Overview
Padmaka is one of the herbs traditionally used in Ayurveda for menstrual health. Padmaka (Prunus cerasoides/P. puddum, Fam. Rosaceae) is Wild Himalayan Cherry found in the Himalayas at 3000-6000 feet. The heartwood is reddish and fragrant. It is cooling, astringent-bitter, and primarily used in bleeding disorders, burning sensations, and skin diseases. An important ingredient in many Ayurvedic formulations for Raktapitta (bleeding disorders). The bark is used in Ayurvedic practice. Book reference: Karpuradi Varga, shloka 18.
How Padmaka Helps with Menstrual Health
According to Ayurvedic pharmacology, Padmaka has specific properties that make it valuable for addressing menstrual health:
- Potency (Virya): Sheeta (cold)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka): Katu (pungent)
- Taste (Rasa): Tikta (bitter), Kashaya (astringent)
- Qualities (Guna): Laghu (light), Snigdha (unctuous)
Ayurvedic Properties
- Taste (Rasa)
- Bitter (Tikta), Astringent (Kashaya)
- Quality (Guna)
- Light (Laghu), Unctuous (Snigdha)
- Potency (Virya)
- Cold (Sheeta)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka)
- Pungent (Katu)
- Also Known As
- English: Wild Himalayan Cherry
Sanskrit: पद्मक, पद्मकाष्ठ
Hindi: पद्मख
What the Classical Texts Say
- Raktapitta (bleeding disorders)
- Daha (burning sensation)
- Kushtha (skin diseases)
- Visha (poisoning)
Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 1
Other Herbs for Menstrual Health
See all herbs for menstrual health on the Menstrual Health page.
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.