Application of Herbal Mugapoochukkal (Facial Mask) According to Kalachurukkam (Seasonal Variation) Which Are Mentioned in Siddha Literatures-A Literature Review

Abstract

Siddha Medicine is one of an ancient system of medicine based on ancient scientific knowledge of anatomy, chemistry, and other biological sciences mainly for the quest of longevity. In the ancient society, herbs played an important role in maintaining the beauty and body conditions. Many of these practices were subtly interwoven with the seasons (Kalachurukkam/Seasonal Variaton) and the normal rituals of life (Thinachurukkam/ Dhinacharya). Ancient knowledge of the healing properties of herbs also used in mugapoochukkal (Mugalepa)/ Facial masks. Different Lepas (Masks or applications) were recommended for different seasons for beautification. The objective of the study is to bring out the correlation between Kalachurukkam (Ritucharya) and medicinal plants used in Mugapoochukkal (Muga Lepa) which are mentioned in the Siddha texts by the comparison with Siddha principles. In appropriately the Literatures such as authenticated Siddha Texts, were analyzed and for further knowledge Volumes of Ashtanga Hridayam were used on the Siddha basic principles. 30 medicinal plants were used in the Mugapoochukkal (Muga Lepa) according to the Kalachurukkam / 6 seasons. In these Santalum album, Glycyrrhiza glabra and Sesamum indicum are repetitively used in some of the seasons. According to the comparison made with the Siddha principles as dosha and taste changes with the siddha principles of mugapoochu used for the certain season have a relation. The provoked dosha in the season is deprived or mitigated by the doshas of the medicinal plants used in "Mugapoochu" by its veeryam and vipakam. The gained Siddha principles of the medicinal plants relevantly relates to the dominating tastes, provoked or mitigated doshas of each seasons which were used by our ancestors. The bottom line of the study is creating the trend toward looking back to ancient remedies in the rising demand for herbal skin care products like these Mugapoochukkal (Mugalepa) because, it is becoming less and less acceptable to use facials and creams made from synthetic chemicals among the upcoming generations.