Ayurveda Treatment For Menorrhagia

Excessive bleeding during menstruation is called menorrhagia. The median blood loss per month in menstruation is 40 ml. Blood loss of more than 80 ml per month is considered abnormal but in practice menorrhagia is usually defined as a subjective increase in menstrual loss. Fewer than 50% of women complaining of heavy periods actually have a loss of more than 80 ml per month when this is objectively measured. In ayurveda, this is known as raktapradara.

Causative factor
Due to an impairment of the hormones excessive bleeding takes place during menstruation. It may be due to some other pelvic pathology like fibroids,  endometrial carcinoma, adenomyosis, insertion of IUD.etc.
It is caused by eating excess salty, sour, heavy, pungent, burning, and fatty foods and animal products. The Vayu and blood thus becomes excessed and move into the menses channels, increasing the menstrual flow.

Signs and symptoms
Menstruation may start with pain in abdomen, the lumber region or hips. If excessive bleeding continues for a long period, the patient  will feel exceedingly weak and debilitated. Giddiness, headache, pain in the calf and restlessness may occur. The patient becomes anaemic and may experience palpitation. This may also be associated with breathlessness.

Treatment
Ashoka(Saraca indica) and lodhra (Symplocos racemosa) are popularly used in ayurveda for the treatment of menorrhagia by the ayurveda physicians. These drug can be used in the form of powder. The powder of the bark of these herbs are used singly or in compound form in a dose of one teaspoonful three to four times a day with cold water. The preparation of these herbs available and most commonly used are ashokaristha and lodhrasava. These are the two ayurveda preparations mainly used for the gynaecological problem. These are the alcoholic preparations so they must be used with caution in patient with gastritis. These are given in a dose of  one ounce twice daily after food after mixing with equal amount of water. 
The leaves of pomegranate are also used for the treatment of menorrhagia. The paste of seven leaves of pomegranate mixing with 7 grains of rice can be taken for the period of one month. This works both as a preventive as well as curative medicine.
There are some minerals used in ayurveda for the treatment of menorrhagia. Pravala(coral) and mukta(pearl) are used in acute attacks of this disease. They are given in the form of powder form which is known as pisti. One grain of the powder of this drug is given to the patient four times a day.

Diet
Old rice, wheat, mung dal, milk and ghee can be given to the patient. Sugar cane juice, grapes, jack-fruit, banana, amalaki (Emblica officinalis), pomogranata(Punica granatum) are very useful in this condition. Hot and spicy things are strictly avoided.

Other regimens
The patients shouldnot resort to any exercise- hard or light. She should take complete rest. Worry, anxiety and anger aggravates this condition and therefore complete rest should be taken mentally and physically. Exposure to sun, heat, riding vehicles and journies should be avoided. While sleeping the foot of the patient should be raised a little.