Swasthavritta Project
Submitted by: Aditya Raj
All India Institute of Ayurveda, Goa
Topic 1: Shweta Chandan (White Sandalwood)
Ayurvedic Names: Shweta Chandana ( वे तच दन), Srikhanda, Malayaja, Gandhasara.
English & Latin Name: White Sandalwood, Indian Sandalwood. Latin: Santalum album.
Composition & Modern Perspective
The therapeutic value of Shweta Chandan comes from its volatile essential oil (2-6%). The primary active
components are alpha-santalol and beta-santalol, which produce its signature fragrance and
medicinal effects. From a modern viewpoint, it is highly prized in aromatherapy for its calming effects on
the nervous system. Its essential oil has proven antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and astringent properties.
Classical Context & References
Ayurveda: Considered the ultimate Pitta-shamaka (Pitta-pacifying) substance.
Swasthavritta: In summer regimens (Grishma Ritucharya), it is applied as a lepa (paste) to cool the
body.
Yoga: The aroma is used during meditation to calm the mind.
Classical Texts:
Charaka Samhita: Mentioned in the Dahaprashamana (relieves burning) and Varnya
(complexion-enhancing) Mahakashayas.
Sushruta Samhita: Included in the Sarivadi and Patoladi Gana.
Sanskrit Shloka (from Bhavaprakasha)
च दनं शीतलं ,ं त मा ादनं लघु ।
मशोषिवष े म तृ णािप ा दाहनुत् ॥
Translation: Sandalwood is cooling, dry, bitter, pleasant, and light. It alleviates
fatigue, emaciation, poison, Kapha, thirst, Pitta, bleeding disorders, and burning
sensations.
Regimen: Lepa Kalpana (Paste Application)
This substance-based therapy (Dravya-based Upakarma) involves applying a paste of Shweta Chandan
externally to pacify aggravated Pitta dosha and cool the body.
Method: Rub the sandalwood on a stone slab with water or rose water to create a paste.
Time & Duration: Can be applied anytime, especially during the day in summer, and used daily as
needed.
Therapeutic Profile
Health Benefits: Relieves mental stress, cools the body, alleviates headaches, and treats acne and
sunburns.
Indications: Daha (Burning sensation), Jwara (Fever), Trishna (Excessive thirst), Raktapitta
(Bleeding disorders), Twak Roga (Skin diseases).
Contraindications: Shita Jwara (Fever with chills), Kasa (Cough), Shwasa (Asthma).
Precautions: Its cooling nature can aggravate Vata or Kapha. Use cautiously in individuals with these
predominating doshas.
Market Preparations: Mysore Sandal Soap, perfumes, incense sticks, cosmetic creams.
Topic 2: Aam Sul (Kokum Butter)
Ayurvedic Name: Vrikshamla (वृ ा ल) - refers to the tree.
English & Latin Name: Kokum Butter, Indian Butter Tree. Latin: Garcinia indica.
Composition & Modern Perspective
Kokum butter is rich in essential fatty acids (stearic, oleic, palmitic) and Vitamin E. Modern cosmetology
views it as a superior, non-comedogenic (doesn't clog pores) emollient that helps regenerate skin cells
and is effective for healing dry, cracked skin.
Classical Context & References
Ayurveda: The fruit is a souring agent, while the butter (sneha) is used for its healing (Ropana) and
unctuous (Snigdha) properties.
Swasthavritta: Application of the butter is an excellent remedy for cracked heels (Padadari),
especially during winter (Hemanta Ritucharya).
Classical Texts: Mentioned in various Nighantus. Bhavaprakasha describes its properties.
Sanskrit Shloka (from Bhavaprakasha)
वृ ा लम लं कटु पािक... वात े महरं लघु |
Translation: Vrikshamla (fruit) is sour, has a pungent post-digestive effect... it
pacifies Vata and Kapha and is light. (Note: This describes the fruit; the butter has
different properties).
Regimen: Lepa Kalpana (Salve Application)
A substance-based therapy involving the topical application of fat extracted from Garcinia indica seeds to
heal and moisturize damaged skin.
Method: Gently warm the butter to soften it and massage it directly onto the affected skin until
absorbed.
Time & Duration: Best applied at night. Can be used daily until the condition improves.
Therapeutic Profile
Health Benefits: Heals cracked heels and chapped lips, soothes inflamed skin, and provides deep,
non-greasy moisturization.
Indications: Padadari (Cracked heels), Oshtha Roga (Lip disorders), Twak Raukshya (Dryness of
skin).
Contraindications: No major contraindications for external use.
Precautions: For external use only. Ensure the butter is pure and not rancid.
Market Preparations: A key ingredient in natural lip balms, body butters, and healing creams.
Topic 3: Herbal Hair Wash Powder
Ayurvedic Name: Kesha Prakshalana Churna (केश प्र ालन चूण).
Key Ingredients:
Reetha (Soapnut): Sapindus mukorossi
Shikakai (Soap pod): Acacia concinna
Amla (Indian Gooseberry): Phyllanthus emblica
Composition & Modern Perspective
This combination is a superior, sulfate-free alternative to commercial shampoos. It cleanses gently with
natural saponins without stripping the scalp's natural oils (sebum), thus maintaining pH balance,
reducing dandruff, and minimizing hair fall.
Classical Context & References
Ayurveda: A fundamental part of Keshya (hair care) regimens. It promotes hair growth (Kesha
Vardhana) and prevents premature graying (Akala Palitya).
Swasthavritta: Using herbal powders for bathing (Snana) is part of the daily routine (Dincharya).
Classical Texts: The individual herbs are described in all major Samhitas for their Keshya
properties.
Sanskrit Shloka (On Reetha from Bhavaprakasha)
...गभपातनकारकः |
Translation: (The fruit pulp of Reetha) has properties that can induce abortion.
(This highlights that Reetha is safe for external use but contraindicated for internal
consumption, especially during pregnancy).
Regimen: Prakshalana (Washing)
A cleansing regimen (Snana Vidhi) under Dincharya, using a powdered mixture of herbs to clean the hair
and scalp.
Method: Mix 2-3 tablespoons of powder with lukewarm water to form a thin paste. Apply to wet hair,
massage for 2-3 minutes, leave on for 5 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
Time & Duration: Can be used regularly as part of one's hair-washing schedule.
Therapeutic Profile
Health Benefits: Reduces dandruff, strengthens hair follicles, reduces hair fall, and acts as a natural
conditioner.
Indications: Kesha Pata (Hair fall), Darunaka (Dandruff), Akala Palitya (Premature graying).
Contraindications: No major contraindications for external use.
Precautions: The paste can sting if it enters the eyes; rinse immediately with plain water.
Market Preparations: Sold as "Herbal Hair Wash Powder" or "Shikakai Powder Mix".
Topic 4: Gopi Chandan (Sacred Clay)
Ayurvedic Name: Gopi Chandana; also referred to as Mrittika (मृ ि का - clay/earth).
Description: It is a type of sacred mineral clay, not a botanical product.
Composition & Modern Perspective
Gopi Chandan is a mineral-based clay composed primarily of silicates. Chemically, it is similar to Fuller's
Earth (Multani Mitti) and is known for its high absorbency, making it effective at drawing oils and
impurities from the skin. The application provides a cooling sensation due to water evaporation.
Classical Context & References
Ayurveda: Used as a form of Mrittika Chikitsa (earth/clay therapy) for its cooling (Sheeta) and
absorbent (Shoshana) properties.
Yoga: Used to apply a Tilaka on the forehead (Ajna Chakra) to aid concentration and provide a
cooling effect.
Classical Texts: The concept of using Mrittika (earth) is mentioned, but Gopi Chandan is more
prominent in cultural and Puranic traditions.
Regimen: Lepa Kalpana (Paste Application)
This regimen involves the external application of Gopi Chandan clay, primarily for religious markings
(tilaka) and for its cooling and absorbent effects.
Method: Mix the clay powder with a small amount of water to form a thick paste. Apply to the
forehead as a tilaka or on the skin as a pack.
Time & Duration: Can be applied anytime as required.
Therapeutic Profile
Health Benefits: Cools the head when applied to the forehead, helps reduce pimples by absorbing
excess oil, and soothes insect bites.
Indications: Mukhadushika (Pimples), Tilaka Dharana (for spiritual/cooling purposes).
Contraindications: People with very dry skin should avoid using it as a face pack.
Precautions: Ensure the source is authentic and free from contaminants.
Market Preparations: Sold as sticks, blocks, or powder in religious supply stores.
Topic 5: Karna Purana (Ear Oiling)
Ayurvedic Name: Karna Purana (कणपूरण) - The procedure of filling the ears with oil.
Common Oils Used: Sesame Oil (Tila Taila), Bilva Oil (Bilva Taila).
Modern Perspective
The practice is recognized for its potential to soften impacted cerumen (earwax), making it easier to
remove. It moisturizes the delicate skin of the ear canal, preventing dryness and itching. Caution is
advised if an eardrum perforation is suspected.
Classical Context & References
Ayurveda: A primary Vata-nashak (Vata-pacifying) procedure, as the ear is a primary seat of Vata
dosha.
Swasthavritta: Recommended as part of Dincharya (daily routine) to maintain the health of the
ears.
Classical Texts: Described in Charaka Samhita (Sutra Sthana, Ch. 5) and Ashtanga Hrudayam (Sutra
Sthana, Ch. 2).
Sanskrit Shloka (from Ashtanga Hrudayam)
...कणशूलं हनु त भं म या त भं न जायते | उ ैः ु तबा धय च...
Translation: (By doing this) earache, lockjaw, and torticollis do not occur. It
prevents deafness and improves hearing.
Regimen: Karna Purana
A therapeutic procedure of instilling lukewarm, medicated oil into the ear canals to pacify Vata dosha.
Method: Lie on one side. Gently pour 5-10 drops of lukewarm oil into the ear canal. Rest for 5-10
minutes before draining the excess oil. Repeat on the other side.
Time & Duration: Can be done in the morning, daily or a few times a week.
Therapeutic Profile
Health Benefits: Prevents earaches, relieves tinnitus, improves hearing, and calms the mind.
Indications: Karna Shula (Earache due to Vata), Tinnitus, Badhirya (Hearing loss due to Vata).
Contraindications: Crucially, do not perform if there is an ear infection, pus discharge
(Karna Srava), or suspected eardrum perforation.
Market Preparations: Many companies sell pre-packaged "Karna Purana Oil."
