REVIEW ARTICLE SWASTHVRITTA- A BOON TO COSMETOLOGY

*Vd. Prajakta H. Karale and Vd. Divyakumari J. Solanki

ABSTRACT

The word “Cosmetics” means any substance used to clean, improve or change the complexion of skin, hair, nails, teeth or eyes etc. Cosmetology is a science of ornamentation with distinct values. Ayurveda, world‟s oldest system of health deals with all aspect of human life. Ayurveda emphasizes on external and internal beauty. Beauty consciousness and the knowledge of application of herbs, minerals and animals products are as old phenomena as the human existence. Ayurveda never isolate the involvement of mental and spiritual well being from the concept of beauty. Beauty is the desire of every individual to give pleasure to the sense. „Swasthavritta‟ is knowledge of maintenance of healthy life (disease free) of an individual, which also deals with internal and external beauty via Dincharya (Daily regimen), Ritucharya (Seasonal regimen) etc. It is essential for the preservation, restoration or bestowing of bodily beauty and also in the surgical correction of disfigured physical defects. Ayurvedic science deals with cosmetology in a very precise way. Some medicinal plants like- Haridra, Manjistha, Sariva, Chandana, Amalaki, Ghritkumari, Babul, Lavanga, Shikakai, Ritha, Bhringaraj etc. has been prescribed for beautification of skin, hair, etc. Diet has a special role to improve and maintain beauty of an individual. Panchakarma procedures and Rasayanas are employed for beatification of skin, the marker of overall condition of individual as per Ayurveda. It can be enhances by understanding and following basic guideline mentioned in Ayurveda in the form of Swasthavritta. Diet and life style has special effect to improve and maintain beauty of an individual. Swasthavritta play an important role in cosmetology as it restores beauty in a very precise and natural ways like Dincharya, Ritucharya, Achar-rasayana, Rasayana Chikitsa, etc.

Keywords: Swasthavritta, Dincharya, Ritucharya, Cosmetics, Cosmetology.