According to Ayurveda, menstruation begins around age 12 and ends near age 50, with the body’s Doshas (Humors) adjusting during this period. At menopause, Ayurveda describes an increase in Pitta (Fire), a moderate increase in Vata (Air), and a decrease in Kapha (Water). These changes because various symptoms based on their levels. In Ayurvedic terms, menopause involves an accumulation of Vata (Air) in the endocrine system, leading to reduced secretion of female reproductive hormones. This hormone reduction disrupts and eventually stops the menstrual cycle.

There are some natural herbs that helps in easy transition to menopause period without any major physical and psychological upset to female. These herbs alleviate mood swings and hot flushes associated with menopause. These are natural source of estrogen and supporter for the endocrine function, so helps to maintain nearly all tissues in the body and add youthfulness.

Following are the 10 Ayurvedic herbs recommended for menopause phase

• Ashoka (Saraca Indica) Bark – It is traditionally used during menopause to alleviate symptoms like heavy bleeding and discomfort. It helps balance hormonal levels and supports uterine health. Its cooling properties also aid in reducing inflammation and managing hot flushes.
• Lodhra (SymplocasRacemosa) Bark – It supports hormonal balance and alleviates common menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes and mood swings. Additionally, Lodhra’s anti-inflammatory properties help maintain overall uterine health.
• Patrang (Caesalpinia Sappan) Heart Wood – It is used for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which promote overall reproductive health in women. It helps regulate menstrual cycles and alleviate menstrual pain. Additionally, its blood-purifying qualities support healthy skin and enhance overall vitality.
• Shatavari (Asparagus Racemosus) Root – Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) root is renowned for supporting women’s reproductive health by balancing hormones and enhancing fertility. Additionally, Shatavari boosts lactation in nursing mothers and promotes overall vitality and immune function.
• Mayyuk (Quercus infectoria) Galls – It is beneficial for women’s health due to its astringent properties, which help treat excessive menstrual bleeding and vaginal discharge. It possesses anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, supporting overall vaginal health. Additionally, it used to tone and tighten vaginal tissues, enhancing reproductive health.
• Durva (Cynodon Dactylon) Grass – It is beneficial for women due to its ability to regulate menstrual cycles and reduce excessive bleeding. It possesses anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, promoting overall reproductive and urinary health. Additionally, Durva grass aids in detoxification and supports skin health.
• Moti Pishti – It has cooling properties that help reduce hot flushes and emotional stress. Additionally, Moti Pishti supports cardiovascular health and enhances skin radiance.
• Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera) Root – It is beneficial for women as it helps reduce stress and anxiety, promoting overall emotional well-being. Additionally, it boosts energy levels and enhances fertility and reproductive health.
• Nagkesar (Mesua Ferrea) Berries – Its anti-inflammatory properties help relieve menstrual cramps, while its astringent qualities aid in managing excessive bleeding. Additionally, Nagkesar promotes overall reproductive health and balances hormonal levels.
• Amla (Emblica Officinalis) Fruit – It aids in balancing hormones, alleviating menstrual irregularities, and boosting immunity. Additionally, benefits women by promoting hair and skin health through its rich vitamin C content.

These herbs act as a unique body tonic and helps to support for comfortable feeling during menopause. These herbs support healthy physical, mental power and healthy emotions. These herbs act as a dietary supplement-that helps to support healthy nutritional power and nourishment of the dhatus [body tissues].

Ayurvedic Lifestyle

Nutritional diet, Morning walk, Yoga, Peaceful mind, Restful sleep.

Foods to Favor

• Seasonal fruits
• Fresh Vegetables regularly
• Milk
• Soy Protein (Soy Milk)
• Soy Cheese
• Bread made up of soy flour
• Unpolished Rice
• Light moong dal
• Germinated Black and Green Grams (Lentils)
• Food rich in bitter and pungent taste

Foods to Avoid

• Fatty Diet
• Chocolates
• Cakes
• Pastries
• Alcohol
• Smoking
• Junk (Fast foods) and Spicy Foods.
• Non-vegetarian foods like Fish, Sea Food (From sea animal)

Do’s

• Take diet at regular intervals.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Maintain proper hygiene.

Don’ts

• Avoid chilled fruit juices.
• Avoid stress, fear or anger.
• Avoid excessive physical exertion.
• Avoid excessive sweetened fruit juices or products.

There are some natural herbs that support female body fitness, provide energy, stamina, vigor and help to reshape & revitalize the body. It is a unique, balanced natural support for the nourishment and replenishment of the delicate female body from regular wear and tear.

Following are the 18 Ayurvedic herbs recommended for women as a female tonic

• Ashoka (Saraca asoka) Stem: Its primary uses include supporting menstrual health, alleviating menstrual disorders such as excessive bleeding and cramps, promoting fertility, regulating hormones, and aiding in postpartum recovery.
• Shatavari (Asparagua racemosus) Root: It is commonly used by women for hormonal balance, reproductive health support, menstrual regulation, digestive wellness, immune system support, stress relief, anti-inflammatory effects, and potential benefits for skin health.
• Lodhra (Symplocos racemosa) Stem: Its primary uses include supporting menstrual health, regulating menstrual cycles, alleviating menstrual disorders such as excessive bleeding and cramps. Additionally, Lodhra is believed to have astringent and anti-inflammatory properties, making it beneficial for overall reproductive health in women.
• Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Root: It is an aphrodisiac, anti-aging, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and rejuvenating herb. It is useful in general debility, stress, fatigue (temporary and chronic), immunity enhancer, sexual vitality and physical strength (ease nervousness and raise self-confidence).
• Gokhru (Tribulus terrestris) Fruit: It is a rejuvenating as well as a best herb for urinary tract system and also very useful in renal calculi. It acts as an anti-aging, anti-oxidant diuretic and enhances natural hormone production in the body.
• Haritaki (Terminalia chebula) Fruit: Laxative, Rejuvenator, Astringent, in action having Anuloman (Propels the fecal matter downward or regulates the movement of Vata (air)). It acts as a tonic, expectorant, anthelmintic, alterative. It is also helpful in anemia, asthma, abdominal problems, menorrhagia, leucorrhea and many other problems.
• Amla (Emblica officinalis) Fruit: It can support hair and skin health, boost immunity, aid in digestion, promote heart health, regulate menstrual cycles, and provide antioxidants that may help prevent aging and chronic diseases.
• Nagarmotha (Cyperus rotundus) Tuber: It is a stimulant, tonic, demulcent, diuretic, carminative, astringent, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, reduces body weight, reduces estrogenic activity, galactagogue. It is helpful in itching, skin disorders, psychosis, indigestion, nausea, loss of appetite, dysuria and menstrual disturbances etc.
• Dalchini (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) stem: It is known for its antioxidant properties, which can promote general well-being and may help manage conditions like PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) and insulin resistance.
• Babool (Acacia arabica) Bark: it has been used to address specific gynecological concerns such as vaginal infections and excessive vaginal discharge. Additionally, babool has been employed to regulate menstrual cycles and alleviate associated discomfort, including menstrual cramps. Furthermore, its astringent properties make it valuable in skincare, aiding in tightening and toning the skin.
• Shankhapushpi (Evolvulus alsinoides) Plant: It is the best known brain tonic. Increases the concentration and is very useful in insomnia. It is also good for fatigue and low energy.
• Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia) Root: Manjistha root (Rubia cordifolia) is used for skin health, detoxification, inflammation, immune support, urinary health, and menstrual health.
• Mango ginger (Curcuma amada) Root: Mango ginger (Curcuma amada) root is utilized for its anti-inflammatory properties, digestive aid, relief from indigestion, and potential support for skin health.
• Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna) Bark: It is beneficial due to its potential to support heart health, regulate menstrual cycles, alleviate menstrual disorders, and aid in postpartum recovery.
• Nagkesar (Mesua ferrea) flower: It is often utilized to regulate menstrual cycles, alleviate menstrual cramps, support reproductive health, and potentially aid in postpartum recovery. Additionally, nagkesar is valued for its antioxidant properties, which may promote overall well-being and vitality in women.
• Lajjalu (Mimosa pudica) Seed: It used to regulate menstrual cycles, alleviate menstrual cramps, support fertility, aid digestion, promote urinary health, and potentially reduce inflammation for women’s well-being.
• Dhataki (Woodfordia fruitosa) Flowers: It is used for regulating menstrual cycles, easing menstrual cramps, supporting uterine health, aiding digestion, reducing inflammation, managing diabetes, and promoting skin health.
• Kamarkas (Salvia plebeia) seed: Primarily, it’s esteemed for its benefits to women’s health, aiding in postpartum recovery, menstrual regulation, and alleviating menstrual cramps. Additionally, it is utilized for digestive support, assisting in conditions like diarrhea and dysentery.

These herbs support women’s hormonal and reproductive wellness. By incorporating these herbs and herbal supplements into a daily routine, women can help their physical and emotional well-being and ensure that their bodies can handle the natural transitions that occur throughout their life cycle. 

Ayurvedic Lifestyle

• Nutritional diet, Morning walk, Yoga, Peaceful mind, Restful sleep.

Foods to Favor

• In Vata (air) Predominance: A diet rich in sweet, sour and salty taste, unpolished rice, gram, seafood and all types of lentils (except peas) is recommended. Take all seasonal fruits, mango, brinjal (eggplant), garlic, hot milk, cheese and warm water. Use of Ashwagandha is also beneficial.

• In Pitta (fire) Predominance: A diet rich in bitter, astringent and sweet in taste, wheat, rice, gram, green gram, coconut, banana, honey, ghee, bitter gourd (karela), pomegranate, sandalwood drink preparation, cold water, cold milk with sugar. Use of Amla, Guduchi or Neem etc. is recommended.

• In Kapha (water) Predominance: Use unpolished rice (old rice), black & green grams, mustard oil, warm water, bitter gourd, brinjal (eggplant), garlic, radish, lemon, lukewarm milk and honey.

Foods to Avoid

In all types of doshas (humors) avoid excess acidic, spicy food, alcohol, smoking. Junk food, chilled water and cold soft drinks should be strictly avoided. Excess use of pickles is not beneficial. Non-vegetarian diet should be restricted. (According to Ayurveda meat from sea foods is also considered a non-vegetarian diet).

Do’s

• Take diet at regular intervals.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Maintain proper hygiene.

Don’ts

• Avoid chilled fruit juices.
• Avoid excessive sweetened fruit juices or products.
• Avoid excessive physical exertion.
• Avoid stress, fear or anger.