Varnya (वर्ण्य) is a particular dietetic effect or karma of dravya or substances that relate to curing the aliments related with skin complexion. according to the 17th century Charaka Samhita. The word “varnya” means that which brings softness and beauty to the skin along with enhancement of complexion and radiance.
In Charaka Samhita classifications of drugs are made based on Karmas (actions) called as Mahakashaya Dashemani (group of ten drugs) and these are classified into 50 groups. Varnya Dashemani (group of complexion enhancing substances) is one such group which is said to be more effective in curing the aliments related with skin complexion.
Varnya is considered to be one of the karma of substances, including herbs and spices that possess any of the actions that help bring in softness & beauty to the skin.
Ayurveda has a strong concept of cosmetology. It explains the concept of cosmetology in dinacharya, rutucharya application of different types of lepas according to the prakriti and rutu are mentioned. Formulations mentioned in our classics helps to regain the lost beauty and have anti-aging properties.
Karma primarily means and indicates its action or work. As per Ayurveda, plants (herbs & spices) are living entities with the potency to affect us not only physically, but also energetically, mentally, and spiritually.
Some plants are simple and have singular actions. Some are complex and have many potential actions, or karmas.
There are many ways to group herbs by action. For example, herbs can be grouped by their action on different tissues and organs or by their therapeutic action. This means grouping by their being “nutritive“, “rejuvenative” & “regenerative“.
Varnya karma is defined as the function of substances that bring softness & beauty to the skin.