Symptoms
Following are the signs or symptoms that indicate the presence of this disease in females:

• Painful / Scanty menstruation
• Disturbed digestion
• Pain in lower pelvis (back and stomach)
• Nervousness
• Giddiness
• General debility

Causes / Dosha
In this disease vata dosha is the major cause, pitta dosha is the minor cause whereas kapha dosha is active to but in lower percentage.

Pathogenesis
In ayurveda it is believed that this ailment is due to the aggravation of the three doshas or the body energies. In the female body, lower pelvis or the seat of Apana Vata that is responsible for the elimination of menstrual blood, stool, urine and reproductive fluids. Due to anxiety and stress Apana Vata increases at the onset of menstruation. There are situations to where aggravated Vata causes accumulation of toxins in minute channels, which carry the menstrual blood and blockage of of these channels causes Amenorrhoea or Dysmenorrhoea.

Treatment
The medical treatment given to women in this ailment is as follows:

• Rajapravartni Vati
• Nastatpushantak Rasa

There are few remedies that are beneficial for curing this ailment:

• Take 2 cloves of crushed Garlic twice a day.
• Mix one teaspoon of Aloe Vera with a pinch of black pepper or cinnamon. Take twice a day. This helps to reduce the cramps.
• Take mild laxatives like Triphala for about two days before the scheduled start of menstruation. Massage of the lower abdomen with warm sesame oil for 10 to 15 minutes, followed by application of hot fomentation (such as a hot water bottle) while resting can sooth pain.
• Although the inclination may be to take complete rest, remaining active and taking regular exercise is beneficial.

Recipes
Add one teaspoon of cumin seeds to 2 cups of water and simmer over a moderate heat until the mixture reduces to half. Sieve, add 1 table spoon Jaggery (if you can get) or raw sugar and drink.

Dosage: Take this decoction twice daily for 2-3 days from the start of the menstrual cycle. Regular use with each successive cycle helps reduce the severity of symptoms.

Potency / Virya
Cold

Panchakarma

• Medicated diet must be preferred especially 7 days before the menstrual cycle starts.
• Deep- fried, greasy, sour food, beans and food that produce gas and constipation etc. should be totally avoided.
• Very cold / frozen foods as well as vegetables such as potatoes, mushrooms, peas, broccoli and cauliflower must be kept away from the diet.
• Vegetables like squash, zucchini, and pumpkin are advisable to eat. · Fresh fruits may be taken.
• Foods may be garnished with spices like cumin, asafetida, black pepper, cloves, coriander, and mint.
• Sedentary life must be avoided and light exercise is recommended.
• Walking is good for alleviating Vata.

Yoga
Bhujangasana