Last verified: April 2026

Lepa

लेप — Lepa — "That which is applied; plaster; topical paste"

Lepa is the classical Ayurvedic topical formulation — herb powders mixed with a liquid base to form a paste applied directly to the skin or mucous membranes. Sushruta Samhita's surgical tradition documents Lepa extensively for wound management; Charaka Samhita for skin conditions. The classical texts specify three thicknesses with distinct penetration depths and Dosha-specific applications.

Important noticeThis page documents what classical texts record about Lepa preparations. This is not medical advice. Which formulation is appropriate requires assessment by a qualified practitioner (BAMS or MD Ayurveda). Full disclaimer →

Definition

Herb Churna (powder) mixed with liquid base (Drava dravya) in proportions determining thickness: Pralepa (thin, 1:4), Pradeha (medium, 1:2), Alepa (thick, 1:1). Each has specific classical applications and penetration characteristics.

Three classical Lepa types

Pralepa (thin 1:4) — applied cool for Pitta conditions with active heat, inflammation, and burning. Rapid evaporation has cooling, calming effect. Stays primarily at the surface.

Pradeha (medium 1:2) — standard therapeutic consistency for most Kushtha (skin) and wound applications. Applied until dry.

Alepa (thick 1:1) — for deep penetration and extended contact time. Applied thickly, sometimes bandaged. For deep joint conditions, lymphatic conditions, and specific cosmetic applications.

Sushruta Samhita, Chikitsasthana 1.8

"Pralepa Pradeha Alepa — tritayam Lepa sambhavam / Pittashotha vishaghnam Pralepam / Vatakaphaharam tu Pradehalepe." Translation: "Three types of Lepa. Pralepa destroys Pitta, oedema, and poisoning. Pradeha and Alepa address Vata and Kapha."

Base liquid selection — the key clinical decision

Water (Jala) — neutral base for all conditions; Pitta-type preparations.

Cow's milk (Kshira) — nourishing, cooling; Pitta-type skin conditions and anti-inflammatory preparations.

Sesame oil (Tila Taila) — warming, unctuous; Vata-type conditions, dry skin, fat-soluble compound transdermal delivery.

Honey (Madhu) — antibacterial base for infected wound preparations; honey's properties complement antimicrobial herbs.

Cow's urine (Gomutra) — documented for Kapha-type skin conditions; alkaline pH and urea content enhance penetration.

Classical applications

Sushruta Samhita documents Lepa as primary topical treatment for all 18 classical Kushtha (skin conditions), wound management (Vrana), burns (Dagdha), and inflammatory joint conditions. Charaka Samhita documents Lepa for Varnya (skin brightening) preparations and cosmetic applications.

The Panchakarma tradition includes Lepa applications in Bahyasnehana: Udvartana (herbal powder massage) and Pinda Sweda (herbal bolus fomentation) involve Lepa-type preparations applied with specific pressure and heat manipulation.

Example Lepa preparations

Jatyadi Ghrita LepaWound healing — Jasmine + Neem + Turmeric in ghee base. Sushruta Samhita.

Eladi Churna LepaCardamom compound paste for Pitta-type skin conditions.

Triphala LepaThree-fruit paste for infected wounds and Kapha-type skin conditions.

Chandanadi LepaSandalwood Pitta-cooling paste for inflammatory conditions.

Kumkumadi LepaSaffron-based Varnya preparation — skin brightening. Ashtanga Hridayam.