IMPORTANCE OF MEDICATED SNEHA (OIL) FOR SKIN HEALTH TO AVOID AGEING PROCESS WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO KUMKUMADI TAILA: A REVIEW

Abstract

In present era, beauty and personality is the more imperative along with increased demand of beautification. Signs of aging are prevalent with growing age. Skin aging which are specified by the features such as wrinkles, scar, loss of elasticity, dry texture of skin etc. In earlier days, material used for beautification comes under the category of cosmetics. However, constant use of chemical - based beauty product leads to various side effects. However, since ages, Ayurveda advocates use of natural products for skin health. The plant based products easily absorbed into deeper layer of skin and influence at cellular level. In Ayurvedic text, various skin diseases are mentioned under the Kshudraroga and so many remedies are described under the Kshudraroga chikitsa. Local application is the most effective and useful in the skin disorders. Kumkumadi tail is one such remedy in Ayurveda which is mentioned under Kshudraroga chikitsa and have wide therapeutic potential such as Vyanga(Melasma),Nilika(Naevus),Vaivarnya(Discoloration), Mukhdushika (Pimples) etc. It also enhances the beauty of face like gold. The main ingredients of Kumkumadi tail is Kumkum, Raktachandan, Manjishtha, Goat milk etc these entire drugs have Varnaprasadak(Enhance fairness), Raktashodhak (Blood purifier) and Anti-ageing properties. These ingredients are mostly Kashay, Madhura Rasatmak & Sheeta virya, which alleviate the dominant Doshas, and help as a Vyangnashan.Overall, the cosmetic effects of Kumkumadi tail are anti-ageing, anti-septic, anti-bacterial and disinfectant properties. Hence there is need to emphasize the importance of Kumkumadi Taila for cosmetic purposes to avoid aging process and as a safe remedy for regular use.