# Mukha Lepa (Ayurvedic Facial Paste)

> Mukha-lepa is the application of a herbal paste to the face, left on and then washed off. Vāgbhaṭa's Gaṇḍūṣādi-vidhi chapter describes three kinds, the thickness to spread, and the rule that the paste be moistened before removal. Common pastes use mañjiṣṭhā, sārivā, candana and yaṣṭīmadhu.

## Key facts

- **Sanskrit name:** Mukha-Lepa

## What it is

Mukha-lepa is a herbal paste spread over the face, held there while it sets, and then taken off. It is classed as a kriyā-bāhya, an external procedure, and is something a person can do for themselves.

## Where it comes from in the classical literature

The dedicated classical treatment is in Aṣṭāṅga Hṛdaya, Sūtrasthāna 22, the Gaṇḍūṣādi-vidhi chapter, which after gaṇḍūṣa and kavala goes on to mukhalepa and head-oiling.

Verse 14 distinguishes three kinds of lepa: those that act on doṣa, those used against viṣa, and those applied for complexion. Verse 15 gives the thickness at which each type should be spread, a quarter, a third or half an aṅgula. Verse 16 says the paste should stay on until it dries, and should then be moistened before being removed, so that the skin is not damaged; oil application follows removal. Verse 17 lists conditions in which mukhalepa should not be done.

## What it involves

The method recorded here is a mañjiṣṭhādi or triphalā paste applied to the face, retained for 20 to 30 minutes, then washed off with rose water or warm water.

That differs from Vāgbhaṭa on one point worth knowing: the classical instruction is not a fixed clock time but "until dry", followed by moistening the paste before lifting it off rather than peeling or scrubbing at a dry layer.

## What is used

Mañjiṣṭhā, sārivā, candana and yaṣṭīmadhu are the dravyas named, generally as a mañjiṣṭhādi combination or as triphalā. No oil is part of the paste itself, though the classical text has an oil application after the lepa is removed.

## Who should avoid it

Vāgbhaṭa contraindicates mukhalepa in rhinitis, in indigestion, immediately after nasal medication (nasya), in lockjaw, in anorexia, and in sleep deprivation.

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Published by Age Ayurveda in the Nighantu. Educational reference only, not medical advice.
Incorporates material from the Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database under CC BY 4.0.