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Ans.
The Glowing Glory of "UBTAN" from Vedas to Space-age.
The
ritual of ‘Ubtan’, also known as ‘Battne di Rasam’ in Punjabi,
and ‘Kappumanjal’ in Tamil is one of the vital components of the concept
of ‘Solah-Shringaar’. ‘Ubtan’ is a body application used for
the beautification of the body, dating back to the remotest antiquity and is the
legacy of the rich Indian Heritage.
It
is believed that during Vedic era, it was being prescribed by the Vedic Physicians
for the protection, nourishment and beautification of the skin. The apparent results
obtained with the application of ‘Ubtan’ gave it a wide-spread publicity
by which perhaps it became a fashionable routine for men and women in those days,
to apply it for the beautification of skin and later on established it's credence
as a ritual for brides and bridegrooms before marriage. ‘Ubtan’, the
paste-mixture of turmeric, saffron, sandalwood, bengal-gram, and seeds of yellow
mustard, is applied by the brides and bridegrooms while reciting ‘Ved Mantras’
as an important ritual of marriages in India.
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Upon
scientific researches of its ingredients, it has been found that the ‘Ubtan’
not only enhances beauty, but also possesses definite medicinal values by virtue
of its antifungal, antibacterial, antiperspirant, deodorant and skin-toning properties,
thereby ruling out the possibilities of skin infections. It serves the multipurpose
role of cleanser, astringent, stimulant, and skin-tonic -- all at the same time.
By its revitalising, refreshing and refining actions, ‘Ubtan’ helps
in making the skin glowing in complexion and making it appear luscious. It also
gives protection from various skin problems including acne, pimples, blemishes,
white patches, freckles, blackheads, etc. Its regular usage prevents the occurrence
of premature wrinkles, removes scars, and helps to lighten the open pores.
Curcumin
- the alkaloidal content of Turmeric, and Santalol in Sandalwood help in
inhibiting the growth of micro-organisms and in preventing skin infections. The
woody fibre and Vitamin C in Bengal gram open the blocked pores, maintain the
secretions from glands and bleach the sun freckles.
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Due
to it's Sandalwood contents, ‘Ubtan’ acts as an astringent and helps
to tighten the pores. The crocetin contents of Saffron add to the lustre of the
skin and make it glow. The rough nature of Bengal gram powder cleanses it by removing
the dead infected parts of the skin. It is also used to promote healing of the
cracked and inflammed skin.
The
amazing pharmaco-kinetics of ‘Ubtan’...... Were our ancestors really
aware of them?
Yes ofcourse!!!!
Hats off to them!
Contributed
for
Vandemataram.com by -
Ayurvedacharya Dr Pradeep Nagrath
479, Sangat Road
Civil Lines
Ludhiana-141 001. India
e-mail: drnagrath@satyam.net.in
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