Dhootapapeshwar Ashokarishta for Heavy Periods, Period Pain and White Discharge

What are the uses of Ashokarishta?

Dhootapapeshwar Ashokarishta is an Ayurvedic tonic made to control heavy bleeding during periods. It helps when periods last seven or eight days, the lower belly hurts and heavy bleeding makes a woman feel weak and dizzy. It is mainly made from Ashoka tree bark. Red flowers of a tree called dhai go in too. With regular use, the bleeding slowly reduces and periods stop on time.

Quick Facts:

• Ingredients — Mango seed kernel and vasa root help slow the bleeding. Daruhaldi, white sandalwood and lotus flower cool the extra heat in the body. Harad, baheda and amla keep the motions regular. Ajwain, kala jeera, sonth and nagarmotha help digestion and ease cramps.
• It is an arishta. Only the ashok bark is boiled in water, and it's boiled until a thick decoction is left. After that cools, jaggery, the dhai flowers and the other herbs in powder form are mixed in. The dhai flowers help it ferment. The jar is then closed and kept aside for about a month. The little alcohol in it forms during this time, and none is added from outside.
• Benefits — Also used for white discharge. Some women get uneven, heavy periods in the years before menopause, and it's used for that too.
• Indications — Given for bleeding from the nose, gums or other parts caused by too much heat in the body. Also given for bleeding piles and swelling.
• Dosage — 10 to 20 ml, which is 2 to 4 teaspoonfuls, twice a day. Mix in the same amount of lukewarm water before you drink it.
• Side Effects — Most women have no trouble with it at the normal dose. In a few, the next period comes late or the flow becomes much lighter than usual. Too much of it can cause nausea or vomiting. Women who already get acidity may feel some burning. It is not given in pregnancy.
• Baidyanath Pradrantak Lauh is often taken with it when months of heavy bleeding have left the body short of blood.
• Eat iron-rich food like spinach, beetroot, dates and black chana during the course. On the heaviest days, avoid lifting heavy things and doing hard exercise.