Dr Pooja Modh, Dr Rekha Parmar
Vol. 8, Jul-Dec 2019
Abstract:
Beauty is divine gift to human beings. Its value has been recognized and appreciated since time immemorial and efforts were made to preserve and promote beauty in all aspects. There are immense opportunities to use herbal ingredients in the cosmetics in accordance with the principles of Ayurvedic science. The word Saundarya not only enhances the beauty of normal skin but also cures skin diseases which indirectly impart beauty. AcharyaCharaka describes fifty group of drugs based on their pharmacological actions with each group comprising of ten drugs under the denomination of ‘Dashemani’. Out of fifty mahakashaya, three are related to skin viz. Varnya, Kushthaghna, Kandughna. One of them, enhances colour of skin and rest of two, cures diseases of skin and then enhances beauty. The aim of this study was to critically evaluate the herbs mentioned in Varnya, Kushthaghna,KandughnaMahaKashaya for the maintenance of the complexion of skin. The present review highlights the probable mode of action, their therapeutic usage etc.