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Ayurveda approach
Ayurveda categorizes menstrual difficulties into
three types: vata, pitta and kapha. These difficulties are independent
of one’s own constitutional type so it is important to know
which is yours in order to treat your condition effectively.
For Treating Menstrual cramps
· Vata – type discomfort
includes bloating, constipation, cramps, insomnia, lower back
ache and abdominal pain. Person experiences more pain before the
onset of period and flow tend to be light or scanty.
To treat vata – type cramps:
· Triphala guggulu or yogaraj guggulu
Take either herbal remedy, one tablet twice a day.
· Aloe vera gel and black pepper
Take 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel with a pinch of black pepper thrice
daily until cramps is reduced.
· Herbal mix
Make a herbal tea mix equal proportion of these herbs: tagar,
vidari and ashwagandha. Use 1 teaspoon of this mixture and take
it with warm water after lunch and dinner.
· Castor oil rub
Apply some castor oil to the lower abdomen can effectively relieve
the discomfort and cramps.
· Pitta – type
menstrual problem is more of a congestion, irritation and inflammation.
There may be hot flashes and irritability, tender breasts, burning
sensation when passing urine and the bladder tends to be sensitive,
leading to a profuse menstrual flow.
To treat pitta – type cramps:
· Kaishore guggulu
Take one tablet 2 times daily.
· Herbal formula
This is an excellent remedy for women with pitta type cramps.
Make a herbal mix of:
1 part musta
2 parts shatavari
1/8 part kama dudha
Use ½ teaspoon of the mixture with warm water
twice daily after meals.
· Coconut oil rub
Apply some coconut oil on your lower abdomen for a soothing relieve.
· Kapha – type
menstrual difficulties include both congestion and pain that occurs
more in the later part of the period. Often it is linked with
white discharge, water retention, bloating, feelings of heaviness,
fatique, drowsiness and tendency to sleep in the afternoon.
To treat kapha – type cramps:
· Punarnava guggulu
Take a tablet of this herbal remedy twice a day.
· Herbal mix
Make a herbal formula consisting of:
½ part manjistha
½ part punarnava
¼ part trikatu
Take ½ teaspoon of this mix with warm water
twice a day after lunch and dinner.
· Mustard and castor oil rub
Use castor oil and mustard oil for a soothing rub on the lower
abdomen to ease the discomfort.
For all body types, you can use the following remedies:
· Cumin seeds with aloe vera
Here’s a universal remedy for menstrual pain and discomfort.
Roast cumin seeds in a non-stick pan. No oil is needed. When it
is pungent, remove and put a side to cool. Chew a teaspoon of
the seeds slowly and wash it down with a tablespoon of aloe vera
juice.
If you experience excessive menstrual flow, the
following can be helpful.
· Raspberry leaves and hibiscus flower drink
Make tea with 1 to 2 teaspoons of, equal amounts, raspberry leaves
and hibiscus flowers per cup of water. Drink tea with sugar to
taste if desired.
· Raspberry treat
Eating fresh raspberries too can help. Eat about 10 to 20 on an
empty stomach twice or 3 times daily.
· Coconut water drink
Drink a cup of coconut water, the natural juice found the inside
of the coconut, with ½ teaspoon natural sugar or rock candy
powder.
Before your period, you can take try the following
remedies to prevent menstrual pain and discomfort.
· Yoga postures
During the month before your period, do some of these yoga asanas
for your body type: vata, pitta or kapha, for a few minutes. However,
do not do these exercises when you have your menses but relax,
read and rest as much as you can.
· Diet
Follow the diet plan for your constitutional type: vata, pitta
or kapha, throughout the month.
· Aloe vera gel
Take a tablespoon of aloe vera gel 3 times a day for the whole
week before you anticipate your period.
For Treating PMS
· Vata – type
PMS symptoms are mood swings, low back ache, anxiety, fear,
lower abdominal pain, insomnia and distention.
Remedy for vata –type PMS:
(Remember to start the preventive program one week before expecting
your period)
· Aloe vera gel wit hblack pepper
Take 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel with a pinch of black pepper
thrice daily before meals.
· Cherries
Eat a bowl of cherries (about 10) daily on an empty stomach for
about 7 days before the start of your period.
· Dashamoola tea
Drink this tea twice daily, using ½ teaspoon dashamoola
steeped in hot water fir about 10 minutes. Add honey to taste
if preferred.
· yogaraj guggulu or kaishore guggulu
Take a tablet daily of ONE of the above herbal remedies.
· Pitta – type
PMS symptoms include urethritis, breast tenderness, irritability,
hives, hot flashes and burning sensations when urinating.
Remedy for pitta –type PMS:
(Remember to start the preventive program one week before expecting
your period)
· Aloe vera gel with cumin
Take 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel with a pinch of cumin powder.
· Herbal Mix
Use to following to make a herbal mix:
1 part musta
1 part brahmi
2 parts shatavari
Take ½ teaspoon of it with warm water 2 times
daily.
· Kapha – type PMS individual experiences
water retention, breast tenderness and swelling, drowsiness and
usually has a fondness for drinking coffee.
Remedy for kapha –type PMS:
(Remember to start the preventive program one week before expecting
your period)
· Aloe vera with trikatu
Take a tablespoon of aloe vera gel with a pinch of trikatu, which
is a traditional Ayurvedic formula consisiting of equal amounts
of ginger, black pepper and pippali.
· Herbal mix
Make this herbal formula consisting of:
2 parts musta
2 parts punarnava
1 part kutki
Use ½ teaspoon of this and take it with warm
water 2 times a day.
· Cherries
Eat about 10 cherries every day on an empty stomach for a week
just before you anticipate the start your period.
For all body types, try the following remedies:
· Castor oil pack
When you experience abdominal bloating or cramps put a castor
oil pack on the lower abdomen. Castor oil produces a slow, sustained
heat that is soothing and healing and this will effectively relieve
the pain and it can also relieve congestion and ease endometriosis.
You can make a pack by warming up 3 tablespoons
of castor oil and pour it onto a soft cloth or handkerchief, spreading
the oil equally. Place it compressed on the abdomen and if you
have a hot water bottle handy, you can put to on the pack to keep
it warm.
As prevention, you can maintain a healthy
and balance diet, following the diet plan for your constitutional
type and exercise regularly during the month. Some yoga stretching
and aerobics too can be helpful but Ayurveda recommends no exercise
or yoga during your period. You should rest and relax whenever
you can.
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