Shatapushpa Taila: An Ayurvedic Formulation for Menstrual Problems

Introduction

Our modern lifestyle i.e. sedentary lifestyle creates many health issues because of increasing stress and over eating of junk foods. According to Ayurvedic concept, Agni is the prime and ultimate factor in the process of maintenance of life [1]. Improper functioning of Agni can cause many diseases. Menstrual problems is a major problem faced by many women’s in today’s era because of their sedentary lifestyle which causes vitiation of Agni and Mana both which further affects Dhatu and develop unbalancing of hormones. For these problems Acharya Kashyap mentions Shatapushpa as nectar [2]. Shatapushpa (Anethum graveolens) also known as dill or soya. It grows annually. The seeds of Shatapushpa enriched with aromatic characters and are flat, small and very light in color. It is known for its spice and essential oil. It is used by Egyptian doctors 5000 years ago. In the middle ages, it was in use to protect against witchcraft and Greeks used this plant for getting sleep.

Shatapushpa contains essential oils, proteins, carbohydrates, fatty oil, moisture, fiber and mineral elements such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorous, sodium, vitamin A and niacin. Essential oil contains carvone, limonene, and a-phellandrene. This plant has anti-convulsion, anti- cramp, anti-emetic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, gastric, analgesic and mucosal protective properties and used to increase progesterone concentration. According to Bhavprakash Nighantu, it states that the different names of Soya are Shatapushpa, Shatahva, Madhura Karvi, Missi, Atilambi, Sitchatra and Sahintchatra [3]. It aggravates Pitta and promotes digestive fire and having pungent taste with hot potency. This manages fever, Vata, Kapha, pain and eye diseases.

Acharya Kashyapa has described the effect of Shatapushpa in Beejotsarga. The Rasa and Virya of Shatapushpa described in Kashyapa Samhita are different from Dravya Guna Vigyana [4]. In Kashyapa Samhita, Rasa is Madhura and Virya is Ushana while in Dravya Guna, Rasa is Katu, Tikta and Virya is Ushana. It effects on Vata and Kapha Dosha and have Artavajanana properties. In Charaka Samhita, this herb is used in decoction enema (Asthapanopaga) and oil enema (Anuvasananopaga) therapy. According to Kashyapa Samhita, Shatapushpa have rejuvenating and intellect promoting properties.

According to reference of Acharya Kashyap [2], Shatapushpa Taila is prepared as follows: 100 Pala i.e. 4.8 Kg of Shatapushpa is mixed in 5 Drona i.e. 61.14 L of Jala and heated till it gets reduced to Chaturamsha i.e. 1/4th. Then cool down and filtered the Kwatha.

Material and Methods

Shatapushpa Taila preparation according to Acharya Kashyapa [2] (Table 1).

Discussion

Proper functioning of Agni balances the both body and mind. Its dysfunction affects the whole body because when we take Ahara (meal), Agni digest it and divided into two parts i.e. Sara and Kitt Bhaga. Rasa Dhatu is first Dhatu which is produced soon after digestion and it is the essence of the food that circulates all over the body and nourishes all the Dhatus. It circulates in the Sharira since conception to death. Its prime site is Hridyam and Dasha Dhamanya, and in the same way, Manas Adhisthana is Hridyam. An affliction of Manas directly affects Rasa Dhatu, Hridya and Rasavahasrotas.

The emotional factors like excessive thoughts, stress, fear, anger etc. leads to vitiation of Rasavahasrotas. On considering the Rasapradoshaja Vikaras most of the causative factors are unwholesome food and lifestyle related [6]. So if we follow sedentary lifestyle i.e. improper intake of Ahara(Diet) and Vihara(stress, fear , anger etc.) causes unbalancing of Doshas (Samana Vayu, Pachaka Pitta and Kledaka Kapha) which leads to dysfunctioning of Agni and Mana which further affect the Rasa Dhatu and Rasa Dhatu affects Uttarutatdhatu causes many gastrointestinal, metabolic, psychological disorders. Menstrual problems is one of them which is developed by unbalancing of hormones and reason behind this is sedentary lifestyle (Apathaya Ahara and Vihara) which causes vitiation of Agni and Mana further Rasa Dhatu and its Updhatu i.e. Artava and Stanya. The term Artava has two meaning like ovum and menstrual blood both (Table 3,4).

Conclusion

Healthy menstrual cycle is very important factor for women’s conception and production of new generations. Keeping above facts in mind we will conclude that sedentary lifestyle (Apathaya Ahara and Vihara) is important factor for vitiation of Agni and Mana which further affects Dhatus and develop many menstrual problems. Shatapushpa is herb with wide range of constituents and many pharmacological effects and works as a wonder drug in restoring health as well as various gynecological disorders suffered by most of the females in the present era. It has preventive as well as curative aspects with minimal adverse effects.