PCOS is one of the least understood disorders in today's society. It affects women younger and has been termed "the silent epidemic" because most women don't even know they have it. This disorder occurs due to an imbalance between the male sex hormones estrogen and progesterone. The symptoms of PCOS include irregular or absent menstrual cycles, excessive body or facial hair, acne and excessive male hormone production. It is not just limited to women but can also be seen in men. PCOS can be caused due to multiple reasons such as genetic predisposition, hormonal imbalance or metabolic syndrome. However, Ayurveda offers an effective treatment for managing PCOS and bringing balance to the system.

Ayurvedic treatment is a holistic process to heal you from the inside out and enhance your optimal health. Ayurvedic treatment for PCOS focuses on correcting the hormonal imbalance, strengthening the female reproductive system, and balancing insulin resistance and obesity. This approach differs from conventional medicine as it focuses on the root cause instead of treating symptoms only. The goal of Ayurvedic management is not just to treat the symptoms but to get rid of the root cause of PCOS so that it does not reoccur. Ayurveda focuses on finding a balance between your body and the spirit. Along with well-balanced eating habits and lifestyle modifications, it also recommends for things key rules for PCOS treatments:

• -Virechana (detoxification)
• -Nasya (cleaning nasal passage)
• -Shirodhara (Calming body and mind)
• -Uttarbasti (Treating gentio-urinary disease)

The Ayurvedic detoxification protocol for PCOS helps eliminate all toxic elements from your body through regular yoga asanas like Sarvangasana (Shoulderstand Pose), Matsyasana (Fish Pose), Shavasana (Facial relaxation pose) and others. These poses help remove toxins from your system by improving lymphatic drainage and eliminating them through urine or stool. Along with the disciplined routine, include plant-based Ayurvedic supplements in your PCOD diet, like andMe's PCOS Drink, enriched with the goodness of herbs like Lodhra, Ashwagandha, etc. This PCOS supplement helps regulate your menstrual cycle, reduces body hair and bald patches, and stimulates weight loss. This drink has no harmful chemicals or preservatives.

Essential herbs to manage PCOS:

Shatavari:

Asparagus racemosus, popularly known as the Shatavari herb, has been a hormone balancer and a potential medicine to uplift female libido, boosting uterine and ovarian health for ages. The herb is collected from the roots and belongs to the Liliaceae family and was first discovered botanically in 1799. It also helps release physical and emotional stress, regulate diabetes mellitus, and prevent high cholesterol levels, obesity, infertility, and bacterial or fungal infection. It is also coined as "Queen of Herbs" for providing a plethora of benefits. This ayurvedic herb maintains the ovarian plexus, prevents cyst formation and remission of the disease. In addition, Shatavari plays a key role in regulating the blood flow and the duration of the menstrual cycle.

Ashwagandha:

Ashwagandha, scientifically known as Withania somnifera, is a classic evergreen shrub native to Bundelkhand, the hilly region of central north India. It is known as "Indian Ginseng" and an "adaptogen". Ashwagandha calms your brain, reduces swelling and blood pressure, and boosts the immune system. The key benefit of Ashwagandha is to reduce stress and obesity-linked PCOS. PCOS increases the cortisol (stress hormone) level that prevents estrogen secretion. Ashwagandha regulates the cortisol level and helps reduce stress eating and irregular food habits. Also, Ashwagandha contains tryptophan, a building block of serotonin, the mood-lifting hormone. Ashwagandha also brings the power of insulin resistance and reduces infertility, which makes the herb a compulsory addition to your PCOS diet.

Lodhra:

Lodhra, Symplocos racemosa, is extracted from the roots of the Lodha tree, which is abundant in the Indian forest. Lodhra is an ancient Ayurveda herb that grows in the Indian northeastern suburbs like Manipur. Although the entire plant has been used for Ayurvedic treatments, the stems are beneficial for PCOD problems. Lodhra is also named "Divyaushadhi", a divine herb for providing magical Ayurvedic remedies. This herb helps to lower testosterone levels and restore estrogen, progesterone, and good cholesterol levels. Also, if you face heavy bleeding, Lodhra will come to the rescue because it also has a traditional formula that maintains the volume of blood and duration of periods.

Pippali:

Pippali, Piper longum, also known as long pepper, is a culinary plant used in Ayurvedic medicine for ancient decades. Pippali is a rejuvenator and carminative herb loaded with antioxidants; it helps combat free radical damage and prevents the oxidation of healthy cells. This herb, native to northeastern and southern India, aids weight loss, insulin resistance, and balance hormone levels.

Varuna:

Varuna, Crataeva nurvala, is a diuretic Ayurvedic herb. This incredible herb is a wild herb, but cultivated throughout the country. It purifies your blood, clears out toxins, reduces the cysts' size, and normalises the menstrual cycle. Varuna also contains laxative properties that help relieve constipation and boost healthy bowel systems.

Ayurveda treats PCOS through a very unique and holistic approach. The Ayurvedic treatment protocols include:

• -Detoxifying the body.
• -Strengthening the female reproductive system.
• -Correcting the hormonal imbalance.
• -Regulating insulin resistance and obesity.

Yoga and meditation are also essential to the Ayurvedic management of PCOS and eating healthy and clean. Infusing Indian herbs into your daily diet will not harm your body and eliminate the problem from the roots.