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Dr. Vikram Chauhan - MD (Ayurveda)

Monday, July 22, 2019

Management of Infertility in Ayurveda

Nowadays, the problem of infertility is becoming common and it is the need of the hour to find a solution. Various factors such as stress, radiation, lack of biological food in the diet, genetic disorders, wrong lifestyle, etc. are the factors responsible for infertility.

Management of Infertility in Ayurveda

Infertility primarily refers to the biological inability of a woman of the reproductive age to conceive.

Allopathic treatment for infertility is financially burdensome for most of the patients whereas the Ayurvedic approach for the treatment is different as it focuses on the psychological aspects as well has a holistic approach.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF INFERTILITY?

Causes Of Infertility In Women Include:

  • Ovarian factors such as PCOS
  • Tubal factors
  • Uterine problems such as Endometriosis
  • Menstrual cycle may be affected by factors such as stress, wrong diet and lifestyle.

Male infertility is caused due to the factors which affect their sperm production or transportation such as infections, ejaculation problems, defects in the tubules that transport sperms, etc.

WHAT IS THE AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE OF INFERTILITY?

Infertility is known as Vandhyatva in Ayurveda. In Ayurvedic classics, it is mentioned that fertility is dependent on the following factors:

  • Ritu (fertile period i.e. ovulatory cycle)
  • Kshetra (reproductive organs)
  • Ambu (nourishing fluids)
  • Beej (ovum)

Healthy psychological status of the individuals also plays a major role. Factors on which fertility depend are mother, father, atma, satva, satmya and rasa.

In infertility, Vata especially Apana Vata should be taken care of along with other impaired Doshas.

HOW AYURVEDA CAN HELP IN THE TREATMENT OF INFERTILITY?

Ayurveda focuses on the treatment of disorders with the use of herbal remedies, modifications in diet, lifestyle etc.
For infertility, there is a wonder herb known as 'Shatavari' which is used to treat all types of gynecological problems. As the name suggests, the word 'Shatavari' means who possesses hundred husbands or acceptable to many, implying its ability to increase the chances of fertility. This herb is considered as a general as well as a female reproductive tonic. This herb is highly effective in the disorders of the female reproductive tract.

infertility treatment in ayurveda

In Ayurvedic practice, the roots of the plant are considered as an effective aphrodisiac, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, galactagogue etc. The roots of this herb are used to produce the most potent healthy sperm and ovum and eventually helps in achieving a healthy pregnancy.

SCIENTIFIC CLASSIFICATION OF SHATAVARI

From pharmacognostic point of view, it was previously included in the family Liliaceae, but now has been shifted to a newly created family Asparagaceae.

  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Family: Asparagaceae
  • Genus: Asparagus
  • Species: A.racemosus

WHAT ARE THE PROPERTIES OF SHATAVARI?

  • Rasa (Taste): Madhura (Sweet), Tikta (Bitter)
  • Guna (Qualities): Snigdha (unctuous, oily) and Guru (heavy to digest)
  • Vipaka: Undergoes sweet taste conversion after digestion.
  • Veerya (Potency): Cold
  • Effect on Tridosha: Balances Vata and Pitta doshas
ancient reference, shatavari

(Reference: Dhanwantari Nighantu, Shloka No. 323, 325)

Meaning: According to this shloka, Shatavari is cold in potency, has a bitter taste, useful in tuberculosis and blood disorders. It balances Vata and Pitta doshas, acts as an aphrodisiac, rejuvenating in nature and increases memory, its taste converts into sweet after digestion, increases intelligence, good for heart, useful in hemorrhoids and diseases related to eyes and colon.

WHAT ARE THE CHARACTERISTICS OF ASPARAGUS RACEMOSUS?

The plant is woody climber which grows up to 1-2 m in height. The leaves are small, uniform and pine-needle in shape, flowers are arranged in the form of small spikes, the roots are tuberous, succulent, finger-shaped clustered.

WHAT ARE THE CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS OF A.RACEMOSUS?

It is known to possess a wide range of phytochemicals such as steroidal saponins, polycyclic alkaloid, furan compound, carbohydrates, sterols, trace minerals etc.

shatavari capsules

HOW SHATAVARI HELPS IN INFERTILITY?

Shatavari is considered as the best herb for female infertility.

  • Shatavari enhances folliculogenesis and ovulation. In this way, it prepares the womb for conception and prevents the chances of miscarriage.
  • It stimulates the hemopoietic function and also improves the functions of accessory sex glands.
  • Oestrogen dependent glycogen is the energy source for the female reproductive system. Estrogen increases the glycogen content in the uterus. In research, it was found that Shatavari causes an increase in uterine glycogen without altering serum estrogen and progesterone.
  • A.racemosus preparations are also recommended in the cases of threatened abortion. The rasayana and anti-oxidant properties of Shatavari help in modulating various immune processes. These properties also prevent the formation of lipid-peroxides at the placental level.
  • Stress also plays a major role in infertility. Being an adaptogen herb, Shatavari improves the body's ability to cope up with stress. It also reduces oxidative stress and free radicals within the system. Its anti-stress properties are due to the presence of flavonoids, saponins and polyphenols. They help in reducing the production of stress hormones. Hence, Shatavari is a very useful herb in the management of stress and mental depression as well.
  • It is also very helpful in menstrual complaints such as irregular bleeding, PCOS, tubal blockages, dysmenorrhea etc.

SHATAVARI CAPSULES BY PLANET AYURVEDA

For the manufacture of Shatavari Capsules, Planet Ayurveda uses the standardized extract of the herb. These capsules contain 500 mg of standardized extract in the vegetarian shell. Capsules manufactured by Planet Ayurveda are free from chemicals, artificial flavors and preservatives. They rejuvenate the whole body and act as a wonderful tonic. These capsules do not cause any side effects and can be taken for longer period.

Dose: 1-2 capsules to be taken twice daily with plain water after taking meals.

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