Analysis of Rakthasthambhaka Dravya in Asrigdhara on Uterine Bleeding
Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: Analysis on Action of Rakthasthambhaka Dravya’s in Asrigdhara with special reference to Abnormal Uterine Bleeding
AYUSHDHARA is an international peer-reviewed journal. It focuses on research in Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy, Allopathy, and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
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Noor Fathima
PhD scholar & Assistant Professor, Department of Prasooti Tantra and Stree Roga, GAMC, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
Mamatha K.V
Principal & Professor, SDM College of Ayurveda, Kuthpady, Udupi, Karnataka, India
Ayushdhara:
(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)
Full text available for: Analysis on Action of Rakthasthambhaka Dravya’s in Asrigdhara with special reference to Abnormal Uterine Bleeding
Year: 2022 | Doi: 10.47070/ayushdhara.v9iSuppl1.1030
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The paper delves into the traditional Ayurvedic treatment of Asrigdhara (abnormal uterine bleeding) and the action of Raktasthambhaka Dravyas, substances known for their blood-stopping properties. Rakta is deemed vital for life, and controlling excessive bleeding is crucial both for health and quality of life. The work discusses the various factors leading to abnormal uterine bleeding, including the vitiation of the Tridosha (the three doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha), and emphasizes the need for effective Shadvidopakrama (sixfold therapeutic methods). Notably, abnormal uterine bleeding can lead to significant consequences, including anemia and reduced social efficiency, necessitating timely intervention.
Hemostatic Mechanisms and Treatment Implications
One of the significant concepts presented is the role of Raktasthambhana, which focuses on the mechanisms to control excessive bleeding. The study explains that Raktasthambhana refers to the ability to stop the excessive flow of Rakta (blood), particularly in cases of Atyaadhika Raktasrava (excessive menstrual bleeding). Various medications are categorized as Raktasthambhaka Dravyas, including plants and herbs known for their Kashaya (astringent) properties, which help in coagulation and restore balance to the body. The authors elaborate on specific herbs that aid in stopping bleeding while supporting blood quality and quantity without adverse side effects, thereby enhancing the overall treatment of conditions such as Asrigdhara.
The Importance of Nutritional Support in Treatment
Another critical aspect highlighted is the connection between nutrition and the regulation of menstrual health. The Rasa, Guna, Virya, and Vipaka, the basic properties of the drugs, are analyzed concerning their ability to treat abnormal uterine bleeding effectively while also nourishing the body. For instance, substances that are Madhura (sweet) and Snigdha (unctuous) contribute to overall wellness, supporting healing and reducing the risk of further complications. Value is placed on the holistic approach of Ayurveda, suggesting that balancing diet can significantly impact the effectiveness of the herbal treatments and lead to improved hormonal balance, thereby reducing instances of excessive bleeding.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the insights provided in the paper underscore that Raktasthambhana Dravyas are not only pivotal in immediately managing excessive uterine bleeding, but they also play a crucial role in enhancing overall blood quality and ensuring the health of women suffering from Asrigdhara. The intricate relationship between herbal treatments, nutrition, and overall health is emphasized, presenting a comprehensive overview of managing abnormal uterine bleeding within Ayurvedic practice. Given the potential for severe health implications, the authors advocate for early recognition and treatment of such conditions through traditional medicinal practices, thereby improving women's health outcomes effectively.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the significance of Rakthasthambhaka Dravya in Ayurveda?
Rakthasthambhaka Dravya is crucial in Ayurveda for preventing excessive menstrual bleeding (Asrigdhara). It aids in coagulating blood and improving blood quality and quantity, thus addressing health issues linked with abnormal uterine bleeding.
How does Raktasthambhana help with abnormal uterine bleeding?
Raktasthambhana measures are designed to stop excessive menstrual flow. These treatments assist in regulating the menstrual cycle, toning uterine muscles, and managing underlying conditions that lead to abnormal bleeding, thereby enhancing women's overall well-being.
What are common ingredients in Raktasthambhaka Dravya?
Common ingredients include Ashoka, Arjuna, and Lodhra. These herbs possess properties that help in reducing blood loss and promote uterine health. Many have astringent, anti-inflammatory, and rejuvenating effects important for managing Asrigdhara.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Analysis of Rakthasthambhaka Dravya in Asrigdhara on Uterine Bleeding”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Kashaya (Kasaya):
Kashaya refers to the astringent taste; it's crucial in Ayurvedic treatments for its Raktasthambhaka (hemostatic) properties, helping to prevent bleeding. It acts on Rakta by constricting tissues and blood vessels.
2) Madhura:
Madhura denotes the sweet taste, known for its nourishing and soothing effects on the body. It helps in balancing Pitta and Vata Doshas and improving the quality of Rakta Dhatu (blood tissue).
3) Katu:
Katu signifies the pungent taste, which aids in digestion and metabolism. It helps in clearing Ama (toxins) from the body and is useful in reducing Kapha and Vata Doshas.
4) Laghu:
Laghu Guna (property) refers to lightness; substances with this quality are easy to digest and often prescribed to counter conditions involving heaviness, stagnation, or excess Kapha.
5) Ruksha (Ruksa):
Ruksha Guna denotes dryness. It is used in treatments to absorb excess moisture, reduce Kapha and counteract the oily, sticky qualities of conditions often involving Pitta.
6) Tikta:
Tikta refers to the bitter taste. This quality is beneficial in detoxifying the body and balancing both Pitta and Kapha Doshas.
7) Blood:
In Ayurvedic terms, blood or Rakta is one of the seven vital Dhatus (tissues) necessary for maintaining life and health. Its quality and quantity can be influenced by diet and Ayurvedic treatments.
8) Dravya:
Dravya refers to a substance used for medicinal purposes in Ayurveda. Each Dravya is characterized by its Rasa (taste), Guna (qualities), Virya (potency), and Vipaka (post-digestive effect).
9) Snigdha:
Snigdha Guna indicates an oily nature, which helps in lubrication of tissues and pacifying Vata and Pitta. It balances dryness and can be nourishing.
10) Rakta:
Rakta, or blood, is a vital life-sustaining Dhatu in Ayurveda responsible for nourishing tissues and providing them with oxygen and nutrients.
11) Guru:
Guru Guna represents heaviness, often used in the context of diet and treatment to bring about stability and nourishment, balancing out Vata Dosha.
12) Ashoka (Asoka):
Ashoka (Saraca asoca) is an Ayurvedic herb known for its astringent properties and beneficial effects in managing excessive menstrual bleeding (Asrigdara), often used in various forms like Kshirapaka or Ghrita.
13) Rasa (Rasha):
Rasa refers to the taste of a substance, which is crucial in determining its effects on the Doshas and its therapeutic action according to Ayurveda.
14) Tandulodaka (Tandula-udaka):
Tandulodaka is rice-washed water used in Ayurvedic treatments and as an Anupana (vehicle) to enhance the effects of medicinal substances.
15) Dhataki:
Dhataki (Woodfordia fruticosa) is an Ayurvedic herb known for its Raktasthambhaka (hemostatic) properties, beneficial in treating Pradara (menorrhagia) and improving blood quality.
16) Ushna (Usna):
Ushna Virya represents a heating potency in Ayurveda, often utilized in treatments to stimulate metabolism and balance Vata and Kapha Doshas.
17) Asrigdara (Asrgdara, Asrij-dara):
Asrigdara refers to abnormal or excessive menstrual bleeding. Ayurvedic treatment involves herbs and practices to balance Doshas and regulate the menstrual cycle.
18) Pushpa (Puspa):
Pushpa generally means 'flower' in Ayurveda and is used for its medicinal properties, often in the form of extracts or powders for treating various conditions.
19) Lodhra:
Lodhra (Symplocos racemosa) is known for its strong astringent properties, used in Ayurvedic medicine to manage excessive uterine bleeding (Asrigdara) and other gynecological disorders.
20) Powder:
Powder refers to the form in which many Ayurvedic herbs are administered, often mixed with other substances like honey or Tandulodaka for therapeutic purposes.
21) Flavonoid:
Flavonoid is a type of bioactive compound found in many plants, known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and sometimes estrogenic or anti-cancer properties.
22) Pitta:
Pitta is one of the three Doshas in Ayurveda, representing fire and water elements, responsible for transformation in the body, including digestion and metabolism.
23) Shalmali (Salmali):
Shalmali (Bombax ceiba) is used in Ayurveda for its anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic properties, beneficial in treating conditions like uterine bleeding and endometrial disorders.
24) Food:
In Ayurveda, food (Ahara) is essential for maintaining health and balancing Doshas. It is often tailored to individual needs according to one's Prakriti.
25) Pradara:
Pradara refers to excessive or abnormal vaginal discharge in Ayurvedic medicine, often inclusive of conditions like menorrhagia or leucorrhea.
26) Disease:
Disease in Ayurveda is understood as an imbalance in the Doshas, Dhatus, or Malas (waste products), remedied through diet, lifestyle, and herbal treatments.
27) Honey:
Honey (Madhu) is used in Ayurveda both as a medicinal substance for its healing properties and as an Anupana to enhance the efficacy of other treatments.
28) Guna:
Gunas are fundamental qualities like heavy (Guru), light (Laghu), oily (Snigdha), or dry (Ruksha) that dictate the inherent properties of substances in Ayurveda.
29) Menstrual blood:
Menstrual blood, or Artava, is crucial in Ayurveda for diagnosing and treating female reproductive health issues. Imbalances may signal various disorders.
30) Nagakesara (Nagakeshara, Naga-kesara):
Nagakeshara is an Ayurvedic herb known for its astringent and hemostatic properties, often used to treat conditions involving excess bleeding like Asrigdara.
31) Virya:
Virya denotes the potency of a substance in Ayurveda, classified as either heating (Ushna) or cooling (Shita), crucial in determining its therapeutic effect.
32) Yoga:
Yoga in the context of Ayurveda refers to a medicinal formulation or combination of herbs designed to treat specific health conditions.
33) Beta:
Beta refers to beta-sitosterol, a phytosterol found in plants like Ashoka, known for its therapeutic properties, including anti-inflammatory and estrogenic effects.
34) Drug:
Drug in Ayurveda refers to herbal substances or formulations used for their healing properties to treat various imbalances and diseases in the body.
35) Tridoshahara (Tridosahara, Tridosha-hara):
Tridoshahara denotes substances or practices that balance all three Doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha), promoting overall harmony and health.
36) Shunthi (Sunthi, Sumthi, Shumthi):
Shunthi (Zingiber officinale or dry ginger) is widely used in Ayurveda for its anti-inflammatory, digestive, and pain-relieving properties, effective in treating dysmenorrhea and other conditions.
37) Kadali:
Kadali (Musa paradisiaca or plantain) is used in Ayurveda to treat excessive menstrual bleeding and other female reproductive health issues.
38) Cancer:
Cancer, in Ayurveda, is often tied to imbalances and is treated through dietary changes, lifestyle adjustments, and herbal formulations to restore balance and reduce symptoms.
39) Dosha (Dosa):
Doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) are fundamental bio-energies in Ayurveda that govern physiological and pathological functions. Their balance is key to health.
40) Madhu:
Madhu, or honey, is extensively used in Ayurveda for its medicinal properties and serves as an Anupana (vehicle) to enhance the action of other medications.
41) Vasa (Vasha):
Vasa (Adhatoda vasica) is noted for its uterotonic and hemostatic properties, often used in treatments for bleeding disorders like Asrigdara.
42) Sita (Shita):
Sita signifies sugar, often used in Ayurvedic formulations to sweeten medicines and as an Anupana to aid in the absorption of active ingredients.
43) Milk:
Milk (Ksheera) is used in various Ayurvedic treatments for its nourishing and balancing effects, especially helpful in conditions involving Pitta and Vata.
44) Sharkara (Sarkara):
Sharkara, or sugar, is used in Ayurveda to sweeten formulations and balance other components, also acting as an Anupana to aid in effectiveness.
45) Amalaki:
Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), rich in vitamin C, is used in Ayurveda for its Pitta-pacifying properties and for treating various bleeding disorders due to its Raktasthambhaka effect.
46) Durva:
Durva (Cynodon dactylon) juice is used in Ayurveda to stop bleeding, strengthen the uterus, and enhance blood quality due to its Madhura Rasa and Tikta, Kashaya Rasa.
47) Musta (Mushta):
Musta (Cyperus rotundus) is an Ayurvedic herb known for its digestive and anti-inflammatory properties, used in treating various disorders including gynecological issues.
48) Svadu:
Svadu, or sweet, signifies the Madhura Rasa, which has nourishing, building, and cooling effects, often used to balance Pitta and Vata Doshas.
49) Sugar:
Sugar (Sita) is often used in Ayurvedic medicine to sweeten preparations and enhance the absorption and efficacy of other herbal ingredients.
50) Japa:
Japa (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) is used in Ayurvedic treatments for conditions like menorrhagia, leveraging its hemostatic and anti-inflammatory properties.
51) Paka:
Paka denotes a preparation or method in Ayurveda, as in Kshirapaka, which involves boiling herbs in milk to extract their therapeutic benefits.
52) Daruharidra (Daru-haridra):
Daruharidra (Berberis aristata) is used in Ayurveda for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, beneficial in treating menorrhagia and other bleeding disorders.
53) Raktadhatu (Rakta-dhatu):
Rakta-dhatu refers to blood tissue in Ayurveda, essential for nourishing the body. Imbalances or vitiation can lead to various disorders, necessitating targeted treatments.
54) Yashtimadhu (Yastimadhu, Yashti-madhu):
Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is employed in Ayurveda for its anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and soothing properties, making it effective in treating various hemorrhagic conditions.
55) Pittadosha (Pittadosa, Pitta-dosha):
Pitta-dosha represents the fire and water elements, responsible for transformation and digestion in Ayurveda. Imbalances can result in inflammatory conditions or excessive bleeding.
56) Raktasrava (Rakta-srava, Raktashrava):
Raktasrava denotes bleeding in Ayurveda. It often refers to abnormal or excessive bleeding conditions that can be life-threatening if not managed properly.
57) Nyagrodha:
Nyagrodha (Ficus benghalensis) is used in Ayurveda for its hemostatic and astringent properties, beneficial in treating conditions like Asrigdara and other bleeding disorders.
58) Rasanjana (Rasa-anjana, Rasamjana):
Rasanjana is an extract derived from the root of Berberis aristata, used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat various conditions including bleeding disorders due to its hemostatic properties.
59) Kushmanda (Kusmanda, Kushmamda):
Kushmanda (Benincasa hispida) is used for its cooling, nourishing, and hemostatic properties in treating conditions like Raktapradara, helping to stop excessive bleeding and strengthen blood.
60) Picchila:
Picchila Guna denotes a sticky or mucilaginous property, which can be beneficial in healing wounds and stabilizing tissues, counteracting dry and rough conditions.
61) Haritaki:
Haritaki (Terminalia chebula) is a key Ayurvedic herb known for its rejuvenating and balancing properties, often used in formulations to treat various disorders.
62) Medicine:
Medicine in Ayurveda refers to herbal or mineral formulations designed to treat specific imbalances in the Doshas, Dhatus, and Malas, guiding the body back to health.
63) Khadira:
Khadira (Acacia catechu) is known for its strong astringent and antiseptic properties, making it effective in treating bleeding conditions and improving oral and skin health.
64) Anupana:
Anupana refers to a vehicle or carrier substance used to take Ayurvedic medicines, enhancing their therapeutic effects. Common Anupanas include milk, honey, and ghee.
65) Lajjalu:
Lajjalu (Mimosa pudica) is used in Ayurvedic medicine for its astringent, styptic, and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to control bleeding and purify blood.
66) Ghrita (Ghrta):
Ghrita, or ghee (clarified butter), is highly valued in Ayurveda for its nourishing, cooling properties, used in many preparations to enhance healing and absorption of herbs.
67) Kutaja (Kuta-ja):
Kutaja (Holarrhena antidysenterica) is an important Ayurvedic herb known for its astringent, anti-inflammatory properties, effective in treating Asrigdhara and other bleeding disorders.
68) Artava:
Artava in Ayurveda refers to menstrual blood or female reproductive tissue. Proper Artava is essential for maintaining reproductive health and balance.
69) Kapha:
Kapha is one of the three Doshas in Ayurveda, representing the earth and water elements. It is responsible for stability, structure, and lubrication in the body.
70) Patha:
Patha (Cyclea peltata) is used in Ayurvedic treatments for its anti-inflammatory and digestive properties, aiding in detoxification and overall health.
71) Dhatu:
Dhatu refers to the seven body tissues in Ayurveda, including Rakta (blood) and Rasa (plasma). Balanced Dhatus are essential for overall health.
72) Vata:
Vata is one of the three Doshas in Ayurveda, representing the air and ether elements, governing movement, and often associated with dryness and lightness.
73) Sara (Shara):
Sara denotes fluidity, a quality important in the context of bodily functions like blood flow and nutrient transport.
74) Rice (Rce):
Rice in Ayurveda is often used as a dietary staple and also in therapeutic preparations such as Tandulodaka (rice washed water) for its nourishing and balancing properties.
75) Vatapittahara (Vatapitta-hara):
Vatapittahara describes substances or practices that balance both Vata and Pitta Doshas, often necessary in treating conditions like dysmenorrhea.
[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 260]