Significance of Ointment

Ointment has various interpretations across different disciplines. In Vaishnavism, it symbolizes beauty and divine grace through sandal paste. Dharmashastra describes it as a soothing substance for the body. Theravada prohibits its use on faces by Bhikkhus and notes its application by Jivaka for healing the Buddha’s wound. In Kavyashastra, it refers to makeup for the gopis’ eyes. Scientifically, ointment is a semisolid formulation for external medicinal application, also referred to as 'lepa' for treating wounds or poison-affected areas.

Synonyms: Balm, Cream, Unguent, Emollient, Rub, Medication

In Swedish: Shalva; In Malay: Salap; In Dutch: Zalf; In Finnish: Voide; In Spanish: Ungüento; In German: Salbe

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Buddhist concept of 'Ointment'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, "Ointment" symbolizes both a healing remedy used by Jivaka for the Buddha's injury and a prohibited soothing substance for Bhikkhus, reflecting the balance between physical care and adherence to monastic discipline.

Significance in Theravada (major branch of Buddhism):
Theravada Books

From: Vinaya (3): The Cullavagga

(1) A soothing substance that the Bhikkhus are prohibited from applying to their faces.[1]

From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)

(1) The healing substance applied by Jivaka to treat the Buddha's wound.[2]

Theravada is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).

Hindu concept of 'Ointment'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, Ointment encompasses soothing substances for the body, signifies the ornamental 'anjanam' for gopis' eyes, and represents thick sandal paste symbolizing beauty and divine grace.

Significance in Dharmashastra (religious law):
Dharmashastra Books

From: Asvalayana-grihya-sutra

(1) A soothing substance used for salving the hands and other parts of the body mentioned in the text.[3]

Dharmashastra contains the instructions (shastra) regarding religious conduct of livelihood (dharma), ceremonies, jurisprudence (study of law) and more. It is categorized as smriti, an important and authoritative selection of books dealing with the Hindu lifestyle.

Significance in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

From: Garga Samhita (English)

(1) Refers to the thick sandal paste used for anointing, symbolizing beauty and divine grace.[4]

Vaishnava or vaishnavism (vaishnavism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshipping Vishnu as the supreme Lord. Similar to the Shaktism and Shaivism traditions, Vaishnavism also developed as an individual movement, famous for its exposition of the dashavatara (‘ten avatars of Vishnu’).

The concept of Ointment in scientific sources

Science Books

Ointment refers to soft, semisolid topical preparations applied to the skin or mucous membranes, specifically formulated to deliver medicinal substances effectively for therapeutic purposes.

Significance in Scientific journals, articles, etc.:

From: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences

(1) This is a semi-solid preparation used for topical application, and three variants of the topical application form were prepared.[5]

This section includes scientific research in the field of healthcare, often involving traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha and Holistic health. It includes papers from scientific journals classified as either original, clinical or experimental research, review articles or case reports.

Plural form: Ointments.