Keshya Dravya In Dhanvantari Nighantu: A Classical Literary Exploration

The article explores the concept of Keshya dravya, medicinal herbs beneficial for hair, as described in the Dhanvantari Nighantu, a classical Ayurvedic text from the 10th–13th century AD. It categorizes these herbs based on their properties: Kesha sanjanana (origin of hair), Kesha vardhana (promoting hair growth), and Kesha ranjana (darkening hair color). The text identifies nine specific dravyas as Keshya, highlighting their Ayurvedic Rasapanchak (pharmacological properties) and supporting research studies that validate their effectiveness in hair care.