Lepa
Lepa लेप
cosmetic form
Also: face pack, paste application, Pralepa, Alepa
A wet paste of finely powdered herbs applied to the skin. The classical antecedent of the modern face pack / face mask.
Three classical Lepa types (Sushruta Sutra 18)
| Type | Thickness | Vehicle | Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Doshahara Lepa | ¼ inch | Decoction | Dosha-pacifying |
| Vishaghna Lepa | ⅓ inch | Fresh juice | Anti-toxic, anti-poison |
| Varnya Lepa | ½ inch (1 finger) | Milk / water / ghee | Cosmetic / complexion |
How to apply (the classical method)
- Powder herbs to #100 mesh
- Mix with vehicle to a paste with toothpaste consistency
- Apply with a wooden spatula or clean fingers in the direction against body hair (Pratiloma)
- Thickness ≈ ½ inch (1 cm) for face; thicker for body
- Lift off when just dry but before cracking — Sushruta: “A lepa allowed to dry fully on the skin pulls moisture out of the dermis and is counterproductive”
- NEVER wash off with water — this defeats the purpose; scrape off with the fingers or a soft cloth
- Splash cool water on the now-clean skin
Vehicles by skin type
| Vehicle | Best for |
|---|---|
| Cow milk (Goksheera) | Pitta-prakriti, dry skin, anti-Vyanga |
| Rose water | Pitta, sensitive |
| Water | tridoshic, default |
| Honey | Kapha, acne |
| Fresh aloe juice | Pitta, inflamed |
| Cow ghee | Vata, very dry, anti-aging |
| Buttermilk | Kapha, oily |
| Cucumber juice | Pitta, summer |
Frequency
2-3× per week is standard. Daily Lepa is acceptable for severe Vyanga or Kushtha treatment; for ordinary cosmetic upkeep, twice a week is sufficient.