Tradition and history — not medical advice

Oil, anointing and bathing after birth, in Suśruta

The Suśruta Saṃhitā has the newly delivered mother drink oil or ghee for several nights and be anointed with oil daily, moving later to warm-water washing.

What the texts say

  • Suśruta Saṃhitā — Śārīra-sthāna 10.16

    A strong but newly delivered woman, born and bred up in a Jāṅgala country should be given to drink, for three or five nights, either oil or clarified butter in an adequate quantity with an after-potion consisting of the decoction of drugs constituting the group known as the Pippalyādi Gaṇa. She should be daily anointed with oil. If, however, of delicate health, she should be made to take, for three or five nights in succession, a medicated Yavāgu (gruel) as described in the last para. Thenceforth a diet of demulcent properties should be prescribed for her and her body should be regularly washed with a copious quantity of tepid water.

    Kaviraj Kunja Lal Bhishagratna, An English Translation of the Sushruta Samhita, Based on Original Sanskrit Text, Volume II (Nidāna-sthāna, Śārīra-sthāna, Chikitsā-sthāna and Kalpa-sthāna) (1911). Public domain.

What modern guidance says

  • If you've had stitches after tearing or an episiotomy (cut), bathe them every day to help prevent infection. Have a bath or shower with plain warm water then carefully pat yourself dry.

    NHS (reviewed 2024-04-25)

Speak to your doctor or midwife

There is no official NHS, WHO or ACOG guidance specifically on Ayurvedic oil massage or oil-drinking after birth — this page states that plainly rather than guessing a verdict. If you have stitches, a caesarean wound or any skin condition, ask your doctor or midwife before using oil or having a massage near the healing area.