What is Wood Pressed Oil and Its Benefits: The Desi Secret to Pure, Healthy Living

If you’ve been wondering what is wood pressed oil, here’s the short answer: oil extracted slowly in a wooden ghani so heat stays low and flavor stays true. 

At Originally Desi, the wood pressed oil meaning isn’t a label—it’s our method: clean seeds, gentle pressure, and minimal filtration. That’s why the wood pressed oil benefits you notice first are aroma and taste, followed by a kitchen that feels lighter and more satisfying. 

And when people ask what is wood cold pressed oil, we explain how it often overlaps with wood pressing, because the wooden chamber naturally keeps temperatures in the “cold-pressed” range without external heat.

What is Wood Pressed Oil?

Wood pressed oil refers to oil extracted from seeds or nuts using a traditional wooden churner, also known as a Ghani or Chekku. This age-old technique involves crushing the seeds slowly at low temperature, without using any chemicals or artificial heat.

The process in simple terms:

1. Clean and dry the oil seeds (like groundnut, sesame, mustard, or coconut).
   

2. Place them in a wooden drum.
   

3. Use a wooden pestle or mechanical wooden press to crush the seeds slowly.
   

4. The oil naturally seeps out, retaining all its nutrients and aroma.
   
   

Because no heat or chemicals are used, the oil retains its original flavor, color, and nutritional properties. This method is also sometimes referred to as wood cold pressed oil, since both terms mean oil extracted at a low temperature.

In short,

Wood Pressed Oil Meaning: A natural, chemical-free oil extracted using wooden machinery that preserves nutrients and flavor — just like our grandmothers used to make.

What is Wood Cold Pressed Oil?

The term wood cold pressed oil is often used interchangeably with wood pressed oil. Both follow the same principle, extracting oil without heating the seeds or refining the product.

The “cold” aspect means the temperature during extraction never exceeds around 40–50°C, which prevents nutrient loss. The wooden press further absorbs any frictional heat, keeping the oil naturally cool and nutrient-dense.

In other words, wood cold pressed oil = traditional wood pressed oil made without heat or chemicals.

Why Wood Pressed Oils Are Better Than Refined Oils

Refined oils may look clear and shiny on the shelves, but they go through chemical solvents, bleaching, and deodorizing processes that strip them of natural nutrients.
Wood pressed oils, on the other hand, are:

• Unrefined & pure

• Free from preservatives or additives

• Rich in antioxidants, vitamins & essential fatty acids

• Full of authentic flavor

When you cook with wood pressed oils, you’re not just adding taste, you’re adding nutrition.

Top Wood Pressed Oil Benefits

Here are the most important wood pressed oil benefits that make it a must-have in every desi kitchen.

1. Promotes Heart Health

Wood pressed oils retain monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats (MUFA & PUFA) — the good fats that help lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and support cardiovascular health.
For instance:

• Wood pressed groundnut oil and sesame oil are great for balancing cholesterol levels.
  

• They also contain phytosterols, which help block cholesterol absorption in the body.

Switching from refined to wood pressed oils can be one of the simplest lifestyle upgrades for a healthy heart.

2. Rich in Antioxidants

Because no heat is used in extraction, wood pressed oils are naturally high in Vitamin E, polyphenols, and antioxidants.
These compounds help:

• Fight free radicals
  

• Reduce inflammation
  

• Support skin repair and cell renewal

That’s why wood pressed oils aren’t just good for cooking — they’re great for skincare and haircare too.

3.  Boosts Immunity & Digestion

Traditional Indian cooking relied heavily on natural fats. Oils made through wood pressing contain enzymes and nutrients that aid digestion and help in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E & K.
Regular use of wood pressed oils can improve metabolism and boost immunity from within.

4. Great for Skin & Hair

The presence of Vitamin E and natural fatty acids makes wood pressed oils amazing for topical use.

• Coconut oil nourishes and hydrates dry skin.

• Sesame oil helps with joint pain and massage therapy in Ayurveda.

• Mustard oil boosts scalp circulation and promotes hair growth.

Unlike mineral oils or refined versions, wood pressed oils feed your skin with real nutrients — not chemicals.

5.  Stable for Indian Cooking

A common misconception is that natural oils can’t be used for high-heat cooking.
In truth, wood pressed oils like mustard, groundnut, and sesame have a high smoke point, making them ideal for sautéing, frying, or tadka.

They add depth, aroma, and authentic desi flavor — the kind only natural oils can give.

6. Environment-Friendly & Sustainable

Wood pressed oil extraction is eco-friendly and often done by small local producers. The process consumes minimal energy, supports rural employment, and keeps the ecosystem chemical-free.

When you choose wood pressed oils, you also choose to support sustainable living and local farmers, a philosophy at the heart of Originally Desi.

Wood Pressed vs Cold Pressed vs Refined Oil — What’s the Difference?

How to Use Wood Pressed Oils in Daily Life

Here are simple ways to include wood pressed oils in your everyday routine:

1. Cooking – Replace refined oils in daily dishes with wood pressed mustard or groundnut oil.
   

2. Salads & Smoothies – Add a spoon of wood pressed sunflower or sesame oil for natural nutrition.
   

3. Skin & Haircare – Apply wood pressed coconut or sesame oil regularly for hydration and shine.
   

4. Oil Pulling – Swish wood pressed coconut oil for oral detox and freshness.
   

5. Massage Therapy – Use mustard or sesame wood pressed oil to relieve muscle and joint pain.
   
   

Small swaps like these make a huge difference to your health and lifestyle.

Tips to Identify Pure Wood Pressed Oil

With the rise in demand, fake or mixed products are common. Here’s how to ensure you’re buying authentic wood pressed oil:

• The label clearly mentions “Wood Pressed” or “Cold Pressed using Wooden Ghani”.
  

• The oil has a natural aroma and slight cloudiness (not crystal clear like refined oil).
  

• It feels heavier and richer in texture.
  

• Always buy from trusted local or certified brands — like Originally Desi, where purity and tradition go hand in hand.

Why Choose Originally Desi Wood Pressed Oils

At Originally Desi, we believe food should heal, not harm.
Our wood pressed oils are extracted using traditional wooden Chekkus, preserving every drop of natural goodness.

• 100% pure, unrefined, and chemical-free
  

• Sourced directly from Indian farms
  

• Made in small batches for maximum freshness
  

• Tested for purity and quality
  
  

Each bottle carries the taste of Indian heritage — pure, wholesome, and full of life.

Shop wood pressed oils →

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been wondering what is wood pressed oil and how it benefits your health — the answer lies in our roots. The way our grandparents lived, cooked, and nourished themselves was aligned with nature — and that’s exactly what wood pressed oil brings back.

So next time you cook your favorite desi meal, choose an oil that’s truly Originally Desi — pure, nutrient-rich, and full of tradition.