Menorrhagia (Heavy or prolonged menstrual periods): Natural Treatment
Excessively heavy bleeding or prolonged periods are considered as menorrhagia. It is categorized under abnormal uterine bleeding. According to Ayurveda, the aggravated pitta vitiates blood (rakta) and causes overflow through yoni. This is named asruja yoni.
The external therapy includes the following:
1. A continuous thin flow of medicated oil (dhara), milk, or buttermilk on forehead or lower abdomen
2. Fomentation (seka)
3. Simple oil application (abhyanga)
4. A local application of drugs with cotton ball as a plug (pichu)
These external treatments are done to alleviate pain, stop the excess blood flow, and relax the patient. Internally Saraca indica, Terminalia arjuna, Indian sarsaparila, Santalum album, and A. Vera are commonly used herbs. Lodhrasavam, chandanasavam, kumaryasavam, ashokarishtom, chandrakala vati, bolabaddha ras, and pradarantak ras are some of the most commonly used formulas.
Takradhara (a continuous flow of buttermilk processed with Cyperus rotundus and Emblica officinalis is called a Takradhara) was found Effective in menorrhagia. A formulation named kashmarya-kutaja ghrita was found very effective in menorrhagia. Pushyanuga churnam was found highly significant in menorrhagia. Ashokarishtam and musalikhadiradi kwatha, two multiherbal formulas, have been shown to be highly effective in normalizing the menstrual cycle as well as reducing associated symptoms such as palpitation, weakness, and myalgia. Kutajashtaka lehyam, a classical formula, was also found to be very effective in menorrhagia and dysfunctional uterine bleeding.
A multiherbal formula containing Saraca indica, A. vera, Cyperus rotundus, etc. produced significant results in oligomenorrhea. This formula may be significantly effective in helping infertility disorders.
Dietary and Behavioral Regimen
Women should avoid foods that are fried, greasy, spicy, and sour. Indian spices such as coriander, turmeric, mint, and anise seeds are recommended. Hot spices, garlic, ginger, and chilies and hot beverages such tea, coffee, and alcohol should be avoided. Green vegetables including zucchini, squash, cucumber, pumpkin, Indian gooseberry, and dates and soups of legumes and vegetables are recommended, as these have a cooling effect.
Women should add fresh fruits (accept citrus) and dairy products such as milk, fresh cottage cheese, and ghee (butter oil) to the diet. Pulses and grains are also very beneficial. Coconut water, barley water, and buttermilk are also good.
Excessive stress and strain need to be avoided. Maintaining proper hygiene of the genital organs is of primary importance. A proper bowel movement every day is also considered important. Relaxation of the mind is very important for menorrhagia as in any other disease.
Note:
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