E-ISSN:2456-3110

Review Article

Kumkumadi Taila

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences

2025 Volume 10 Number 4 APRIL
Publisherwww.maharshicharaka.in

An Ayurvedic approach on Kumkumadi Taila and its role in enhancing Varnya

Pimparkar PP1*, Shirpurkar RM2
DOI:10.21760/jaims.10.4.38

1* Pallavi Prakash Pimparkar, Assistant Professor, Dept of Kriya Sharir, Ahinsa Institute of Ayurveda, Dondaicha, Dhule, Maharashtra, India.

2 Rajshree Mangesh Shirpurkar, Principal and Professor, Dept of Shalakya Tantra, Ahinsa Institute of Ayurveda, Dondaicha, Dhule, Maharashtra, India.

Kumkumadi Taila is a well-known Ayurvedic formulation used for enhancing Varnya (complexion and glow). It is a unique blend of herbs processed in oils that help improve skin tone, reduce pigmentation, and provide a youthful glow. The present study explores the classical references, ingredients, and the effect of Kumkumadi Taila on skin health. Kumkumadi Tailam is classical ayurvedic skin oil formulation describe by Vagbhata. It balances the Pitta, act as anti-inflammation and repair damaged tissue of skin. It helps in other Rakta-Pitta skin disorders as well. The formulation has properties like anti-aging, skin nourishment, anti-wrinkle, moisturizing effects or to improve skin texture. Kumkumadi Tailam has properties which alleviate vitiated Vata-Kapha and acts as Rakta Prasadhak, hence Kanti Vardhak. The application of Kumkumadi Taila pacifies Vata and Pitta Dosha, improves Rakta Shodhana (blood purification), and enhances skin texture, making it a holistic skincare solution.

Keywords: Kumkumadi Taila, Varnya, Ayurveda, Kanti Vardhak

Corresponding Author How to Cite this Article To Browse
Pallavi Prakash Pimparkar, Assistant Professor, Dept of Kriya Sharir, Ahinsa Institute of Ayurveda, Dondaicha, Dhule, Maharashtra, India.
Email: 		Pimparkar PP, Shirpurkar RM, An Ayurvedic approach on Kumkumadi Taila and its role in enhancing Varnya. J Ayu Int Med Sci. 2025;10(4):255-258.
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https://jaims.in/jaims/article/view/4612/

Manuscript Received Review Round 1 Review Round 2 Review Round 3 Accepted
2025-03-09 2025-03-24 2025-04-04 2025-04-14 2025-04-24
Conflict of Interest Funding Ethical Approval Plagiarism X-checker Note
None Nil Not required 11.64

© 2025 by Pimparkar PP, Shirpurkar RM and Published by Maharshi Charaka Ayurveda Organization. This is an Open Access article licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ unported [CC BY 4.0].

J Ayu Int Med Sci 2025;10(4)255
Download PDFBack To ArticleIntroductionAim and ObjectivesMaterials and MethodsDiscussionConclusionReferences
Pallavi PP et al. Kumkumadi Taila and its role in enhancing Varnya

Introduction

In Ayurveda, Varnya refers to natural glow, complexion, and radiance of skin. The concept of Varnya is deeply rooted in Ayurvedic physiology, which explains skin health through balance of Doshas (bioenergies), Dhatus (tissues), Agni (digestive fire), and Srotas (microchannels). The physiological processes influencing Varnya involve Bhrajaka Pitta, Rasa Dhatu, Rakta Dhatu, and their interplay with metabolic functions. The concept of Varnya Dravyas in Ayurveda refers to herbs that enhance natural glow and brightness of skin. Kumkumadi Taila, a traditional Ayurvedic oil, is widely used for improving complexion, reducing blemishes, and rejuvenating skin. It contains key herbs like Kesar (Crocus sativus), Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia), Haridra (Curcuma longa), and Chandana (Santalum album) that possess skin-brightening and detoxifying properties. This study aims to analyze role of Kumkumadi Taila in promoting Varnya based on Ayurvedic principles & classical references.

Aim and Objectives

Aim:

To evaluate the effect of Kumkumadi Taila on Varnya as per Ayurvedic literature and modern dermatological perspectives.

Objectives:

1. To study the composition and Ayurvedic properties of Kumkumadi Taila.
2. To analyze its effect on skin complexion, pigmentation, and rejuvenation.
3. To explore its role in balancing Doshas for improved skin health.

Materials and Methods

Literary Review: Classical Ayurvedic texts such as Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, and Ashtanga Hridaya were referred to for the properties and applications of Kumkumadi Taila.

Pharmacological Review: The properties of key ingredients were analyzed to understand their effects on skin health.

Clinical Insights: Modern dermatological perspec. & studies on Kumkumadi Taila were reviewed to understand its impact on skin complexion.

Discussion

Ayurvedic Perspective on Varnya

1. Bhrajaka Pitta: The Key Regulator of Skin Health

Bhrajaka Pitta, a sub-type of Pitta Dosha, is located in the skin and is responsible for color, luster, and temperature regulation. It controls melanin production, skin metabolism, and absorption of external applications (like oils and herbal Lepas). If imbalanced, it can lead to hyperpigmentation, dullness, or excessive redness.

2. Rasa Dhatu (Plasma and Lymphatic Tissue)

Rasa Dhatu is first tissue formed after digestion & nourishes all other Dhatus. It provides moisture, hydration, and softness to skin. Poor-quality Rasa Dhatu results in dry, dull, & lifeless skin.

3. Rakta Dhatu (Blood Tissue): The Seat of Varnya

Ayurveda considers Rakta Dhatu as the primary determinant of Varnya since it carries oxygen and nutrients to the skin. Impurities in Rakta (due to Ama or toxins) cause dark spots, acne, and uneven skin tone. Herbs like Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia), Sariva (Hemidesmus indicus), and Haridra (Curcuma longa) purify Rakta and enhance Varnya.

4. Mansa Dhatu (Muscle Tissue): Structural Support for Skin Glow

Mansa Dhatu provides volume and firmness to the skin. Well-nourished Mansa Dhatu prevents wrinkles, sagging, and fine lines, maintaining a youthful appearance.

5. Srotas (Microchannels) & Skin Nutrition

The Swedavaha Srotas (sweat channels) and Raktavaha Srotas (blood channels) play a vital role in skin detoxification and complexion. Blocked or disturbed Srotas result in dullness, blackheads, and pigmentation disorders. Proper sweating (via Udvartana, Abhyanga, and Swedana therapies) enhances Varnya by flushing out toxins.

Metabolic and Digestive Influence on Varnya

1. Agni (Digestive Fire) & Varnya

Jatharagni (main digestive fire) and Bhutagni (elemental metabolism) influence the quality of Rasa and Rakta Dhatu.

Strong Agni = Well-formed Dhatus = Radiant skin.


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Pallavi PP et al. Kumkumadi Taila and its role in enhancing Varnya

Weak Agni = Accumulation of toxins (Ama) = Dull, lifeless skin.

2. Ojas: The Essence of Radiance

Ojas, the subtle essence of all Dhatus, is directly linked to Varnya.

High Ojas leads to a naturally glowing complexion, while depleted Ojas results in dullness and premature aging. Foods like ghee, almonds, saffron, and milk enhance Ojas and Varnya.

Composition of Kumkumadi Taila

Kumkumadi Taila is a medicated oil formulated with a blend of Varnya and Twak-Rasayana (skin-rejuvenating) herbs. Some key ingredients include:

1. Kesar (Crocus sativus) - Enhances complexion and reduces pigmentation.
2. Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia) - Blood purifier and anti-inflammatory.
3. Lodhra (Symplocos racemosa) - Reduces acne and blemishes.
4. Haridra (Curcuma longa) - Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.
5. Laksha (Laccifer lacca) - Promotes skin healing.
6. Padmaka (Prunus cerasoides) - Natural skin toner.
7. Chandana (Santalum album) - Cooling and soothing for the skin.
8. Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra) - Moisturizing and complexion-enhancing.
9. Taila Dravya (Sesame oil, Goat’s milk, etc.) - Base oils that nourish and penetrate deep into the skin layers.

Mode of Action on Varnya

Kumkumadi Taila acts on multiple levels to enhance complexion and skin health:

1. Pacifies Pitta and Kapha Doshas, reduces excessive Pitta (heat), preventing dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Clears Kapha blockages, ensuring proper nourishment of the skin.
2. Promotes Blood Circulation and Detoxification, Manjistha and Haridra help purify the blood and remove toxins. This leads to improved skin tone and reduced dullness.
3. Boosts Collagen and Hydration, Kumkumadi Taila penetrates deep into the dermis, providing hydration and improving elasticity. Sesame oil and goat’s milk nourish and rejuvenate skin cells.

4. Provides Antioxidant and Anti-Aging Benefits Rich in antioxidants, it protects against UV damage and premature aging. Reduces fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots over time.

Clinical Evidence and Usage

Several Ayurvedic practitioners and clinical studies suggest that regular application of Kumkumadi Taila:

Improves skin tone within 4–6 weeks of continuous use. Reduces dark circles, scars, and pigmentation.

Enhances overall skin glow and texture.

How to Use Kumkumadi Taila for Best Results:

Night-time application: Apply 2-3 drops on a cleansed face and massage gently.

Steam therapy: Occasional facial steaming helps deeper absorption.

Herbal face pack: Mixing with herbal powders like Multani Mitti enhances its effect

Conclusion

Kumkumadi Taila is a powerful Ayurvedic formulation that significantly enhances Varnya (skin glow and complexion). The drugs of Kumkumadi Taila are Pittashamaka, it has properties like Guru, Snigdha, Madhura, Tikata Rasa and Sheeta Virya, it advances glow and complexion of the skin with its potent combination of Varnya Dravyas, it improves blood circulation, reduces pigmentation, nourishes the skin, and balances Doshas. Regular application of this oil can be beneficial in achieving a healthy, youthful, and radiant skin naturally.

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