Best Ayurvedic Herbs For PCOS

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Introduction

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is becoming increasingly common amidst women of reproductive age. However, it is a well-known fact that it cannot be “cured” per say. The medications given are usually to manage different symptoms of PCOS, there by helping the person live a more normal life. But it also comes with the fact that these medications could not only have side effects but also stick with you for life, in order to keep your PCOS in check. This is the reason why many medical health experts are now recommending Ayurveda for PCOS as it does have any side effects and if followed properly could give you results without having to stick to regime for life time.

Ayurvedic treatment for PCOS

Something interesting is that Ayurveda doesn’t actually have a treatment outlined for the syndrome as a whole. It uses different herbs and practices to treat different symptoms of the syndrome. Since Ayurveda doesn’t just focus on the issue at hand and aims to provide a more holistic solution for well-being, in case of PCOS it is no different. Ayurvedic management of PCOS suggests protocols like detoxifying the entire system, focusing on strengthening and rejuvenating the female reproductive system and genital area, correcting the over all hormonal imbalance, regulating insulin resistance so as to keep obesity in check and regulating weakened digestive fire. Yoga and meditation are also an essential part of the Ayurvedic management of PCOS.

Best Ayurvedic herbs for PCOS

Like we already mentioned Ayurveda does not treatment process in place for the syndrome as a whole, but it does have an outline of different herbs that help with different symptoms. Here are some herbs and their benefits.

Shatavari

Shatavari is rich in vitamins and minerals and is known to benefit the female reproductive system the most out of all the herbs. It helps balance and strengthen the menstrual system. Shatavari promotes normal development of ovarian follicles and also revitalizes the reproductive system due to the presence of phytoestrogen in the herb. It also has anti-diabetic properties.

Guggulu

Guggulu helps flush out all toxins and wastes from the body. It also aids ovulation and promoted weight loss. It also controls the gastrointestinal absorption of fat and cholesterol.

Ashoka

This herb enhances female fertility. It helps in regulating periods and helps in reducing pain and excessive bleeding. It also keeps estrogen levels in check. It makes the ovaries function properly and controls heavy period flows.

Lodhra

Lodhra is known to help in reducing uterine disorders. It helps regulate ovarian hormones. This herb has astringent properties that support the cleansing of the uterus and making the uterine cavity more suitable for pregnancy which is usually something women with PCOS struggle with. It helps in reducing testosterone levels.

Ashwagandha

With PCOS, its not just about managing the physical symptoms, it also about managing the mental stress. Ashwagandha helps in managing anxiety and depression which are known by-products of PCOS. It also helps treat obesity which is front and center in most cases of PCOS. An important tip to remember is that Ashwagandha cannot be consumed by pregnant women.

Turmeric

Turmeric is known as the super herb in Indian culture. It is advocated as the solution for many issues and it’s the same for PCOS too. In case of PCOS turmeric helps in regulating the insulin levels. It also helps detoxify the reproductive system and helps with acne

Apart from consuming these herbs in any form available to you, Ayurveda also some more practices for natural treatment of PCOS. Ayurveda suggests certain food items that you should avoid and certain food items that will benefit your body.

Include lots of green leafy vegetables and avoid starchy vegetables like potatoes but feel free to include sweet potatoes and yams.
You should happily indulge in Ghee as it is a form of healthy fats but avoid any other full-fat dairy products or even full-fat milk.
Include lots of nuts and seeds like almonds, flax seeds, walnuts, sunflower seeds etc.
Avoid soy products like soy milk and tofu.
If you love your non-veg then feel free to include as much fish as you’d like but hold back on the meats. Its not a complete no no but don’t have it too often.

Apart from food habits, Ayurveda also suggests that one invests time in practicing yoga and meditation.

Some tips include exercising or walking for 30-45 mins every day, practicing some light yoga like child pose, cobra pose etc. Increase emphasis is given to breathing exercises or what is popularly known as Pranayam. Pranayam claims to increase oxygen content within your body thereby cleansing, detoxifying and strengthening from within to perform all functions properly. It also recommended that you expose yourself to the morning sun everyday for Vitamin D. Don’t go out in peak noon hours, that sun isn’t good for you.

While we recognize that PCOS is very difficult to deal with, we would like you to know that its not impossible. Some basic lifestyle changes, some good herbs and some food habits can help you counter the syndrome and manage each symptom individually.

To help you manage PCOS naturally using ayurveda, andMe has a perfect product for you, andMe PCOS Drink! This drink is made with all the ingredients that are important for a healthy PCOS Diet. It helps in balancing hormones in women, regularizes periods, manages weight gain due to pcos and helps reduce acne. It also helps in boosting energy levels. No preservatives and no added sugar.