Ayurvedic Herbs to Manage Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD)

ABSTRACT

Women from times ago are ignorant about their health issues while taking care of their family. Nowadays the environment and leisure in the lifestyle contribute to many health problems among women. Polycystic Ovarian Disorder is one of the most common problems running in today’s time. PolyCystic Ovarian Disease leads to the imbalance of essential hormones in the female body that further stops or delays periods . It can also affect the ability of having  child.Most of the women are diagnosed with PCODs in her 20s or 30s when they are trying to get pregnant. This article is all about symptoms, causes, diagnosis, facts and its management of Polycystic ovarian disorder.

INTRODUCTION

PolyCystic Ovarian Disease is an endocrine and metabolic disease of the female  reproductive system in which there is rise in male sex hormones called androgens which are present in female body in very low amount. Under the influence of these hormones, ovaries start producing multiple fluid filled sacs or cysts as the name suggests “poly cyst”. Each Cyst produces an immature egg which inhibits the process of ovulation. In normal female physiology every month a mature egg is  produced by the ovaries during ovulation that either gets fertilised or sent  out of the female body as menstruation or periods. It is the most common cause of infertility. Moreover  overweight or obese females have higher chances of getting it. Unhealthy lifestyle, junk or processed food and lack of physical exercise is the leading cause of PCODs. So modification of lifestyle and diet can help lowering down its symptoms.

FACTS ABOUT PCOD

• Almost 15% of the women are suffering from PCODs. Despite its higher prevalence it is  left undiagnosed
• Women can have normal monthly periods and still be diagnosed with Pcos
• Eating Disorders like anorexia, bulimia , binge eating are associated with the women with PCODs

CAUSES

The Exact Cause of PCODs is not known but some related causes are

• Obesity
• Sedentary lifestyle and faulty dietary habit
• It  can be hereditary
• INSULIN RESISTANCE: Insulin is the hormone produced by pancreas that helps the body cells in the uptake of glucose but if the cells become resistant to insulin excess of glucose runs in the blood that in turn produces more insulin. This higher blood insulin level produces more male sex hormones (androgens)in the body.This too much rise in androgens hampers ovulation.
• Lack of physical exercise
• HIGHER ANDROGEN LEVELS: High level of male sex hormones disturbs female menstrual cycle, interferes with ovulation that means egg is not released on regular basis. As a result, missed periods or delayed periods occur.

SYMPTOMS

• Irregular periods or missed periods or prolonged periods
• Heavy bleeding
• Facial and body  hair growth
•  Hair loss or male pattern baldness
• Weight gain
• Acne
• Anxiety and depression
• Difficulty in getting pregnant
• Sleep disorders
• Darkening of skin
• Mood swings

DIAGNOSIS

Polycystic Ovaries are Diagnosed on the Basis of Following Criteria

• On the basis of clinical History: Disturbed menstrual cycle
• Blood test- rise  of male sex hormone (testosterone) in the blood
• Ultrasonography scan shows polycystic ovaries

AYURVEDIC VIEW AND TREATMENT

Ayurveda is the ancient science which means science of life” which believes in holistic healing. As modern Science concludes about Pcods treatment – early recognition and intervention. Similarly as per our  Ayurvedic context. Ayurveda focuses mainly on the balancing of Doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) .According to Ayurveda in Polycystic ovarian Disorder Kapha Vata predominant  Tridoshaj vikara which  means all the three dosha play vital roles in the menstrual cycle of females. Excessive Kapha is accumulated due to sedentary lifestyle  and unhealthy food habits that block the channels(strotas) mainly Artavaha and Ambuvaha strotas of Vata. The blockage of the strotas blocks the passage of vata and pitta. When the path of vata dosha is restricted it gives symptoms  like  delayed or absence of menses or painful menses .

When the path of pitta is obstructed it causes Agnimandya (decreased digestive power) and  Aam formation (endotoxins). The main Dhatu dushti here is Meda Dhatu. Pcos can also be correlated to Pushpaghni Jatharini due to its symptoms like obesity and excessive hair growth. And Vikruti Jatharini due to the features like scanty menses or heavy menses or oligomenorrhea and general weakness. As per Ayurveda  treatment protocol includes Tridosha balance, Agni vriddhi and Strotodhusti and Dhatu dhusti chikitsa is to be done.

CONSERVATIVE MANAGEMENT

Conservative management starts with managing food habits having pathya ahara (balanced diet). Because dietetic abnormality vitiate doshas which in turn produce loss of Dhatus  which produces menstrual abnormality and infertility. Weight reduction can be done by  Pathya Ahara (balanced diet) and Vihara (living conditions).

1. PATHYA VIHARA

Vihara includes Yoga and Mediation , Ritucharya (seasonal regime) and Dincharya (daily regime) patient. In case of stress management 30 min is to be given for meditation everyday that helps in balancing hormones. Some of the yoga techniques helpful in PCOD  are

• Anulom Vilom, kapalbhati (breathing techniques)
• Surya Namaskar(sun salutation)
• Balaasan (child pose)

2. PATHYA AHARA

•  Some kapha reducing, insulin enhancing, hormone imbalancing, obstruction clearing herbs like amla (Emblica officinalis), haridra (Curcuma longa), guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia).
• Methi (Trigonella foenum graecum) and karela  (Momordica charantia) are helpful in balancing sugar levels
• Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) and  Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) are helpful in balancing the menstrual cycle and stress management.

3. PANCHKARAMA

• Anuvasan Basti (medicated enema) is a panchakarma procedure helps the  females with the  symptoms like amenorrhoea, scanty menses, unovulation, repeated abortions is helpful

HERBAL REMEDIES FOR PCOD BY PLANET AYURVEDA

Planet Ayurveda is a herbal manufacturing unit and is a renowned GMP certified company. Products prepared by Planet Ayurveda are 100% pure, herbal, vegetarian and natural supplements formulated under the supervision of MD experts. Formulation are in the form of vatis (tablets), churan (powder), liquids, jams, capsules.With the goodness of herbs Planet Ayurveda has formulated many formulations for the Ayurvedic management of polycystic ovarian disorder.All the herbs formulated under the guidance of Ayurvedic Context.These herbs are pure and unadulterated. All these herbal remedies are free from preservatives, additives and chemicals. These formulations have no side effects on the body and are powerful in managing the polycystic ovarian disorder.

FOLLOWING ARE THE DESCRIPTION OF FORMULATIONS

1. Chandraprabha Vati
2. Kanchnaar Guggul
3. Pradrantak Churna
4. Punarnava Mandoor
5. Kumari Saar

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

1. CHANDRAPRABHA VATI

Chandraprabha vati is a classical formulation having remarkable effects on  Kapha dosha.Thus helpful in managing obesity, insulin resistance and general weakness. The main ingredients in Chandraprabha Vati includes Guggul (Commiphora mukul), Shilajit (Asphaltum),Vacha (Acorus calamus), Kapoor (cinnamomum camphora), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis) and many more.

Dosage: 1-2 tablets twice or thrice daily with lukewarm water.

2. KANCHNAAR GUGGUL

Kanchnaar Guggul is a wonderful herbal formulation prepared with reference to the classical Ayurvedic context and is effective in managing granthi ( gland) vikaras. Hence balancing the menstrual cycle. It is helpful in  managing the symptoms like dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia. Some of the ingredients include Kachnaar (Bauhinia variegata), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellerica), Haritaki (Terminilia Chebula) and many other useful ingredients. Guggul (Comiphora mukul) and Kanchnaar (Bauhinia variegata) being ruksha (dry) in guna do lekhan karma (weight reduction).

Dosage: 1-2 tablets twice or thrice daily with lukewarm water.

3. PRADRANTAK CHURNA

Pradrantak Churna is the amalgam of various useful herbs in powder form.The  most powerful ingredients include Ashoka ( Saraca indica), Lodhra (Symplocos racemosa), Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna) and some others. These  miraculous herbs in this formulation  are very effective in managing cysts and fibroids . As it contains herbs like lodhra and Ashoka which are very potent, astringent helps with symptoms like excessive menstruation or too much white discharge (leucorrhea). It has anti inflammatory, antibacterial, anti tumour, anti pain properties.

Dosage:1-2 teaspoons twice daily, with water, after meals.

4. PUNARNAVA MANDUR

Punarnava Mandur is a traditional Ayurvedic polyherbal formulation that is rich in iron.This is helpful in managing Anaemia .This is the combination 16 herbs include Punarnava(Boerhavia diffusa), Triphala (Amla, haritaki, bibhitaki), Trikatu (pippali, marich, sunthi)etc. Gomutra is used in the preparation and has lekhan (scrapping) properties that are helpful in reduction of weight. Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa) acts on pitta dosha so increases agni (digestive power), reduces Aam (endotoxins) and acts as deepan (appetiser) and pachan (digestive)

Dosage:1-2 tablets twice or thrice daily with lukewarm water.

5. KUMARI SAAR

Kumari Saar is the juice prepared  from Ghrit Kumari (Aloe barbadensis) by Planet Ayurveda that balances tridosha predominantly Vata and Pitta. Hence balancing the hormones oestrogen progesterone. It also reduces ama (endotoxins) from the body especially from blood restoring a healthy gut. It also manages various skin problems like Acne and blemishes (darkening of skin).

Dosage: 3 tbsp. with equal water twice daily.

CONCLUSION

In this article we discussed Polycystic Ovarian Disorder. It is the condition of reproductive age females that only occurs after puberty. In Pcods imbalance of female sex hormones due to fautltry  diet and lack of exercise which  alters the menstrual cycle. As we discussed there is no better management than the contemporary system of medicine since these are prepared from pure herbs leaving no side effects and effectively managing the disorder. Along with this strict dietary regime and Yoga and Meditation discussed above are of great help in Polycystic ovarian  disorder.