Behind India’s increasing population, there is a different story of declining fertility rates. While everyone is talking about the increasing population of India, nobody seems to be talking about the issue of infertility, that many people are battling against every day and night. Nearly 27.5 million couples in India, who are actively trying to conceive, are suffering from infertility. WHO defines infertility as “a disease of the reproductive system defined by the failure to achieve a clinical pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse.” (Also Read: What Are the Types of Male Infertility? )
Ayurveda offers some successful approaches to combat Infertility in India. The effective treatment of infertility in Ayurveda has already been explored in ancient literature. We acquaint you with the Ayurvedic treatment for infertility for both men and women.
Ayurvedic treatment for Infertility in Women
Infertility or Klehya in Ayurveda occurs when a woman’s reproductive tissue or the Shukra Dhatu does not get proper nutrition. Ayurvedic treatment uses a holistic approach to treat the infertility problem. The aim of this treatment is to transform food effectively into nutrients to move the Shukra Dhatu in the following manner:
Swedana
In this approach, the woman takes heavy blankets and then exercises. It makes a woman sweat. The aim is to flush out toxins from the body of women suffering from infertility.
Vamana
This is essentially an uncomfortable activity to bring out undigested food through vomiting. This, in turn, detoxifies the body.
Phala Ghrita
This Ayurvedic medicine is beneficial for treating female infertility. Ayurveda experts suggest to consume it in the form of liquefied butter combined with milk.
Banyan Tree Bark
Ayurveda doctors recommend powder of dried banyan tree bark. Mix it with honey and consume it. It is one of the best home remedies to treat infertility.
Ayurvedic Herbs for Female Infertility
Gokshura
This herb is like a tonic that is beneficial for women as it stimulates the ovary. This herb is especially good for women who do not ovulate because of PCOS. (Also Read: Is Pregnancy Possible with PCOS? )
Shatavari
This is a very common and popular Ayurvedic herb to treat infertility in females. It strengthens reproductive muscles as it contains therapeutic properties.
Lodhra
This Ayurvedic herb helps restore the estrogen and progesterone level in the body.
Amalaki
This herb helps in maintaining the balance between FSH (follicular stimulating hormone) and LH (luteinizing hormone).
Ayurvedic Dietary Changes for Female Infertility
Hot and spicy food adversely affect the reproductive tissues of the female (Artava Dhatu). Stop consuming junk and spicy food.
Prefer fresh fruits vegetables, nuts, especially dates, and broccoli are good for fertility. Also, food like pumpkin, spinach, tomatoes, black cumin, beetroot, beans, etc. are good for health.
According to Chakra Samhita, a woman must maintain the mental, physical and emotional balance to its natural equilibrium. Therefore, eat a well-balanced diet for a healthy body.
Ayurvedic Treatment for Male Infertility
Most of the time in Indian society, women are held responsible for infertility. But now, people are becoming aware and understand that even men can have infertility problems. Ayurvedic treatment is the best way to treat male infertility. Like women, Ayurvedic treatments for male infertility are also efficient and effective.
Ayurvedic Herbs for Male Infertility
Ashwagandha
This is the most common Ayurvedic medicine for male infertility. Ashwagandha increases male libido and enhances the semen parameter. It is a cure for all sorts of infertility. It is an aphrodisiac and improves the nervous system and physical weakness in males. This ayurvedic herb also improves blood circulation in the reproductive organ boosting the intimate desires in males.
Shatavari
This has always been used to treat male infertility. It enhances the production of the sperm naturally. It is beneficial for both men and women for treating infertility. Talk to an Ayurvedacharya to know the right dosage for these herbs. Do not take any of them without consultation.
Kaunch
Kaunch is an Ayurvedic herb to treat premature ejaculation. It immensely improves the sperm count and increases the level of testosterone. It provides more muscle power to the male organs and takes away weakness.
Kapikacchu
The Ayurvedic herb Kapikacchu improves libido and enhances sperm quality and quantity.
Ayurvedic Dietary Changes for Male Infertility
Hot and spicy food may weaken the Shukra Dhatu (sperm and semen). According to Ayurveda, too much heat increases the pitta dosha.
Some healthy foods to include are turmeric, cumin, dates, almonds, asparagus and fresh fruits and vegetables.
Common Ayurvedic Therapies for Treatment of Infertility
There are chances that both men and women have infertility problems. This may be due to the weak digestive system (Agni Dosha). Agni may lead to an accumulation of toxins or ama due to improper digestion.
Shirodhara Therapy
The therapy restores the hormonal balance and helps in healthy hormone production. Stress and anxiety are two of the most common reasons for infertility. Shirodhara eliminates these problems to improve fertility. Shirodhara is effective in normalizing sleep and calms down the nerves.
Basti Enema Therapy
Basti therapy involves the control of Ayurvedic enema or decoctions into the colon through the rectum to eliminate the toxins out of the body. Along with restoring the healthy balance of Vata Dosha, Basti Therapy also promotes the proper release of ovum from the ovaries.
Yoga
Regular exercise and yoga are treatments for infertility in Ayurveda. Some yoga poses helpful in treating infertility are Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose), Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand) and more.
Stop unhealthy habits
Stop smoking, drinking alcohol, processed food, junk, stale food, caffeinated drinks, excess sugar and aerated beverages.
What are the causes of infertility according to Ayurveda?
Ayurveda considers Vata (Space and Air), Pitta (Fire and Water), and Kapha (Earth and Water) as the three vital doshas that contribute towards controlling the forces of nature. According to Ayurveda, a balance between the three doshas is very important for the overall health and well-being of a person.
Any disturbance in this balance may harm your health, resulting in health conditions, including infertility. The following are some points about how an imbalance in the doshas may increase the risk of infertility:
Vata Dosha is responsible for reproductive health. Severe stress, anxiety, fear, trauma, regular fasting, unhealthy eating habits, strenuous exercise – all can contribute to hinder Vata Dosha.
Excess heat can also lead to a decrease in Shukra Dhatu.
Increased sexual activity – According to Ayurveda, overindulgence in sexual activity can lead to ‘shukra Kshaya’ (decrease of ‘Shukra Dhatu’) and can lead to ‘Klehya’ or infertility.
Improper quality or quantity of ‘Artava Dhatu’ or female reproductive tissues. If the quality or quantity of this is insufficient, then it can lead to infertility in women.
Mental disturbances – Ayurveda says that anxiety, depression and insomnia can lead to issues in conceiving.
Controlling sexual urges – If you subside your sexual desire for a long period, it may lead to ‘veerya-avarodh’ or obstruction of semen, which causes a decrease in libido. This further results in infertility.
Final Words
Treatment for infertility in Ayurveda is ancient and one of the oldest methods. Above all, any treatment is effective when the mindset of the patient is positive towards the treatment. The Ayurvedic treatment with dietary changes, yoga, Panchakarma (detoxification therapies) aims at restoring the balance between the doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) in the body. The balance between the doshas can contribute towards boosting fertility in both the sexes.
There are situations when Ayurvedic treatment may not work. In that case, consult a medical professional to know more about the infertility treatment methods. If you are already on Ayurvedic treatment, then talk to the doctor before opting other suitable treatment if Ayurveda does not help you with infertility.
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