Ayurveda for Women's Health

Some health problems can be unique to women such as dysmenorrhea (painful periods), leucorrhoea, menopause and pregnancy. Ayurveda offers amazing treatment solutions for all the problems that are unique to women like menopause, PMS, painful periods, heavy periods, periodic swelling and bloating, or other problems of being a woman.

Ayurveda for dysmenorrhea: According to Ayurveda dysmenorrhea is common in vata dosha, but can be because of Pitta and Kapha doshas as well. Ayurvedic practitioners use antispasmodic, muscle relaxing, and pain relieving herbs along with emmenagogues.

• Cyperus: This is a special Ayurvedic herb that is very effective for relieving menstrual cramping pain and is useful in dysmenorrhea for all types of doshas. Myrrh, Guggul Ashoka herbs are also useful.
• In Vata type of dysmenorrhea a patient has severe colicky pain, constipation, dry skin, headache, anxiety, palpitations, abdominal distension and gas. Anti-Vata diet with moist and oily foods should be taken. Turmeric, nutmeg, asafetida, ginger, valerian and jatamamsi are effective in this type of dysmenorrhea. The effect of these herbs is enhanced by demulcents such as Shatavari and licorice, which possess a soothing and cortisone-like effect.
• In pitta type dysmenorrhea cooling herbs such as Gotu kola, jatamamsi, passion flower and hops are useful.
• In Kapha type dysmenorrhea spicy herbs and antispasmodics like ginger, calamus, myrrh, Guggul, cinnamon and nutmeg are useful.

Ayurveda for Leucorrhoea: In Ayur

veda Leucorrhoea is known as the 'white' or 'Shveta Pradar', because of discharge of white fluid from the Vagina.

Ayurvedic Remedies for Leucorrhoea include

• Pushyanuga Churna: This herbal churna is very useful in leucorrhoea. Take 3 grams of this powder twice a day with a cup of milk or rice wash.
• Ashokarishta: This herbal remedy is also effective in leucorrhoea. This remedy is taken with water, twice a day along with Pushyanuga Churna.
• One dose of mixture of Chandaprabha (500mg), Pushyanuga churna  (1gm), Pradarantaka Louh (250mg) twice daily with decoction of root of ktisha grass.
• One dose of mixture of Yashada Bhasma  (125mg), KukkutanandaTwaka Bhasma (250mg), Amla churna (500mg) should be taken daily in the morning and evening with honey.
• Diet: Avoid non-vegetarian diet like fish, chicken, eggs for a few days. Eat plenty of fresh green vegetables, milk, and ghee.

Caution: Ayurvedic remedies can treat most problems in women. If you are self treating your problem and optimal response is seen within a reasonable amount of time, a change of remedy may be needed. Consult an ayurvedic practitioner for advice.

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Ayurvedic Treatment for Skin

Skin can be considered as the mirror or barometer of an individual's health. If you are not healthy the skin appears dull and lifeless and if you don’t care well for your skin it suffers. The ayurvedic treatment for skin involves identifying the skin type of a person varies based on their dosha. A person with vata dosha has dry, rough, cold, thin skin with fine pores and wrinkles, whereas the skin of a person with pitta constitution is delicate, fair and red toned with freckles, moles or acne and suffers from sunburns easily. So, if you want ayurvedic treatment for skin allergy, it would be based on reaction of your skin type to the allergens.

The skin of a person with kapha dosha is oily, smooth, moist and thick with a tendency to develop large pores. Following a healthy lifestyle and food habits, are important aspects of skin care. But if you continue to have skin problems despite all this, some ayurvedic medicines can be useful. Read on to know more about ayurvedic treatment for skin.

• Eat Veggies: Vegetables are easy to digest and are rich in vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants. Vegetables such as lettuce, carrot, cucumber, daikon radish, fennel, and tender asparagus tips are tridoshic (they are good for all types of skin). Ensure that you eat plenty of green and other coloured veggies.

• Eat Seeds and Nuts: Including seeds and nuts into your diet is one of the ayurvedic remedies for skin. Seeds and nuts contain Omega-3 fatty acids, other healthy fats, and fibre; all of which are good for your skin.

• Sip some Tea: Vata tends to make your skin dry and cold so staying hydrated will make your skin look younger. Have plenty of fluids and drink warm liquids, such as herbal tea to keep yourself hydrated and your skin glowing.

• Do Exercises: Doing regular exercise is necessary to prevent cold vata from accumulating in your body. Exercise improves digestion, blood circulation, keeps muscles and joints healthy and toned and your skin glowing. Do any kind of exercise (walking, jogging, dancing, yoga, or boxing) which you enjoy.

• Yoga and Meditation: Regular practice of yoga and meditation has several benefits. You will surely notice improvement in overall physical health, mental stability and your ability to deal with stress. They are considered good for spiritual growth as well. Improved physical and mental health and ability to deal with stress make your skin glow and look healthy.

• Avoid Sunlight: Direct sunlight can affect your skin. So when you go out cover your face or carry an umbrella to avoid direct exposure to sunlight.

• Eat Healthy: Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your daily diet. Avoid eating foods rich in fat and fried foods.

• Follow Healthy Sleeping Habits: Experts on skin care and ayurvedic doctors recommend healthy sleeping habits and enough sleep for a healthy and glowing complexion. Maintain healthy sleeping habits by sleeping early (before 10 p.m.) and waking early (before 6 a.m.). Ensure that you sleep for at least 7 hours on most days. If you have trouble sleeping, try yoga and meditation to relax yourself.

• Stay well Hydrated: In the morning drink a warm glass of water with lemon juice. Drink plenty of water or fluids (at least three litres of water every day). Water helps to flush the toxins out of the body and keeps the skin hydrated.

• Keep your Skin Clean and Moisturised: Cleansing and moisturising are important to keep your skin healthy and glowing. Ayurvedic doctors recommend regular massage of skin to keep it well hydrated and moisturised.

Ayurveda is a holistic system of treatment and is one of the oldest healing sciences. Given above are some general ayurvedic treatment for skin. To know more on specific skin care issues consult an ayurvedic practitioner. You can get ayurvedic treatment for skin allergy, skin whitening and other disorders.

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