5 Herbs for Women’s Health

Arthava Dhatu: The female reproductive tissue

In Ayurveda, the female reproductive tissue is known as arthava dhatu. Of all of the seven layers of tissue, it is the deepest, representing the final stage of tissue nutrition. The first byproduct of food nourishes the plasma, then the blood, then muscle, then fat, then bone, then bone marrow, and then finally the reproductive tissue. The whole process of tissue nutrition takes around 35 days. Healthy reproductive tissue then goes on to nourish ojas, the superfine essence of kapha dosha that helps keep us fertile during menstruating years, and vital throughout our life.

Vata, Pitta, and Kapha in Arthava

I once heard a teacher say, speaking to the women in the class, that the menstrual cycle

is like a report card. The symptoms that surround your menstrual cycle will show you what is going on with your body as a whole. Similarly, the types of symptoms that are experienced during perimenopause and menopause reveal the state of the doshas.

When vata dosha is affecting the female reproductive system it can lead to painful cramping, low back ache, scanty periods, irregular periods, or amenorrhea. For women going through menopause this can look like dryness, forgetfulness, insomnia, and anxiety.

An excess of pitta dosha affecting the reproductive tissue can look like tender breasts, heavy periods, burning sensations, acne, headaches, anger, irritability, and hot flashes. Pathologies associated with pitta dosha are generally inflammatory, such as endometriosis.

An imbalance of kapha dosha can create lethargy and depression, water retention, cravings for sweets, and weight gain. Pathologies like fibroids that are building in nature are kapha type issues.

Key to dealing with any imbalance is to consume foods and create lifestyle practices that are opposite in nature to the qualities of the affliction. For example, if you are experiencing irregular periods (an example of a vata imbalance), sticking to a daily routine and practicing grounding in your life is essential, as well as eating foods that are warm, nourishing, and easy to digest. Since the reproductive tissue represents the deepest layer of tissue in the human body, imbalances here may take longer to heal and require cleansing protocols such as panchakarma, guided by a qualified professional.

5 Ayurvedic herbal allies for women’s health

Below are five common Ayurvedic herbs that have an affinity for the female reproductive system. Since the female reproductive tissue is considered to be hot in nature, most of the herbs that work on the female reproductive tissue are going to be cooling.

Shatavari:

This herb, made from the root of the Indian wild asparagus plant, is probably the most famous Ayurvedic uterine tonic. It is a rejuvenative herb for the female reproductive system. It is bitter, sweet and cooling- excellent for soothing pitta type imbalances such as excess bleeding, irritability, and hot flashes. Because it is slightly building, it is best for vata and pitta type imbalances.

Kumari (Aloe Vera):

The word kumārī means “young maiden” in Sanskrit, and is a nod to the rejuvenating power of this common herb for the female reproductive system. It is cooling and unctuous in nature and is indicated for pitta-type menstruation disorders like excess bleeding and menopausal symptoms like dryness and hot flashes. You can find pure aloe water in most health food stores. Drinking ¼ cup of aloe water mixed with pomegranate juice is not only yummy, but cooling and tonic for arthava dhatu. Favor fresh aloe or aloe water over the powdered herb which is very bitter and can be laxative.

Mustaka:

Also known as Indian nut grass, this aromatic root is an excellent herb for pitta and kapha type imbalances in the female reproductive system. It clears congestion in the uterus and can act as an emmenagogue, helping to bring on menses in cases of delayed onset. It also has an affinity for the liver, helping to promote the metabolism of hormones and fat.

Ashoka

The name of this herb means “remover of sorrow” and is referenced in the Ramayana as the tree Mother Sita sat under during her imprisonment in Lanka. It is a famous uterine tonic and can be helpful for dysmenorrhea where there is excess bleeding and painful cramping. Although helpful for all three doshas, ashoka is especially useful for pitta and kapha-type female reproductive disorders.

Anatamula

Also known as Sariva or Indian Sasparilla, this sweet tasting, cooling herb has a rejuvenating effect on the reproductive tissues. It clears inflammation, cleans the blood, and has a cooling effect on the skin and nerves as well. It is one of my herbalism teacher’s favorite herbs for treating hot flashes in women, and works on all three doshas. Its sweet taste and fragrant smell make it an easy herb to drink in warm water or even sprinkle over oatmeal.

While all of these herbs are generally safe for all people, you should consult a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner for advice about if they are right for you, and how and when to use them to optimize their effectiveness.

*Disclaimer: This information is for education purposes only and is not meant to prescribe, diagnose, or replace advice from a licensed medical professional.

References:

Lad, Vasant. Ayurvedic Perspectives on Selected Pathologies: An Anthology of Essential Reading from Ayurveda Today. 3rd ed., Ayurvedic Press, 2018.

Pole, Sebastian. Ayurvedic Medicine: The Principles of Traditional Practice. Churchill Livingstone, 2006.