Abstract

Beauty is a subject of Socio-medical importance. The cosmetics are the utility products used extensively throughout the world for maintaining and improving general appearance of face and other parts of the body. Ayurveda provides immense opportunities to use herbal ingredients in the cosmetics. In Charaka Samhita classifications of drugs are made based on Karmas (actions) called as Mahakashaya Dashemani (group of ten drugs) and these are classified into 50 groups. Varnya Dashemani (group of complexion enhancing drugs) is one such group which is said to be more effective in curing the aliments related with skin complexion.  The aim of this study was to critically evaluate the herbs mentioned in Varnya Maha Kashaya for the maintenance of the complexion of skin.  It includes Shweta Candana (Santalum album), Nagkeshara (Mesua ferra), Padmaka (Prunus cerasoides), Ushera (Vetiveria zizanioides), Madhuka (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia), Shariva (Hemidesmus indicus), Payasya (Ipomoea digitata), Sita (white variety of Cynodon dactylon) and Lata (green variety of Cynodon dactylon ). The pharmacological properties of these herbs indicate that apart from the complexion promotion action, they have various medicinal properties. The most of them are prescribed for skin diseases and scientifically proved that they have anti-inflammatory  anti-bacterial, anti-septic, anti-ulcer, anti-tumour properties. Considering these facts, it can be concluded that the use of Varnya Maha Kashaya is not only directed towards developing an attractive external appearance, but having various medicinal properties leads towards the achieving longevity with good health by maintaining skin complexion.

Keywords: Charaka Samhita, Varnya Mahakshaya, skin complexion.

Details: Written by Dr Prajwalit Sonkamble . Dr Ashok D Ramteke, Dr Satish Dumbre

Attachment: