Wooden Stone Pressed Oils vs Refined Oils

Oils are a daily part of our lives — used for cooking, skincare, wellness, and even traditional rituals. But not all oils are created equal. The debate between wooden stone pressed oils (also known as cold-pressed or ghani oils) and refined oils is more relevant today than ever before. In this in-depth comparison, we explore the origins, nutritional value, extraction processes, and health impacts of both.

If you’re confused about which oil to choose for your family or business, this guide will clarify the difference and help you make an informed decision backed by science and Ayurvedic wisdom.

Traditional vs Industrial: The Extraction Truth

The biggest difference between wooden stone pressed oils and refined oils lies in their extraction method. Let’s break this down:

What Are Wooden Ghani (Cold Pressed) Oils?

These oils are extracted using a slow and natural process in a traditional wooden ghani — a large mortar and pestle made from neem or other hardwood. Seeds like sesame, coconut, groundnut, mustard, or sunflower are crushed slowly at low temperatures (<40°C) to release oil without any external heat, preserving nutrients and natural compounds.

• No heat applied – Retains antioxidants and vitamins
• No chemicals used – Free from bleaching and solvents
• Pure aroma and color – No deodorization or processing
• Eco-friendly method – Minimal carbon footprint

What Are Refined Oils?

Refined oils are extracted using high-temperature industrial machines and chemical solvents like hexane. The extracted oil is then bleached, deodorized, and refined to make it colorless, odorless, and longer-lasting — at the cost of nutritional integrity.

• Heated above 200°C – Destroys natural enzymes
• Solvents and chemicals added – To maximize yield
• Artificial coloring or flavoring – To simulate “freshness”
• Deodorized and bleached – Loses aroma and beneficial compounds

Side-by-Side Comparison: Wooden Pressed vs Refined Oils

Why Cold Pressed Wooden Oils Are Better for You

The body recognizes natural compounds. When you consume naturally extracted wooden pressed oils, your body absorbs them more easily and benefits from the original plant nutrients. Here’s why they outperform refined oils in every health category:

1. Retain Full Nutrient Profile

Cold pressed oils preserve vital compounds like:

• Vitamin E – a natural antioxidant that protects cells
• Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids – for heart and brain health
• Plant sterols – known to lower bad cholesterol
• Phenolic compounds – for anti-inflammatory benefits

2. Chemical-Free Purity

Refined oils often contain trace chemicals like hexane, which may not be fully eliminated. Wooden ghani oils, by contrast, are free from artificial preservatives, colors, or flavorings. They’re 100% natural — safe even for infants and sensitive individuals.

3. Better for Cooking & Digestion

Contrary to the myth, cold pressed oils can be used for Indian cooking — including frying. Their natural antioxidant content helps stabilize the oil at moderate temperatures. Plus, they aid in digestion and don’t burden the liver like refined oils do.

4. Environmental & Ethical Benefits

Traditional cold pressing is low on energy, supports rural employment, and uses biodegradable waste like seed cake for organic farming. Industrial refining, on the other hand, consumes massive energy, produces chemical by-products, and is often unsustainable.

Cold Pressed Oils for Daily Wellness

Wooden ghani oils are not just for cooking. Their purity and bioactive richness make them ideal for:

• Skin hydration – Use sesame or coconut oil for glowing skin
• Hair strength – Nourish scalp with mustard or castor oil
• Oral detox – Try oil pulling with sesame or coconut oil
• Massage (Abhyanga) – Recommended in Ayurveda for Vata/Pitta balance

Refined oils, being stripped of natural bio-actives, offer none of these holistic benefits.