Last Updated on April 24, 2023 by Dr Sharon Baisil MD
Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD) or PCOS is a common disorder found in women of reproductive age characterized by an irregular menstrual cycle. Here are 15 powerful herbal remedies based on Ayurveda, which can be used in form of either diet or as a part of drinks.
1. Cinnamon
Various easy remedies are available using Cinnamon. This is a well-known kitchen herb. We use it daily in our cuisines or in making flavored tea or other drinks. The aroma itself is cool & refreshing. For women’s reproductive health, Cinnamon plays a major role.
It can control most of the menstrual pain, nausea & prolonged bleeding. It controls hormonal imbalances. It also decreases testosterone, the male hormone production in women.
2. Fenugreek
Fenugreek seeds are very effective in stabilizing insulin levels. It has a good action in decreasing the ovarian volume. In PCOS, there is insulin resistance that is there is no insulin utilization by tissues. The person becomes obese with allied metabolic abnormalities.
We all know fenugreek forms an important part of our cuisine. Mainly used for tempering the dishes. Now onwards, this potent drug can be better utilized for the sake of our body. Fenugreek seeds can be mixed with hot boiled water. The next day the drink can be taken on an empty stomach
3. Honey
This is a magical yet simple remedy. Honey is mainly used in reducing weight or in cravings for food. It is best to use along with other herbs.
In PCOS, there are problems associated with body weight, in such cases, honey can be taken with lemon juice & water early morning. Once the weight is brought under control automatically all functions are restored normally in PCOS.
4. Flax seeds
They contain phytoestrogen & they also have the ability to reduce testosterone, the male hormones. It is detoxifying, cuts the fat down due to high in dietary fiber. This can be included in the diet as a substitute for eggs.
__________________________________
⭐ Check out this Flipbook with 30-Day Diabetic Meal Plan based on Foods from Each Indian State ⭐
(click on the ▶ arrow below to scroll the pages and 🔍 button to enlarge)
_____________________________
It destroys the bad cholesterol & protects your cardiac health. In PCOS, it can reduce the excess androgen in the body & get rid of unwanted body hairs. It can be used as a topping for your favorite drinks or soups. May your body utilize this wonder herb
5. Ashwagandha
Indian ginseng is highly recommended as a nervine tonic. It can be a one-stop solution to most nervous disorders like stress, anxiety, sleep problems, etc. In PCOS, mood swings are caused by stress or anxiety as there are hormonal imbalances.
Ashwagandha controls the cortisol secretion by adrenaline. Fatigue is very remarkable in PCOS. It is a general tonic for the overall wellbeing of the body. It stimulates fertility as well as ovulation in females. Normally root powder is administered with milk or honey.
6. Tulsi or holy basil
Tulsi is well known for its antioxidant or detoxifying effect. It controls the androgens & cortisol in the body thereby maintains hormonal balances. Additionally, it is a stress buster & nervine tonic. In PCOS, hair fall is not an odd symptom. Tulsi oil can relieve hair fall & hormonal associated scalp dryness etc.
7. Gokshura or Tribulus terrestris
This removes fluid retention from the body. In PCOS, it reduces the cyst volume by removing excess fluids. It is a purificatory herb. It can treat urinary & kidney-related disorders. It relieves body swellings & reduces body weight.
It induces ovulation, thereby improves fertility in women. The spiny fruit is usually used in preparing medicated water.
8. Shatavari
It is a well-known herb for all female health problems. It improves the growth of ovarian follicles, rupture & ovulation process. It boosts fertility. The menstrual symptoms like pain, cramps, nausea, and headache can be managed by this wonder herb.
It restores the normal periods in females. It is regarded as a vital tonic for the wellbeing of the body. The root powder is consumed with honey. Stalks are used in the preparation of salads as well as for stir-frying.
9. Turmeric
It is widely used as an immune booster & decreases insulin resistance in PCOS. It relieves anxiety, stress& depression. It has the power to combat inflammations. It is anti-bacterial, antifungal & effective in uterine infections. It is a blood purifier.
It forms a part of most cuisines either in the form of powder or in the dried form. Mostly it is taken along with milk to enhance immunity.
10. Coconut oil
It lowers blood glucose levels in the body. It controls food cravings, thereby play a major role in the management of weight. Unlike other oils, it decreases cholesterol.
In PCOS, thyroid abnormalities coexist sometimes, so in such cases, coconut oil is very beneficial. Daily a small teaspoon of pure coconut oil is good for body metabolism & overall wellbeing.
11. Karavellaka or bitter gourd
This vegetable is indicated in lowering insulin resistance & also controlling blood glucose levels. The leaves & fruit can be included daily in your diet.
It can regulate hormonal levels hence widely used in the treatment of infertility. It is beneficial for the symptoms associated with PCOS namely weight gain, skin problems, etc. Bitter gourd juice is a well-known blood purifier.
12. Neem
It is a general skin tonic as you all know. It is very much used in the treatment of acne breakouts. It also fights all sorts of infections occurring in the body. The oil prepared from neem leaves is greatly used in the treatment of skin ailments like fungal infections or acne. It reduces the excess fat accumulated in the body. It also regulates insulin levels.
13. Amla
it is yet another powerful remedy in PCOS. It maintains the regularity of the menstrual cycle. It controls abnormal bleeding. It also enhances insulin activities. The fruit juice with honey is advised in female gynecological disorders. It controls body weight by removing toxins from the body.
14. Green tea
Green tea has so many anti-oxidant properties. It is very much recommended in burning your unwanted fat. It regulates the hormonal levels which in turn minimizes the formation of the ovarian cyst. It can be used for controlling insulin levels.
Weight management is added benefit. This is a powerful drink if taken 3 to 4 times a week. It can be flavored with honey for more benefits. In PCOS, it is a good choice as it can correct the hormonal imbalances, weight management & also stabilizes the mind by avoiding mood swings.
15. Ginger
It is indicated in nausea, menstrual cramps, loss of appetite, etc. It yields good results in circulatory disorders. It boosts metabolism & hormonal actions.
Various drinks can be prepared from ginger. Ginger juice with honey is very effective in menstrual cramps. It clears the skin by removing pigmentations. It has a strong penetrative power to open up the blocked channels of the body.
Above we closely analyzed the possible herbal remedies pertaining to PCOS. Either of them can be beneficial for you. You can choose a suitable remedy with respect to your health condition.
Are these home remedies effective in PCOS?
Yes, it is a common dilemma among the public. Most of them listed are common vegetables. So even if you have concerns regarding taking it as a medicine. Opt for including suitable herbs in your diet like soups, salads, or juice forms.
If you are on other medications, it is not wise to stop them & start using only remedies. It depends upon the severity of your disease condition & body constitution. Always it is advisable to take an expert opinion if you feel the need to stick on to any herbal remedies.
Apart from doing all these, something important has to be followed when considering PCOS.
Advanced Ayurvedic treatment options in PCOS
The treatment differs from person to person. Ayurveda methodology focuses on the body constitution of a person. As we all know we are all with diverse constitutions. In general, some common strategies are put into practice
Weight management, correcting the irregularities in the menstrual cycle & stabilizing body metabolism. Specific therapies like emesis, purgation are also done depending upon the disease severity. The detoxifying therapies are meant to eliminate the accumulated body waste.
Then disease-specific Kashaya or medicated drinks like Varanadi kashayam, Sukumaram kashayam etc. are advised. The treatment success greatly relies on how early you get treated. Because most of the time, the symptoms are unidentified. After a long period, when the weight has uncontrollably increased or when the menstruation is prolonged treatment is opted.
It is always said “better late than never”. Take medical advice at the earliest even if it is a small symptom. PCOS gradually becomes complex affecting multi-systems of the body. So it is better to get treated at the earliest. External therapies like Udwarthana- weight reduction by massaging herbal powders & Fomentation is also done.
Mostly, infertility is the main cause of seeking treatment nowadays. The underlying cause may be PCOS which has started manifesting very early itself. And the body might have shown symptoms relating to the condition which is normally ignored.
References
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3215317/
- https://impactfactor.org/PDF/IJPPR/9/IJPPR,Vol9,Issue10,Article12.pdf
- http://scijourno.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Akshata-Sawant-Final-Article-1.pdf
- https://www.proquest.com/openview/c425807a92d7f9d4308e0e1007eccf89/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=2034826
- https://doi.org/10.47070/ijapr.v9i1.1772
