How to Treat PCOD with Ayurveda?

About Ayurveda

Ayurveda is an ancient and well-documented ‘whole body’ (holistic) healing system, which is based on the belief that the health and well-being of individuals depend on a balance between the body, mind, and spirit.

The term ‘Ayurveda’ literally means ‘the science or knowledge of life.’ The practitioners of Ayurvedic medicine use a number of herbs, metals, minerals (after purification) to prepare herbal formulations which can be extremely beneficial for the prevention, progression or treatment of several disorders.

Ayurveda practitioners offer ‘individualized’ treatments for patients suffering from a wide range of disorders. The treatments depend on observation, experimentation, and philosophical emphasis; and are prepared for achieving Ayurveda’s core aim of maintaining a balance of the body’s three ‘doshas’ (or fundamental bio-elements) --- ‘Vata,’ ‘Pitta,’ and ‘Kapha.’

About 'Polycystic Ovarian Disease' (PCOD)

Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD) is a common hormonal disorder which mainly affects women of reproductive age (between 15 and 44 years of age). The term PCOD chiefly denotes ‘the finding of polycystic ovaries’ --- that is, enlarged ovaries which contain several small cysts.

Polycystic Ovarian Disease is also called Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) or Stein-Leventhal syndrome. This endocrine-system disorder leads to irregularities in the affected women’s menstrual cycle, along with the excessive production of male hormones (androgens) by the ovaries. It is believed that excessively high levels of androgens affect the hormone-producing ability of the ovaries, which can thereby not produce eggs normally.

Moreover, the presence of excess androgens linked to PCOD triggers a condition called 'hirsutism' or excessively thick and pigmented hair growth on the upper lip, chin, lower abdomen, and around the nipples. Besides, 'hirsutism,' the other common symptoms of PCOD are: irregular periods, heavy bleeding, insufficient ovum production, obesity, acne, and male pattern balding.

The cause of PCOD is chiefly related to genetic factors, inflammation and ‘insulin resistance’ (or the body’s inability to utilize insulin properly).

PCOD is one of the most common causes of infertility in women. In addition, the disease is also associated with an increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease.

How PCOD can be treated with Ayurveda

In Ayurveda, disorders associated with the menstrual cycle of females are mentioned under ‘artava vaha sroto dushti.’

Since PCOD is a complex hormonal disorder which affects women during their child-bearing age and potentially leads to infertility, the Ayurvedic treatment of the disease involves the use of herbs which can effectively maintain the balance of hormones and boost fertility. 

Ayurvedic treatment can be helpful in PCOD because it is basically aimed at managing the three main aspects of the disease in affected women. These three aspects are:

• Ovarian cysts
• High levels of androgens (male hormones)
• Irregular monthly periods.

According to the explanation given in Ayurvedic texts, the health of the reproductive system in both men and women is maintained by ‘Shukra dhatu’ (semen), which is considered to be a combination of the male and female hormones that is, androgens and oestrogens. Hence, any imbalance in the Shukra dhatu is generally one of the leading causes of infertility.

According to the explanation given in Ayurvedic texts, the health of the reproductive system in both men and women is maintained by ‘Shukra dhatu’ (semen), which is considered to be a combination of the male and female hormones that is, androgens and oestrogens. Hence, any imbalance in the Shukra dhatu is generally one of the leading causes of infertility.

Ayurvedic experts believe that the efficiency of the Shukra dhatu gets affected because of an imbalance in the body's Vata, Pitta and Kapha doshas. In the case of women in particular, inefficiency of the Shukra dhatu can lead to appearance of multiple cysts in the ovaries, excessive androgen production, and other PCOD symptoms.

The treatment of PCOD in Ayurveda is similar to the Ayurvedic treatments for other diseases it focuses on correcting the imbalance of the three doshas.

Specifically speaking, Ayurvedic treatment of PCOD primarily involves the use of the following herbs:

• Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), which is an excellent female tonic and phyto-oestrogen source
• Punarnava (Boerhaavia diffusa)and Kanchnaar (Bauhinia variegate), for ‘Strotasshuddhi’
• Varuna (Crataeva nurvala), which can effectively reduce the size of cysts
• Bilva (Aegle marmelos), which has a beneficial digestive effect
• Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), for its amazing laxative effects
• Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), which has a rejuvenating effect
• Ashok (Saraca indica) and Lodhra (Symplocus racemosa), which can treat heavy bleeding
• Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna) and Udumbur (Ficus glomarata), which can treat several health problems.

In addition to the above-mentioned herbs, some of the other herbs and natural ingredients are also used by Ayurvedic practitioners managing different female-related disorders. These herbs and natural ingredients, comprising a very significant part of Ayurvedic treatment of PCOD, include:

• Herbs like Guggulu Resin (Commiphora mukul), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellerica), Black pepper (Piper nigrum), Pippali (Piper longum), Ginger (Zingiber officinale), Karpura (Cinnamomum camphora), Shilajit (Asphaltum), Vacha (Acorus calamus), Mustak (Cyperus rotundus), Haridra (Curcuma longa), Shunti (Zingiber officinalis), Danti (Baliospermum montanum), Chavya (Piper chaba), Vidanga (Embelia ribes), Tejpatta (Cinnamomum tamala), Dalchini (Cinnamomum zeylanicum), and Ela (Elettaria cardamomum).

• Natural ingredients like Yavkshaar (Potassium carbonate), Sarjikshaar (Sodium carbonate), Sauvarchala Lavana (Sodium sulphate), Vida Lavana (Black salt), and Saindhava Lavana (Rock salt).

One of the excellent and extremely beneficial Ayurvedic treatments of Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD) is offered by renowned herbal manufacturing company Planet Ayurveda, in the form of herbal formulations. Planet Ayurveda’s herbal formulations for managing PCOD are prepared in accordance with the principles of Ayurveda. For preparing these 100% natural and vegetarian formulations, pure and standardized extracts of herbs beneficial for enhancing female health are used.

Planet Ayurveda’s herbal formulations for PCOD treatment chiefly include the following products:

• Chanderprabha Vati – 2 tablets twice daily after meals with water
• Kanchnaar Guggul tablets – 2 tablets three times daily after meals with water
• Pradrantak churna. – 1 tsf twice daily after meals with water

The use of these products is beneficial for women suffering from PCOD because the products can treat ovarian cysts, manage menstrual-cycle problems, and maintain the balance of the body’s three doshas.

Conclusion: Overall, the Ayurvedic treatment of Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD) also include some dietary and lifestyle changes which Ayurvedic practitioners usually recommend to women suffering from the disease. The recommended changes include:

• Avoid the consumption of junk food
• Reduce the intake of white sugar
• Reduce the intake of curd, milk and other dairy products (except butter milk)
• Avoid the consumption of non-vegetarian food (though occasional intake of fish is acceptable)
• Get uninterrupted sleep during night, and follow a natural sleep cycle
• Consume ghee and other healthy fats
• Use garlic, cinnamon, and fenugreek in daily diet
• Consume herbal teas like green tea
• Do regular exercise and meditation.