Ayurveda for Infertility

Varalakshmi Yanamandra - Ayurveda for Infertility April 30, 2015

Infertility is defined as not conceiving even after having regular sex for a period of time without using any contraception. Research suggests that one in 7 couples suffer from Infertility even after regular sex for two years. Infertility may be caused by problems in men or women, sometimes both. Women who are below the age of 35 conceive little easier than women above the age of 40. IVF is most common alternative for couples with infertility. It is the considered more successful than artificial insemination.

Infertility Causes in Women

PCOS – this is one of the most common causes of Infertility. Women suffering from PCOS have small cysts on their ovaries and produce more androgens. They also experience improper consumption of insulin causing weight gain, acne, irregular periods, and difficulty in ovulation.

Endometriosis – Endometrium is the lining of the uterus. In endometriosis, endometrium is found outside the uterus on pelvis, ovaries, etc. It is associated with painful periods, low back ache, and fertility issues.

PID – Pelvic Inflammatory Disease is a condition associated with infection in the pelvis organs like fallopian tubes and ovaries which result in scar tissues, making it difficult for ovum to implant some times.

Other causes – Previous surgeries to ovaries, fallopian tubes, fibroids, chemo therapy, and previous illness like diabetes are some other causes.

Infertility Causes in Men

Undescended Testes – In some cases, testes doesn’t descend into the scrotum which leads to smaller amount of sperm being released, thus, raising the risk of infertility.

Diseases of Testes – Some diseases of testes like mumps and tumours are responsible for causing infertility in men.

Low Quality Sperm – It might be due to increased scrotal temperature, varicocele, or the use of some drugs like colchicine, tetracycline, and chemotherapy.

Hormonal Imbalance – Hormonal imbalance due to any disease like Cushing’s syndrome and hyperprolactinemia.

Stress – Stress is an important factor in infertility. Research suggests that daily exercise and meditation can help in relieving stress.

Ayurveda describes the important factors essential for the conception to take place as Ritukala (fertile phase of uterine cycle-profilertaive phase), kshetra (uterus), Ambhu (Nutrient media) and Bheeja (healthy sperm and healthy ovum). If all the above factors are affected by any external or internal causes it will lead to infertility.

Causes

• Artava Dushti- Anovulation

• Vatakapha margaavarodha - Obstrcution of fallopian tubes

• Vyappana Yoni - Uterine, cervical and vaginal hostility to spermatozoa

• Ama - Undigested food whcih is repsonsible for creating imblance and improper nourishment of sukra dhatu or reproductive tissue.

Ayurveda’s line of approach is to bring healthy state back in body. That is nourishing the reproductive tissue, eliminating ama (undigested food), reducing stress on mind and building ojas (the basic immune system of body).

Diet

Mainly nourishing diet is recommended.

Cooked, steamed and non-dry foods are recommended.

Milk, Egg, Nuts, Dates, Sesame seeds, saffron, avocados and honey help in building Ojas.

Fresh, organic fruits and vegetables, whole grains, protein from plant sources like beans, and peas, sweet, juicy fruits such as mangoes, peaches, plums, and pears, asparagus, broccoli, spices such as ajwain powder, cumin (purifies the uterus in women and the genitourinary tract in men), turmeric (to improve the interaction between hormones and targeted tissues), and black cumin boost fertility. Root vegetables, grains, arugula, watercress, onions, garlic, chives improve circulation and nourish the blood.

Panchakarama- Ayurvedic detox and eliminating treatments are useful in restoring reproductive health are advised.

Herbal Treatments

Ayurveda herbs helpful in dealing with infertility.

Aswagandha

Aswagandha also known as “Winter cherry” and “Indian Ginseng” is well-known for its many useful properties: nervine tonic, immune booster, aphrodisiac, stress buster and anti-inflammatory. Ayurveda described it as Rasayana drug. It is usually suggested in cases of infertility due to its aphrodisiac properties. It is one of the main drugs recommended by Ayurveda doctors for stress and general debility. Research shows that Aswagandha has shown some promising results in reducing stress, anti-cancerous activity, useful in degenerative diseases like Parkinsonism etc.

Kapikachu

Also known as Cowhage or Cowitch, it is helpful in male infertility, sterility and debility. It is a mainly recommended drug for Parkinson’s disease.

Satavari

Well known as Asparagus root (white), satavari is mainly known for its use in female reproductive debility, leucorrhoea, Infertility, menopause. It is very useful in regulating hormonal imbalances in female reproductive system caused by PCOS like conditions.

Gokshura

Also known as Goat’s head, Puncture vine. It is not only the best diuretic herb used in treating genitourinary disorders but also one of the best male aphrodisiac drug.

Kum Kum

Also called Saffron, it is used commonly in food flavouring, spice and food colouring. It is useful in PMS, amenorrhea, leucorrhoea and male Infertility. Drink warm milk with a pinch of saffron every night before bed to regularising menstrual irregularities and aids in infertility.

Phala Grita

An Ayurvedic exclusive preparation with herbs which are useful in promoting fertility. It is prepared with vital ayurvedic herbs which aid in fertility. It is uterine tonic also useful in dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, supporting mother and foetus during pregnancy and leucorrhoea.