Among jangama (animal fats), matsya (fish), mriga (antelopes) and pakshi (birds), curd, milk, ghee, meat, muscle fat and bone marrow are the animal sources of fat.
[Oils] Among all varieties of oils, sesame oil is considered the best and is ideal for giving strength and unctuousness. Castor oil is the best for virechana (purgation). It is pungent, ushna virya (hot potency), alleviates vitiated vata and kapha, guru (dense, viscous or heavy) in nature and when used with astringent, sweet, bitter drugs it also helps mitigate aggravated pitta.
[Four major lipids] Ghrita (clarified butter), oil (of sesame), vasa (muscle fat) and majja (bone marrow) are considered the best sneha. Among these, ghrita is superior as it possesses the qualities of samskara i.e. blending with other substances having different properties without losing its own properties.
[Benefits of lipids] Ghrita alleviates pitta and vata, and is beneficial for rasa, shukra and ojas. Provides relief from burning sensation, softens the tissues, improves voice and complexion.
मारुतघ्नं न च श्लेष्मवर्धनं बलवर्धनम्| त्वच्यमुष्णं स्थिरकरं तैलं योनिविशोधनम् ||१५||
Sesame oil alleviates vitiated vata, does not aggravate kapha (rather, it improves strength). It is very beneficial for the skin, ushna virya, increases stability, and purifies or cleanses the vagina/ uterus.