Lepa literally means application of paste over a particular part of the body, this paste is absorbed through Romkupa(hair root), Svedavaha srotas(Sweat pores) and Siramukha resulting in a particular action
Indications:-
Visarpa(Eriyesepals), Sotha(Inflammation, Oedema), Vidrathi, Sandhivatha(Osteoarthritis), Amavatha(Rheumatoid Arthritis), Sirashoola(Headache), Vyanga, Dadru, Switra(Leucoderma), Indralupta, Vakagraha, Vakkashtata, Hair fall, Grey hair.
A lepa is said to have actions like Sodhana(Eliminative), Utsadana, Ropana(Healing), Pralhadhana, it pacifies the locally provoked dosha when applied locally to the effected part – The same action is wonderfully explained in Samhitha’s with a similey that the local action of lepa is like that of a water poured to a burning house by which fire will be extinguished.
Types of Lepa
According to Thickness
1, Doshaghna:- This type of lepa has a thickness of one fourth of Anguli pramana and is used to pacify vitiated doshas
2, Vishaghna:- This type of lepa has a thickness of one Third of Anguli pramana and is used to pacify visha(Poison)
3, Varnya Lepa:- This type of lepa has a thickness half of Anguli pramana and is used to enhance one’s beauty.
According to Properties:-
1, Pralepa:- This type of Lepa has properties like Sheetha Guna(Cooling nature), Tanu(Thin), Vishoshi(Compressing), Avishoshi(Non – compressing)
2, Pradeha:- This particular lepa has actions like Sheeta/Ushna(Either cooling or heating effect), Thick or Thin, Avishoshi(Non – compressive),
3’ Alepa:- This lepa has mixed moderate action of Pradeha and Pralepa
Pralepa should not be applied at night time and should be removed before drying whereas Pradeha is allowed stay even after getting dried since it will generate a constricting action on local body part.
Procedure:-
After preparing the particular paste it should be applied locally to the affected part, the paste is gently rubbed in upward or opposite direction of Hair’s
The thickness of Lepa should be equal to that of a Buffalo Skin(3 – 5mm).
A stale lepa should not be applied since it vitiates dosha’s and Rakta, One should remove the lepa before putting a new one, Lepa once dried should not be re – used by mixing solvent.