Herbal Cosmetics in Ancient India: With a Treatise on Planta Cosmetica
Author
P.V. Bole Kunda B. Patkar
ISBN
817276085X
Publisher
Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan (January 1, 1997)
Edition
Hardcover
Book Description
This book is the result of a multidisciplinary investigation and constitutes an ethnobotanical contribution to mankind s search for beauty and good health. Though the ancient science of cosmetology is believed to have originated in China, the earliest records of cosmetics and their applications dates back to the Indus valley civilization. Excavations of Mohenjodaro and Harappa have shown a highly developed cosmetic culture. Beauty aids are different for different seasons and the ingredients used are also significantly different Cosmetics were used not only for enhancing beauty but also on health grounds and for achieving punya. A lot of information on herbal cosmetics with special reference to Ancient India is given in this book. The formulations have been classified into five categories-facial cosmetics, oral hygiene, depilatories. Body cosmetics and cosmetics for hair. The author says that a whole range of modern cosmetic usage was conceived by the ancient Indians and were practiced with the help of natural resources then available. Men and women used perfumes and pastes, paints and powders to enhance beauty and achieve merit(punya). A combination of cultural and scientific approach has resulted in this detailed book on cosmetics. The book gives the Sanskrit names, botanical names and words of common usage.How the items are used to manufacture the cosmetics is also given. The chapter on facial cosmetics gives details of face salves, pimple and acne cure, cure for darkness, blemishes etc, cosmetic oils, cosmetics for lips, auspicious markings etc. Oral hygiene formulations include teeth cleaning, mouth washes, mmouth odorants, mouth deodorants. Hair promoters, prevention of falling hair, hair dyes and bleaches, fragrant hairwashes, cure for premature graying, cure for alopecia, cure for lice and nits,dandruff are given in the section on hair formulations. Body cosmetics include complexion promoters, bath powders, perfumed oil, fragrant water, body salves, deodorants, cure for moles and other such items. Depilatories list items that remove unwanted hair.
About the Author
Kunda B Patkar(nee Saptarshi) hails from a family of Sanskrit Pandits. The compilation of the contents of this book are part of her course work for her M Sc degree from Bombay University. She has been working in the field of education in India and Middle East and also gives discourses on religion and culture.
