AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE ON EMMENAGOGUE

Herbs which stimulate menstruation. Emmenagogues are used for scanty menstruation, to relieve menstrual pain, and improve blood flow in the pelvic area and uterus.

Emmenagogues stimulate menstruation. They should be used in cases of menstrual retention due to low functioning uterus (low artava agni), or blood congestion / stagnation (poor circulation - vyana vayu). The goal of an emmenagogues is to restore regular, healthy monthly menses. (Source: Holmes)

Healthy menstruation drains excess blood. Women tend towards an excess of blood, while men tend towards an excess of energy. Menstruation clears this excess, which reduces heat, irritability, water retention, and malaise, leaving the woman feeling refreshed and grounded.

Menstruation is not specifically a detoxification process like urine or feces. Instead, it clears toxins and substance alike. Therefore it is more properly a process of draining, not detoxification (Holmes).

The clinician should never force a menstruation in cases of blood deficiency, a serious error. Emmenagogues are also contraindicated in pregnancy - as they can have an abortive effect.

Review the basics of reproductive health.

Causes of Long / Absent Menstrual Cycle (Pathogenesis)

Amenorrhea, light periods, or long menstrual cycles has the following main causes:

Poor liver function

The liver plays a large role in healthy menstruation. A poorly functioning liver will not be able to clear hormones efficiently, delaying menstruation.

Suppressed Uterus Function

• Pregnancy or pregnancy hormones such as progesterone
• High levels of lactation hormones (prolactin)
• See characteristics of reproductive hormones.

Deficiency / Low Weight (Vata)

• General deficiency from too much exercise, or weight loss.
• Blood deficiency (anemia)
• Estrogen deficiency (menopause, stopping birth control pills)

Do not use emmenagogues to encourage menstruation in deficiency conditions. Instead, use nutritive, restorative diets, lifestyle and herbs. Examples include shatavari, damiana, and saw palmetto.

Stress / Tension (Vata)

Stress can disrupt hormones. As the uterus is a muscle, stress can disrupt natural contractions and smooth release of menstrual blood. Travel, and emotional shock can also disrupt the menstrual cycle. Toxicity can also disrupt natural flow of the uterus. In these cases clear toxicity, and use muscle relaxants that are not progesterone based.

Uterine Cold (Kapha or Vata)

Use warming or vasodilator herbs that stimulate blood flow, especially those that have an affinity for the reproductive tract. Example: cinnamon, hing, rosemary, ginger, guggulu. frankincense.

Excess / Congestion / Stagnation (Kapha)

Especially congestion that includes other abdominal stagnation such as constipation and abdominal obesity.

• Blood stagnation or congestion (an excess condition)
• Low thyroid, adrenal exhaustion
• Ovarian tumors, cysts

Turmeric stimulates the liver and invigorates the blood. Cholagogues such as bhumyamalaki are particularly useful to decongest (thin) the blood plasma, while having a mild laxative effect that clears the abdomen.

Note on Treatment

• Amenorrhea - Taken daily until flow arrives
• Delayed menstruation - Take one week before due onset
• Scanty menstruation - Take 3-4 days before until flow arrives.

OTHER HERB ACTIONS AFFECTING REPRODUCTIVE-HEALTH

INGREDIENTS WITH EMMENAGOGUE QUALITY

HERBS & SUPPLEMENTS WITH EMMENAGOGUE QUALITY

HELPFUL FOR*

'Emmenagogue' may be helpful for these symptoms and causes below.

CONTRAINDICATIONS / AGGRAVATES / IS AGGRAVATED BY*

'Emmenagogue' may aggravate, or be aggravated by, these symptoms and causes below.

About the Author

John Immel, the founder of Joyful Belly, teaches people how to have a healthy diet and lifestyle with Ayurveda biocharacteristics. His approach to Ayurveda is clinical, yet exudes an ease which many find enjoyable and insightful. John also directs Joyful Belly's School of Ayurveda, offering professional clinical training in Ayurveda for over 15 years.

John's interest in Ayurveda and specialization in digestive tract pathology was inspired by a complex digestive disorder acquired from years of international travel, as well as public service work in South Asia. John's commitment to the detailed study of digestive disorders reflects his zeal to get down to the roots of the problem. His hope and belief in the capacity of each & every client to improve their quality of life is nothing short of a personal passion. John's creativity in the kitchen and delight in cooking for others comes from his family oriented upbringing. In addition to his certification in Ayurveda, John holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Harvard University.

John enjoys sharing Ayurveda within the context of his Catholic roots, and finds Ayurveda gives him an opportunity to participate in the healing mission of the Church. Jesus expressed God's love by feeding and healing the sick. That kindness is the fundamental ministry of Ayurveda as well. Outside of work, John enjoys spending time with his wife and 6 kids, and pursuing his love of theology, philosophy, and language.

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