External Therapy Protocol
Lepam (Herbal Paste Application)
in Bengaluru
Lepam is a broad Ayurvedic term for the application of a thick, medicated herbal paste over a specific affected area of the body. It is used extensively for skin diseases, localized joint swelling, and wound healing.
Clinical Benefits
- Draws out deep-seated inflammation, heat, and toxins from joints and skin
- Rapidly reduces swelling and pain in acute sports injuries or gout
- Highly effective for chronic skin diseases like eczema, psoriasis, and acne
- Accelerates the healing of chronic ulcers and wounds
Clinical Procedure
1. Preparation (Purvakarma)
- • Dry herbal powders are mixed with a liquid medium (water, milk, buttermilk, or herbal juices) to form a thick, smooth paste.
2. Main Action (Pradhana Karma)
The paste is applied evenly over the affected area in a direction opposing the hair follicles (Pratiloma) to ensure deep transdermal absorption.
3. Post-Therapy (Paschatkarma)
- • The paste is usually removed when it is semi-dry (before it cracks and pulls the skin).
- • Area is washed gently with lukewarm or cool water.
Patient FAQs
Should I let the paste dry completely?
No. In Ayurveda, Lepam should be removed while it is still slightly moist. If allowed to crack and completely dry out, it can irritate the skin, cause micro-tears, and aggravate Vata (dryness).
Medically Reviewed by Dr Abhiram SSBAMS (Reg No: 36991)
Chief Consultant, Ayurvedic Rheumatology & Dermatology • Updated: 2026-07-24
Protocol Details
Duration
20 to 45 minutes (depending on how quickly it dries).Frequency
Daily or alternate days until the condition resolves.Primary Indications
condition-eczemacondition-psoriasiscondition-goutcondition-osteoarthritis
Contraindications
- Applying heat-producing (Ushna) lepams on burning, Pitta-dominant skin conditions
- Leaving a drying lepam on for too long in severe Vata (dry) skin conditions
- Open bleeding wounds (requires specific astringent lepams, not general ones)