Re-Using Shirodhara Oil

Can you re-use your shirodhara oil for subsequent treatments?
This is one question I've wavered over, not quite sure the right answer for some time. It is obvious that after a client receives shirodhara, the shirodhara oil is altered. It's no longer fresh. It's no longer potent. It's used. Some practitioners say it's okay to use this oil again on that client's subsequent visits. I'm not talking about using the oil on other clients. That is not allowed. It's not sanitary. I'm talking about using your oil again, for yourself, on follow-up shirodharas.

Some practitioners do re-use oil and think nothing of it. Some say absolutely not. What I learned recently however, sheds light on the situation.

Pratibha Shah, BAMS of Zanjabee.com has taught me this trick. The oil can actually be treated after the initial visit, so that it's in good condition to be re-used. If the container of used oil is placed into a container of near boiling water for 3-4 minutes immediately following the treatment, the impurities are boiled off and the oil can then be cooled and stored for a follow-up visit. This is a fabulous idea.

My own inclination tells me that the oil should still be assessed on a case by case basis. Some oil may become dirtier than others depending on the condition of the client's scalp, etc. 

Re-using oil? Bring it near to a boil first. Finished with it? Recycle it with a bio-fuel company like Smartfuel. Or bring it to your local restaurant. They can add it to their collection of used fryolator oil and will recycle it for you.

If you do want fresh oil every time, that is certainly possible. Organic herbal shirodhara oil costs approximately $30- per treatment for 4 cups of oil. It's a beautiful, tri-doshic oil with a balancing effect on the mind. At home, you can put this oil on your head and the soles of your feet to get that balancing effect.
Buy it here.