The science that was once known as the only system of medicine in India is now facing allegations and demanding proofs for its effect. The fact that Ayurveda has been there from the birth to death is a fact that cannot be denied by the people who believe in it. Today, let us understand how Ayurveda influences the life of a woman.
Even before a girl child is born, her health is determined through the food and the regimens of her mother. What she eats, how she maintains the health of the body and how she keeps her mental status intact, all affects the health of the unborn baby. Ayurveda classics have detailed description about pre-conceptional care. The way in which the body can be cleansed through vamana and virechana, the diets and regimens like urad dal and tila taila supporting the formation of good quality ovum, can be considered as gems. Once she becomes pregnant, there are diets and regimens described under the term ‘Garbhini Paricharya’. There are monthly dietary regimens which mainly consists of milk, ghee, butter, and porridges. These help not only the mother but also ensure the health of the foetus in her womb. Practices such as adequate sleep and emotional stability are also emphasized. The importance of husband and the family for a pregnant woman is also said clearly by the Acharya. After the delivery of the baby, there are certain procedures to be followed by the woman, during the post-partum period. This is yet another chapter that gives importance to both the baby and the mother. How the residues present in the uterus can be expelled easily, how the pain can be managed, how the mother should be treated soon after delivery, everything is explained in detail. The importance of light diet, when should the mother change to heavy foods are described by giving the specific days. The ways in which the breast milk can be increased, like drinking of fenugreek porridge and so on is written in various classics. The role of Kashaya dhara, oil massage and even the yoni dhupana (Fomentation of vulvar area) using medicated drugs like vacha, kushta, haridra for the easy healing of episiotomy are also there in our ancient texts.
Once the baby is born, from the birth of her, how she should be handled, how she can be bathed using Nalpamaradi Kashaya and how she can be massaged well, are also explained beautifully. The way in which each herbs acts according to Ayurveda in the different diseases seen commonly in baby are also dealt in the Kaumarabhrithya section of Ayurveda. The foundation of the health of a woman happens during her childhood. How she should be nourished using different foods, how her intellect can be boosted up through Swarna prashana, and other herbs like Brahmi and Mandukaparni are said in these texts. Balanced diet, and the importance of controlling the agni (digestive fire) before giving the rasayana therapy to the child is deeply given importance. The role of Gopichandanadi gutika, Chyavanaprasha and even drinking of milk in which turmeric is mixed, everything is crucial for the development of immunity of that girl child. There also dinacharya (daily regimens) and ritucharya (seasonal regimens) to be followed, that can help a. child grow healthy and happily. Once she moves on from child to an adolescent, menarche marks a milestone. There are ritucharya to be observed during her menstruation (menstrual regimen), which includes light and easily digestible diet, adequate rest, and avoidance of excessive physical exertion during menstruation. Managing the abdominal cramps through drugs like Dhanwantaram Gulika and Abhayarishta to dealing with the heavy menstrual flow using Asoka ksheerapaka has given miraculous results in such young patients. There also descriptions about 8 artava dushti (menstrual disorders ) that can affect a girl child. The effect of easily available herbs like Shatavari, Asoka, Lodhra and various other herbs are described in the classics. Consecutively, other disorders that evade a woman during her reproductive phase is also described under the name Yonivyapad. The other problems like Vandhyata (infertility) are also described in the Ayurveda. The medications as single herbs like Satapushpa, Yashtimadhu and formulations like Sukumara Kashaya, Phala Sarpi, Chandraprabha vati are all described clearly in the Ayurveda texts. How a woman should be eating, and what deeds she should be doing to attain a good progeny during this phase is also written clearly. For those struggling with the infertility, starting from the shamana aushadhis to the Panchakarma procedure like Uttrabasti with medicines like Dhanwantaram taila and Mahanarayana taila in severe cases like fallopian tube blockage has shown great results in OPDs.
The next phase of the woman is menopause. The phase when the woman meets with drastic change of hormones. The ways in which she can tackle her mood swings, night sweats and sleepless nights are tackled through herbs like Bala, Chandana and Usira. Ksheerabala taila is also given in this phase.
Ayurveda sees the woman’s life as a cycle of transformation; each epoch holding distinct physiological and psychological features. From focusing on the growth of a child to supporting the transitions of adolescence, dealing through the roller coaster of reproductive phase, and providing comfort in the journey through menopause and aging, Ayurveda provides comprehensive strategies for health promotion, disease prevention, and holistic well-being. By integrating diet, lifestyle, herbal therapies, and spiritual practices, Ayurveda honours the uniqueness of female physiology and psychology. Its timeless principles remain highly relevant, offering natural and sustainable solutions for modern women’s health challenges.
