AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF DUSHIVISHA INDUCED BY ENDOCRINE-DISRUPTING CHEMICALS IN COSMETICS: AN INTEGRATIVE CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

The increasing use of cosmetic products containing endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) has raised significant concerns regarding their long-term impact on human health. Compounds such as parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances are widely used in personal care products and have been shown to interfere with hormonal regulation, contributing to metabolic, reproductive, and immunological disturbances. These exposures are typically chronic, low-dose, and cumulative, making them difficult to detect and manage within conventional biomedical frameworks. Ayurveda, the traditional system of medicine, describes a comparable pathological state known as Dushivisha, referring to latent, low-grade toxins that accumulate in the body and produce delayed systemic effects. This article presents a conceptual synthesis linking EDC exposure from cosmetics with the Ayurvedic notion of Dushivisha. It explores pathophysiological correlations through the lenses of Agni, Ama, Srotodushti, and Ojas, and proposes a comprehensive Ayurvedic management strategy incorporating detoxification (Shodhana), palliative care (Shamana), herbal therapeutics, and lifestyle modifications. This integrative perspective offers a novel approach to understanding and managing chronic chemical toxicity associated with modern cosmetic use.