FAMILY PLANNING AND AYURVEDIC TREATMENT

Except for pills, intra-uterine devices and surgery, the failure rate of various other contraceptive methods is high. To add to the problem, the methods with lowest rate of failure are the ones with the highest side effects. For example, intra-uterine contraceptive devices like the copper-T can cause vaso-vagal attacks and uterine cramps, spotting, excessive menstrual flow and painful menstruation. Other complications include inflammation of the pelvic parts, implantation outside the uterine cavity (ectopic pregnancy), menorrhagia and dysmenorrhoea.

Oral pills have side-effects that may range from headache, migraine, depression, irritability, increased weight and weakness to much more serious conditions including the formation of blood clots that can threaten circulation in the heart, brain and lungs which may lead to heart attack or stroke or pulmonary embolism. In some cases, intermenstrual bleeding, scanty menstruation, vaginal infections, suppressed milk production in lactating mothers, nausea, vomiting, and loss of libido is also seen. Liver and gall bladder dysfunction, impaired carbohydrate metabolism can also occur, hence they are contraindicated in diabetic women.

Surgical sterilisation in males can sometimes result in formation of haematoma, spontaneous recanalisation, spermatocele or auto immunity through formation of anti-spermal antibodies.

Keeping these disadvantages in view, there is great demand for low cost, user-friendly, reliable, and side-effect-free approach for family planning. Therefore, research on Ayurvedic herbs is on. Even the Government of India has recognised the role of indigenous systems of medicine in population control. The Central Council for Research in Ayurveda and Siddha, New Delhi and the Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow are undertaking lot of research on indigenous contraceptive methods.

Ayurvedic Insights

An incantation in the Rig Veda says: “A man with many children succumbs to miseries.” This is perhaps the oldest statement with a suggestion against a large family. Several natural oral pills, suppositories, and mechanical devices are described in Ayurvedic works. Some local and oral contraceptives described in the ancient classics and treatises like Yoga Ratnaakara, Brihat-yoga-tarangini, Tantra-saara-sangraha, Brihannighantu-ratnaakara, Rasa-ratna-samuchchaya, etc. are listed below. Some claims have been tested scientifically and some are yet to be tested.

Guidelines & Ayurvedic Remedies

There are also many herbs like Kadamba (Anthocephalus indicus), Sarshapa (Brassica compestris) Palaasa (Butea monosperma) Tanduleeyaka (Amaranthus spinosus), Patha (Cissampelos pareira), Shalmali (Salmalia malabarica), Maricha (Piper nigrum), Taala (Borassus flaberlifer), Agnimantha (Clerodendrum phlomidis), Taleesa (Abies webbiana), Champaka (Michelia champaca), Haridra (Curcuma longa), etc., which have been mentioned in the ancient texts and have to be scientifically tested to prove their efficacy.

Note

As we all are genetically different with different constitutions and patterns, we respond to treatments in many different ways. Hence Standard Ayurvedic Treatments are always individually formulated. This article is intended only for information. It is not a substitute to the standard medical diagnosis, personalized Ayurvedic treatment or qualified Ayurvedic physician. For specific treatment, always consult with a qualified Ayurvedic physician.