AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE OF COSMETICS W.S.R TO SIDDHABHESHAJA MANIMALA

Abstract

The concept of cosmetics and cosmetology is as old as human civilization in India. Estimated value of Indian cosmetic industry was about 20 billion U.S. dollar in 2020. In present era, changing lifestyle, and the growing awareness regarding harmful side effects of synthetic cosmetics lead to increased demand for herbal cosmetics. In Ayurveda, there are three types of therapies for the diseases manifested due to vitiation of three bodily Dosha’s (Vata, Pitta, Kapha). Those are Antarparimarjana Chikitsa (Internal Cleansing), Bahirparimarjana Chikitsa (External Cleansing) and Shastrapranidhana (Surgical Procedure). Here, in this study we focused on Bahirparimarjana Chikitsa i.e., external cleansing is done over the skin by the application of massage therapy (Abhyanga), sudation (Svedana), unction (Pradeha), dripping medicated water/oil (Parisheka), pressure and kneading over affected body part externally (Unmardana) etc. Different types of Lepa Kalpana’s and Taila Kalpana’s which are helpful for the health of skin and hairs with promoting beauty are explained in Siddhabheshaja Manimala. Siddhabheshaja Manimala is a unique book on Rasa Shastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana. In this article Siddhabheshaja Manimala was reviewed for different formulations related to cosmetics: it includes Kesha related Yoga’s (Khalityahara, Palityahara, Kesha Ranjaka Yoga), Varnya Yoga’s (Mukhakantikara, Vyanga-Tarunya Pidakahara Yoga).