Abstract

A REVIEW ON LEPA KALPANA IN AYURVEDA

Dr. Shweta R. Helge* and Dr. R. G. Mane

Abstract

Ayurveda is the science which uses the natural resources to fulfil the fundamental objectives i.e. Swasthya Rakshanam and Vyadhi Prashamanam. Ayurveda has the science of Drug Manufacturing which is divided into two branches as Rasashastra and Bhaishajyakalpana. Bhaishajya – Medicine and Kalpana – Forms, thus it can be said that preparation of medicines by using herbal drugs. Bhaishajyakalpana includes Panchavidha Kashaya Kalpana as Swarasa, Kalka, Shruta, Shita, and Fanta. It also includes preparation of Churna, Guti, Vati, Siddha Taila/ Ghrita, Asava, Arishta, Lepa, Arka etc. In Lepa wet medicinal drugs are made in paste form, if the drugs are in dry state then they are converted into paste form by adding little quantity of water and grinding. This paste is used as an external application and called as Lepa Kalpana. From Pharmaceutical point of view Lepa Kalpana is a form of Kalka Kalpana. Kalka and Lepa are same only the purpose for which it is used, decides its nomenclature. Ayurveda has different forms of external applications are described for the convenience of treatment of different diseases. They are mentioned with term like Lepa, Upanaha, Udavarartana, Abhyanga etc. Out of all these formulations, Lepa Kalpana has been selected here for the present study.

Keywords: Lepa Kalpana, Kalka, Bhaishajya Kalpana.