Enhance complexion (varnya)

Varnya are herbs that enhance complexion, radiance and the natural lustre of the skin by cooling, nourishing and improving the quality of rakta dhatu (the blood tissue). They also act on blistering, cane, scarring, boils and burning of skin. They typically exhibit madhura (sweet), tikta (bitter), or kashaya (astringent) rasa, with soothing sheeta virya and a stabilising madhura vipaka that calm excess pitta and reduce inflammation.  They can be taken internally or applied as a lepa (paste) externally.

Classic examples include sandalwood (Santalum album), renowned for its cooling and complexion‑enhancing qualities; sariva (Indian sarsaparilla, Hemidesmus indicus) and rose (Rosa centifolia), which tones, softens, and brightens the skin.