Inter. J. of Phytotherapy / Vol 5 / Issue 1 / 2015 / 33-36.

e - ISSN - 2249-7722
Print ISSN - 2249-7730

International Journal of Phytotherapy

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NATURAL AND AYURVEDIC REMEDIES FOR ADOLESCENCE

DYSMENORRHEA
Anuradha D.
Assistant Professor & HOD, Dept of ATVA, DRBRKR GAC, Hyderabad, Telangana, India.

ABSTRACT
Primary dysmenorrhea is common in adolescence; dysmenorrhea secondary to a cyst or inflammation or
other organic pathologic process is rare. During adolescence many girls find it difficult to assume, either
physiologically or psychologically, the new demands which the process of maturing into an adult female has put
upon them. It is therefore necessary to understand the endocrine and reproductive systems of this age group and also
their worries and conflicts. It is important to know that dysmenorrhea does not occur in the absence of ovulation and
that cramps can be evidence of underlying tension and worry. For most girls who have this complaint, a thorough
but thoughtful examination, reassurance, a careful explanation of the association between ovulation and
menstruation and a little attention to them, will suffice. Others who have the sort of worries and conflicts which
plague this age group should be given an opportunity to express their feelings and relieve their tension. In an
occasional adolescent, incapacitating menstrual cramps may be the somatic focus of a disorder which will require
psychiatric care. When both the physiologic and the psychologic characteristics of adolescents are kept in mind, the
physician can at least do much to insure these patients a more satisfactory adjustment to womanhood and perhaps
also to relieve their discomfort.

Key words: Dysmenorrhea, Adolescence, Treatment.

INTRODUCTION
Pathogenesis
It is thought to be due to a release of
prostaglandins and leukotrienes in the menstrual fluid,
which in turn produces vasoconstriction in the uterine
vessels, causing the uterine contractions which produce
the pain. The prostaglandin release may also be
responsible for gastrointestinal disturbance which may
occur in association with dysmenorrhea [1-16].
Assessment
A presumptive diagnosis of primary
dysmenorrhoea may be made on history or abdominal
examination alone in young patients who are not sexually
active, and vaginal examination is not normally required
in this group of patients. Investigation of dysmenorrhoea
is primarily aimed at ruling out underlying pathology and
may include any or all of the following as appropriate to
the individual.
History
Age at menarche, Cycle length, Whether the
cycle is regular, Duration of bleeding, Timing of pain in
relation to period, Smoking history, Whether the patient is
sexually active, Contraceptive history, Any features
suggestive of underlying pathology (eg vaginal discharge,
intermenstrual or postcoital bleeding, dyspareunia).

Corresponding Author:- Anuradha D Email: drardigumarthy@gmail.com

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Examination
Abdominal/vaginal examinations are indicated if
sexually active: Adenomyosis - the uterus may be
enlarged and tender with a typical 'boggy' feel.
Endometriosis - generalised tenderness in the pelvic area.
The uterus may be fixed or retroverted due to adhesions,
nodules may be palpable in the uterosacral ligaments.-
Partially imperforate hymen (rare).-Vaginal septum (rare).
Investigations
Vaginal examination - if sexually active, High
vaginal swab, chlamydial swabs, Cervical smear, Pelvic
ultrasound - if uterine enlargement or adnexal mass is
present, Transvaginal ultrasound, MRI scan, Laparoscopy
and Laparotomy with biopsy.
Management
General measures
Patients may be concerned about the possibility
of underlying pathology and, when appropriate,
reassurance and an explanation of the mechanism of
menstrual pain may be helpful.
Lifestyle changes - longitudinal studies have looked at
risk factors for dysmenorrhoea and have found a clear
association between smoking and dysmenorrhoea;
patients should therefore be informed of this relationship
and assisted in any attempts to stop smoking.
Self-help techniques
Anecdotally, many women find the following
measures to be helpful in relieving the symptoms of
dysmenorrhoea: Tea - regular, camomile or mint, Warmth
to the abdomen, A warm bath, Abdominal and/or back
massage, Lying in the supine position etc.
Herbal teas like Mint, Blackberry, and Chamomile.
Take a piece of ginger; boil it in a cup of water. Filter it
and drink it once a day or one can increase the amount of
ginger in cooking.
Drink pineapple juice. Pineapple contains bromelain
which is known for its muscle relaxant properties.
Carrot and Beet root juice is advisable 2 to 3 times a
day.
Take dietary fiber via Orange pulp, raw carrots and
broccoli.
When one feels congestion in the pelvic region, intake of
a warm drink is helpful, so that the blood flow gets
increased, which in turn can relax the muscles.
Basil contains pain killing active compounds. Hence it
helps to relieve menstrual cramps. Take 17 to 18 Basil
leaves, boil in water, filter it and drink this water twice a
day.
Cinnamon is also useful to relieve pain of
Dysmenorrhea. Sprinkle cinnamon powder on food or
while taking tea.
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Inter. J. of Phytotherapy / Vol 5 / Issue 1 / 2015 / 33-36.
Omega 3 fatty acids are also useful to reduce menstrual
cramps. Sources Flax seed oil, cod liver oil.
Fresh green vegetables, specially cabbage and spinach,
help reduce menstrual cramps.
Meditation and yoga are techniques useful to relieve the
symptoms of Dysmenorrhea.
Magnesium is useful to relieve menstrual cramps.
Sources Nuts, Green leafy vegetable and whole grains,
Spinach, Yogurt, Peas.
Whatever your favorite herb or tea, try adding a teaspoon
of freshly grated ginger to enhance both flavor and
effect. Ginger increases the flow of blood to pelvis and
helps relieve blockages that can cause cramps and
adominal pain. Ginger has an antispasmodic action that
relaxes the smooth muscles that cause menstrual cramps.
Do not use ginger, however if you are experiencing heavy
bleeding as it will make it worse.
Aromatherapy can be very effective against menstrual
pain and cramps. Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea)oil contains
sclareol, an estrogen-like chemical, contributing to clary's
effectiveness in treating amenorrhea, cramps, and pain
with menstruation. As a special treat to yourself during a
time a stress use a few precious drops of jasmine oil to
relieve uterine spasm and menstrual pain and bring a calm
clarity to mind.
Useful some Ayurvedic Herbs
Asafetida (Ferula fetida)
Asafetida is known to increase the secretion of
the female hormone, progesterone. Thus it facilitates
menstruation. Using asafetida gum fried in ghee and
mixed with goats milk and a spoonful of honey for a
month can reduce the pains during menstruation and also
make the flow reduced.
Asoka (Saraca indica)
The bark of the asoka tree is given to women
who experience extreme blood loss during menstruation
due to leucorrhea or uterine fibroids. The plant has a
stimulating effect on the uterine wall and the mucus layer
in the reproductive tract.
Bamboo (Bambusa bambos)
Bamboo acts as an emmenagogue which
stimulates menstruation. Its leaves are prescribed for this
purpose. Regular consumption of the leaves of the
bamboo is prescribed to promote and regulate the
menstrual flow.
Bloodwort (Achillea millefolium)
The hot infusion of leaves of the bloodwort is
taken as an emmenagogue. A decoction of the herb can
correct irregular periods. The herb also yields an oil
 Inter. J. of Phytotherapy / Vol 5 / Issue 1 / 2015 / 33-36.

which can be used in the treatment of female reproductive
disorders.
Chicory (Chichorium intybus)
Seeds of chicory are prepared into a decoction to treat
problems of obstructed menstruation.
Dill (Anethum sowa)
This fragrant herb is efficient in stimulating
menstrual cycles. It helps women who have delayed
periods to get their periods on time. Young anemic girls
are prone to spasmodic menstruation, which can be quite
painful. A decoction of dill is prepared with the leaves of
parsley to treat such problems.
Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Cold climates can sometimes cause painful and
irregular periods. An infusion of ginger sweetened with
sugar is taken for correcting such problems.
Henna (Lawsonia alba)
Henna is a cooling agent. Suppositories of its
leaves are made and placed in the vagina for women who
have problems of excessive menstruation.
Hermal (Peganum harmala)
The hermal is a little-known herb, but in
Ayurveda it is prescribed regularly for menstrual
problems such as painful menstruation and irregular
periods.
Indian Aloe (Aloe vera)
The Indian aloe is a stimulant of the uterus. Hence it is
given in cases of painful menstruation. Indian
Spikenard (Nardostachys jatamansi)
The jatamansi is a very popular Indian herb used in the
treatment of painful and irregular periods. Lemon
Grass (Cymbopogon citratus)
Lemon grass is used in painful and difficult menstruation.
It can be taken in the form of a tea.
Dietary Treatments
The following dietary tips are beneficial to women who
have painful or irregular periods:-
Avoid all constipating foods, especially in the last week
of the menstrual cycle. This includes fried foods, sour
foods and protein-rich pulses.
Fish is a good dietary indication for painful periods. Fish
contain omega-3 fatty acids which help to ease the spasms
during menstruation. Meat, poultry and dairy products
must be avoided.
Among vegetables, white pumpkin, papaya, drumstick,
snake gourd, bitter gourd and cucumber are good for
dysmenorrhea. Potato, yellow pumpkin and eggplant must
be avoided.
Home Remedies
Fry asafetida in ghee and add a teaspoonful of it to
buttermilk. Have this once a day in case of dysmenorrhea.
Mix some sesame seeds in a glassful of water. Drink this
twice daily when you have menstrual pains.
Have salads with boiled beetroot in them, or have beetroot
juice.
The following exercises help in reducing the pain of
menstruation:-
Yoga is also part &part of ayurveda.a) Take a firm chair
and stand behind it holding your hands firmly on the
chairs back. Lift one heel and then the other. Continue
this for about ten minutes. You can also do knee-bends.
b) Lie on your back on a firm bed. Fold your legs and
bring the knees up to your chin. Repeat this ten times.
There are several classical preparations and herbs in
Ayurveda, each and every patient is an individual entity
and the treatment also differs from patient to patient. Rogi
Nidaanhas its different parameters.
Its not as simple as in modern medicines.
Prakriti parikshan, Saar, Sahanan (Compactness),
Vyayam shakti (Exercise), Agni (Digestion) all these
parameters are studied by an ayurvedist. An ayurvedist
makes a clear picture of the individual by understanding a
patient as a whole and also decides what kind of mode of
preparation to be used for the patient. Panch Kashay
Kalpana (swaras (Juice), churna (powder), kalk, him,
phant,) is based on this principle.
So I emphasis that patient must take the
ayurvedic medicine under the guidance of an Ayurvedic
physician.
CONCLUSION
Dysmenorrhoea can be successfully manageable
through Ayurveda.

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