its special nature. Note The sesame oil used in Ayurveda is refined sesame oil (taihaku goma abura). Commercial sesame oil is not necessarily applicable. Nagaraj oils based on sesame oil HAIR & SCALP OIL Hair & Scalp Oil- dusk till dawn - 30ml ¥3,960 (tax included) View Details SCALP OIL ／ Hair Growth Oil Scalp Oil- awaken your roots - 30ml ¥4,850 (tax included) View Details
