Menorrhagia: Ayurvedic Treatment, Causes & Natural Remedies
As^igdara or Pradara
Excess menses or spotting is usually due to Pitta excesses. It is caused by eating excess salty, sour, heavy, pungent, burning, and fatty foods and animal products. The Vayu and blood thus becomes excessed and move into the menses channels, increasing themenstrual flow. There are 4 types of pradara
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Recommended Herbs for Menorrhagia
Amla Emblica officinalis Amla (Indian Gooseberry) is the most revered herb in Ayurveda — ranked by the Charaka Samhita as the single best Rasayana among all fruits. It contains one of the highest concentrations of Vitamin C found in any food (600–900 mg per fruit), stabilized by tannins so it remains potent even after drying. Classical texts classify it as Tridosha Shamaka — balancing to all three doshas — with a particular strength in cooling Pitta, nourishing the blood, and rebuilding tissues after illness. Arjuna Terminalia arjuna (Roxb.) W. & A. Arjuna is one of the most important cardiac drugs in Ayurveda. It is a large evergreen tree found along river banks throughout India. The bark is thick, smooth, white-grey and peels off in flat pieces. The bark is the principal medicinal part. It is the drug of choice in Hridroga (heart diseases) and is used extensively in cardiac debility, heart failure, and angina. The bark is given with milk or as decoction with honey. Arjuna bark strengthens the heart muscle and improves cardiac output. It is also useful in fractures - the bark decoction promotes bone healing. The bark ash is applied to wounds. The chemical composition includes Arjunin (a glycoside), Arjunic acid, about 16% tannin, and significant quantities of Calcium. Vagbhata recommends it specifically for heart conditions. Dose: Bark powder 3-6 masha; decoction 1-2 tola. Verses: Described under Vatadi Varga. Bala Sida cordifolia Linn Bala (Sida cordifolia) is one of the most important Rasayana drugs in Ayurveda. It is a small shrub growing commonly in waste lands. The entire plant, especially the root, is used medicinally. Four types of Bala are recognized in classical texts: Bala (Sida cordifolia), Atibala (Abutilon indicum), Nagabala (Grewia hirsuta), and Mahabala. Bala is the premier Vatahara and Balya drug - it increases strength (Bala), nourishes Ojas, and acts as a powerful tonic and rejuvenative. The root decoction is used in Vata diseases, nervous debility, and as a general restorative. It contains small amounts of Ephedrine. It is sweet in taste and cold in potency, making it ideal for Pitta-Vata conditions. Used extensively in medicated oils (Bala Taila) for external application in neuromuscular disorders. Dose: root powder 1-2 masha; decoction 1-2 tola. Brahmi Bacopa monniera Brahman is the Hindu name given
to the universal consciousness and
Brahma is the divinity responsible
for all ‘creative’ forces in the world.
Brahmi literally means the energy
or shakti of Brahman (i.e. Sarasvati ).
With brahmi deriving its name
from these roots it has a lot to live
up to. And it does! Its mind
enhancing and nervous system
soothing effects are legendary. Cherry Buchanania latifolia Roxb. Priyala (Chironji) is a moderate-sized deciduous tree found in the dry forests of Central India. The seed kernel is the edible part, widely used as a dry fruit in Indian sweets and cooking. The kernel is sweet, nutritive, oily and aphrodisiac. The oil from kernels (Chironji oil) is used as a substitute for olive oil and almond oil. It is nourishing and strengthening. The fruit is eaten fresh and the kernel is expensive and valued. The bark is astringent. Chemical analysis shows the kernel contains 50-52% oil and significant protein. Dose: Kernel as food; oil externally. Verse: 28. China Rose Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Linn. Gudhal (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) is one of the most commonly grown ornamental shrubs in India. The red flowers are used medicinally, especially for hair care. The flower paste is applied on hair to promote growth and prevent graying. The flowers are 5-C (4-5 inches) in size with prominent staminal column. Red, pink, white and yellow varieties exist. It is extensively used as a hair tonic - flower paste mixed with oil prevents hair fall and promotes growth. The flowers are also used in menstrual disorders and as a uterine tonic. The leaves are emollient. The plant is evergreen with glossy leaves. Calcium (4.04%), Phosphorus (26.68%), Iron (1.69 mg/100g), Thiamine (0.031 mg%), Riboflavin (0.058 mg%), Niacin (0.61 mg%), Ascorbic acid (4.16 mg%) are reported. Carotene (7.34 mg per 100g fresh material) is also present. Dose: Flowers fresh 5-6; Churna 3-6 grams. Verse: 15-16. Coconut Cocos nucifera Linn. Narikela (Coconut) is one of the most important palms, extensively cultivated in coastal India. Every part of the palm is useful - the nut, water, copra, oil, shell, husk, trunk and leaves. The coconut water (tender coconut) is extremely cooling, sweet, nutritive, and is one of the best drinks for dehydration. The mature kernel yields coconut oil which is used extensively in cooking, hair care and medicine. The cream/milk is nutritive and aphrodisiac. Tender coconut water is used in Mutrakrichhra (dysuria) and Daha (burning sensation). Coconut oil is used in skin diseases, hair care and as a base for medicated oils. Different stages of coconut have different properties - tender coconut water is lighter and more cooling while the mature kernel is heavier and more nutritive. There are many varieties of coconut palms. Chemical analysis shows the nut contains 40-50% oil in mature form. The water contains vitamins, minerals and electrolytes. Dose: Coconut water freely; oil as per need. Verses: 9. Goldenseal Herbal antibiotic and antiseptic that detoxifies the gastrointestinal tract and circulatory system, regulating liver and spleen function. Gotu Kola Hydrocotyle asiatica Linn Best rejuvenative herb for brain cells and nerves, intelligence. Adrenal purifier, AIDS, blood purifier, eczema, epilepsy, insanity, hypochondria, fevers (intermittent), hair loss, immune systemboost (cleansing and nourishing), liver, longevity, memory, nervous disorders, psoriasis, senility, skinconditions (chronic and obstinate), venereal dis-eases, tetanus, convulsions, rheumatism, elephan-tiasis, bowel disorders. Spiritual Uses: The most sattwic herb Haritaki Terminalia chebula Retz Jaundice, colic, anemia, cough, asthma,hoarse voice, hiccup, vomiting, hemorrhoids, di-arrhea, malabsorption, abdominal distention, gas, fevers, urinary diseases parasitic infection, tumors, blood purifier, spleen and liver disorders; garglefor sore throat, mouth, or spongy, ulcerated gums;muscular rheumatism, with sugar water for oph-thalmia; heart, skin, itching, edema, nervous disorders, rejuvenative, feeds the brain and nerves;small doses good for both diarrhea and consti-pation (also chronic); digestion, atonic indigestion,bleeding hemorrhoids, longevity, paralysis, head-ache, epilepsy, melancholy, memory, wisdom, in-telligence, organ prolapse, excessive discharges (cough, sweat, sperm, menorrhagia, leukorrhea); one of the three herbs in triphala . Externally for Vayu swellings, burns, scalds, skin disorders. Spiritual Uses: Gives pure awareness ( hiva energy) Horsetail Effective diuretic and blood cleanser with strong stone-removing action for kidney, bladder, and gallbladder stones. Licorice Glycyzrrhiza glabra Linn Excellent for acidity, voice, and heart tonic (with warm milk), Vayu dossha , bronchitis, colds, cough, laryngitis, general debility, emetic (in large doses), inflammation, mental calming, mucus liquefying and expectorating, mucus membrane tonerand soother, muscle spasms, sore throat, ulcers(contains natural ulcer-healing steroid precursers),urination pain. Cleanses lungs and stomach of Kapha. For colds and flu, mix with ginger (1:1).Blood purification, abdominal pain, nourishes thebrain increasing cranial and cerebrospinal fluid.Improves complexion, hair, and vision. Spiritual Uses: Sattwic ; gives contentment and harmony
▶ Classical Text References (1 sources)
Ayurvedic Perspective on Menorrhagia
Dosha Involvement: Vata, Pitta, Kapha
Ayurvedic Therapies: Are the same as those listed above for 507the three dosshas related to female tract disorders. Generally, herbs include red raspberry and manjissh ha to help stop bleeding. Then tonics can be given such as a hwagandha, a hoka, hatavari, aloe vera gel, and amalaki. Gener al: Warm water or sesame oil is poured over the lower abdomen and genitalia and used as a douche. Foods, drinks, and life-styles appropriate to the implicated dossha are followed. Vayu Therapies include sesame powder yogurt, ghee, and honey. Pitta Therapies include lotus root, musta, boiled milk, cane sugar, and honey. Kapha Th
Key Herbs: Brahmi, Gotu Kola, Guggul, Turmeric, Neem, Ginger, Licorice, Arjuna, Chitrak, Bala, Amalaki, Pippali
Source: The Ayurveda Encyclopedia, Chapter 22: Neoplasm and Growths
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.