In my twenties, I never faced any menstrual issues. My periods functioned like clockwork, following the perfect 28-day cycle. But things started turning for the worse when I crossed the dreaded thirties. It could probably be increasing work-related stress or the changes happening within my own body, my periods started getting more and more irregular. PMS and cramping also started getting worse with every cycle. It didn't help that I was already suffering from endometriosis and adenomyosis. In the days preceding my periods, I would wake up at night with a stabbing pain in my lower abdomen. To make matters worse, I also suffered from congestion in my pelvic area, which delayed the outflow of menstrual blood for two whole days. Here are diet tips for managing endometriosis
That's when I decided to visit my Ayurvedic doctor, who suggested that I take Ashokarishta, a potent Ayurvedic tonic that treats almost all gynaecological problems. Here are some signs that your periods are abnormal.
Why Ashokarishta?
The Ashoka tree has a lot of cultural and religious significance in India. According to mythological texts, it was under the Ashoka tree that Sita when she was held hostage in Lanka. In the ancient Indian system of medicine Ayurveda, Ashoka is revered for its therapeutic effects on uterine, genital and other reproductive disorders in women. It is a valuable herb used in toning the uterus and enhancing its elasticity, and treating dysmenorrhea and menorrhagia. It is also good for inflammatory uterine conditions such as endometriosis and is said to promote uterine contractions.
How it helped
I was instructed to take two doses of Ashokarishta every day, with food -- one with breakfast and one after dinner. The tonic was combined with Kumaryasava, another potent herbal tonic made of aloe vera that has liver-cleansing properties. The combined taste of both the tonics can be a little overpowering for most palates. There is a strong metallic under taste that can put some people off. I disliked it initially but I was determined to stick to the treatment, at least for a month.
To my surprise, a month later, I faced absolutely no physical discomfort associated with periods. There was no breast tenderness or uterine cramps. I also noticed a marked difference in premenstrual hormonal acne that I'd get a few days before my periods. In a very long time, I never had such a stress-free menstrual cycle. But I have to add that it did nothing to abate some of the emotional symptoms associated with PMS. But nevertheless, such a marked difference in just a month's time was something truly remarkable.
Should you take Ashokarishta?
By all means, yes, but do not take it without prescription from your Ayurvedic physician. Because at the end of the day, it is a very potent medicine and your doctor needs to know whether the medicine suits you and if you have any underlying health issues before he prescribes the medicine to you.
References:
Modi, M. B., Donga, S. B., & Dei, L. (2012). Clinical evaluation of Ashokarishta, Ashwagandha Churna and Praval Pishti in the management of menopausal syndrome. Ayu, 33(4), 511 516. http://doi.org/10.4103/0974-8520.110529
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