Is Ayurvedic medicine safe during pregnancy?

Things to Consider While Taking Ayurvedic Medicine During Pregnancy

When incorporating Ayurveda into your prenatal care, keep the following in mind:

Consult an Ayurvedic Doctor:

A qualified practitioner can prescribe safe and effective medicines tailored to your unique needs and pregnancy stage.

Avoid Over-the-counter Herbal Products:

Unregulated herbal formulations may contain unsafe ingredients or inappropriate dosages and risk maternal and fetal health. Always choose products verified for safety and quality.

Monitor Dosages Carefully

Even beneficial herbs may pose adverse effects when consumed in inappropriate dosages.

Avoid Remedies for Non-Pregnancy-Related Conditions

Ayurvedic medicines that are otherwise safe might not be suitable during pregnancy.

Herbs to Avoid During Pregnancy

Certain Ayurvedic herbs are contraindicated during pregnancy due to their potential harm to the mother or baby. Avoid the following herbs:

Saffron (Crocus sativus):

Overuse of saffron can lead to uterine stimulation.

Neem (Azadirachta indica):

Neem has antifertility effects.

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera):

Ashwagandha May cause uterine contractions in high doses.

Guggulu (Commiphora mukul)

Guggulu Can stimulate menstruation or uterine activity.

Aloe Vera

AloeVera Known to induce uterine contractions, increasing the risk of miscarriage.

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum)

This may lead to early contractions.

Senna

Often used as a laxative, it can irritate the uterus.

Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri)

Though beneficial for mental health, it potentially affects embryonic development and should be avoided

Mineral drug preparations:

Although some preparations might be beneficial, they should be taken under medical supervision and consider buying from a reputed brand as these drugs need drastic purification and, if not done, will cause complications.

Ayurvedic Herbs and Pregnancy by Trimester

Ayurvedic care during pregnancy is tailored to each trimester to support the mother and baby’s changing needs:

First Trimester (Weeks 1-12):

Focus: Nourishment, calming the mind, and reducing morning sickness.

Avoid Intense detoxification (Panchakarma) or herbs that stimulate the uterus.

Medicines That Can Be Consumed: Phalasarpis, Mahadhanwantharam gulika

First Month

• Foods to Include: Milk, ghee, liquid foods
• Herbal Formulation to Include: Bala Ksheera Kashayam is prepared by boiling 1 Part bala (Kurunthotti in malayalam-Sida cordifolia) with 4 Parts milk and four parts water and reducing it to 4 parts.
• Benefits: Helps to maintain pregnancy, Prepares endometrial bed for correct positioning of the placenta, and prevents vaginal bleeding. Flavonoids in bala may help prevent spontaneous abortion, pre-eclampsia, and fetal growth retardation. Moreover, Bala is anti-inflammatory and analgesic, which can help prevent backache and cramps.

Second Month

Foods to Include: Milk, ghee, liquid foods

Herbal Formulation to Include: Lakshmana Ksheera Kashayam prepared by boiling 1 Part Lakshmana(Thiruthali in Malayalam-Ipomoea obscura) with 4 Parts milk and four parts water and reducing it to 4 parts.

Benefits: Helps to maintain pregnancy. It is rich in antioxidants, and analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, which help them prevent spontaneous miscarriages and sustain pregnancy.

Third Month

Foods to Include Milk, ghee, honey and liquid foods

Herbal Formulation to Include: Bruhati Ksheera Kashayam prepared by boiling 1 Part bruhati (cheru vazhuthana in Malayalam- Solanum indicum Linn or Solanum nigrum Linn) with 4 Parts milk and 4 parts water and reducing it to 4 parts.

Benefits: Helps to reduce vomiting, swelling in the legs, and hypertension

Second Trimester (Weeks 13-27):

Focus: Enhancing strength, immunity, and digestion.

Medicines That Can Be Consumed: Nayopayam Kashayam, Drakshadi kashayam, Bruhathyadi kashayam, Kalyanaka Ghritam/Dadimadi Ghritam

Fourth Month

Foods to Include: Milk, butter, curd, meat, and liquid foods

Herbal Formulation to Include: Amshumati Ksheera Kashayam prepared by boiling 1 Part amshumati (orila in Malayalam-Desmodium gangeticum) with 4 Parts milk and 4 parts water and reducing it to 4 parts.

Benefits: Helps to reduce vomiting and constipation and promotes fetal growth. It has a unique action over the central nervous system and helps develop the fetal nervous system.

Fifth Month

Foods to Include: Milk, butter, curd, meat, and liquid foods

Herbal Formulation to Include: Amrutha/Guduchi Ksheera Kashayam prepared by boiling 1 Part amrita/Guduchi (chittamruthu in Malayalam-Tinospora cordifolia) with 4 Parts milk and four parts water and reducing it to 4 parts.

Benefits: It helps to prevent vata aggravation, is useful in preventing diabetes, rheumatism, and cardiovascular disorders, and is immunomodulatory.

Sixth Month

Foods to Include Milk, ghee, porridge, and liquid foods

Herbal Formulation to Include: Nidigdhika Ksheera Kashayam prepared by boiling 1 Part nidigdhika(puthari chunda in Malayalam-Solanum xanthocarpum) with 4 Parts milk and four parts water and reducing it to 4 parts.

Benefits: Helps to reduce breathing issues, swelling in legs, and hypertension and tones skin

Third Trimester (Weeks 28-40):

Focus: Preparing the body for labour and ensuring proper fetal positioning.

Avoid the Overuse of stimulating herbs that might induce premature labor.

Medicines That Can Be Consumed: Balajeerakadi Kashayam, Dadimadi ghritam

Seventh Month

Foods to Include Milk, ghee, and liquid foods

Herbal Formulation to Include: Yava Ksheera Kashayam is prepared by boiling 1 Part yava (Barley) with 4 Parts milk and four parts water and reducing it to 4 parts.

Benefits: It helps stimulate the fetal adrenal cortex, promotes intestinal mobility, and fosters lung growth in the fetus.

Eighth Month

Foods to Include Milk, ghee, porridge, meat soup, and liquid foods

Herbal Formulation to Include: Murva Ksheera Kashayam is prepared by boiling 1 Part murga (perumkurumba in Malayalam-Marsdenia tenacissima) with 4 Parts milk and four parts water and reducing it to 4 parts.

Benefits: Acts as a diuretic, skeletal muscle relaxant and laxative, preparing the body for delivery.

Ninth Month

Foods to Include Milk, ghee, porridge, meat soup, and liquid foods

Herbal Formulation to Include: Shatavari Ksheera Kashayam is prepared by boiling 1 Part shatavari(Asparagus racemosus) with 4 Parts milk and four parts water and reducing it to 4 parts.

Benefits: Increases vaginal dilatation, and acts as a galactagogue and analgesic, preparing the body for delivery.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is based on traditional Ayurvedic texts and research and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult an Ayurvedic physician before using these formulations.

Conclusion

Ayurvedic medicine can complement pregnancy care by addressing common pregnancy challenges and promoting physical and mental wellness. However, due diligence is necessary to ensure safety for both mother and baby. Always consult a qualified Ayurvedic doctor, avoid self-medication, and be mindful of contraindicated herbs.

With proper guidance, Ayurveda can offer a gentle and effective path to a healthy pregnancy and a joyful birthing experience.

References

https://jaims.in/jaims/article/download/620/631/