Dr Jatinder Verma, Dr Gopesh Mangal
Vol. 8, Jul-Dec 2019
Abstract:
Outer beauty is a reflection of inner beauty. Beauty can be of two types; internal beauty (related to mind and soul) and external beauty (the body).Beauty (both internal and external) is the manifestation of God. Outer beauty relates to bone structure, skin tone, muscle development, intelligence, hair quality, youthfulness and weight. Inner beauty mainly requires development of virtue. It, too, is more essential than mere outer beauty. CharakaSamhita specifically notes that longevity can be achieved through the process of developing and maintaining beauty. The fourth chapter of Sutrasthana of CharakaSamhita, titled Shadavirechana Shatashritiyam, provides comprehensive information about fifty classes of five hundred herbs (based upon their selective action on various diseases and biological systems). These classes are called Mahakashaya (classes of drugs with similar activity profile) comprising ten herbs each. These fifty classes are again sub-divided into ten sub-classes starting with Jeevaniya (vitalizers) and ending with Vayasthapana (anti-aging herbs) with fifty therapeutic indications. Some Mahakashaya related to beauty care are Jeevaniya (vitaliser), Brimhaniya (strength promoting), Lekhaniya (lightness producing), Varnya (complexion promoting), Kushthaghna (anti-dermatosis) Kandughna (anti-pruritic), Udaradaprashamana (alleviating allergic rashes), Shonitasthapana (hemostatics and blood purifiers), Vayasthapana (stabilize age or anti-ageing). Mahakashaya related to Panchakarma (purification therapy) are Snehopaga (aiding in oleation), Swedopaga(aiding in diaphoresis/sudation), Vamanopaga (aiding in emesis), Virecanopaga (aiding in purgation), Asthapanopaga (aiding in unctuous enema), Anuvasanopaga (aiding in unctuous enema), Shirovirechanopaga (supporting in nasal drug delivery).Thus these Mahakashaya are used with their various indications, formulations and combinations in order to use them for health, beauty, and personality of a person and to cure and prevent diseases or disorders.