Last verified: April 2026
Women's Health — Artava and Prasuti Tantra
Prasuti Tantra (obstetrics and gynaecology) is one of the eight classical branches of Ayurveda. Classical documentation covers the complete female reproductive cycle — Artava (menstrual health and the menstrual cycle), Yonivyapad (gynaecological conditions — twenty documented types), Prasava (delivery and obstetrics), and Stanya (lactation). The female reproductive system is one of the most thoroughly documented areas in classical Ayurvedic texts.
Artava — the classical menstrual cycle model
Charaka Samhita documents the normal menstrual cycle as occurring every month, lasting 3–5 days, with moderate, bright red (Indragopa colour — the classical reference standard), odourless blood in a quantity filling one Anjali (approximately 60–120ml). Any deviation from this pattern is classified and treated according to the Dosha involved.
Artava Kshaya (scanty/delayed menstruation): Vata-dominant condition — insufficient blood production from Rasa Dhatu or obstruction of Artava Vaha Srotas. Clinical features: delayed, scanty, light-coloured, painful periods. Primary herbs: Shatavari, Ashoka, Kumari (aloe vera), warm sesame oil Abhyanga, Dashamularishta.
Artava Vriddhi (excessive menstruation): Pitta or Pitta-Rakta condition — excess heat in the Artava Vaha channels. Clinical features: heavy, prolonged, hot, or bright red flow; associated with Pittaja symptoms. Primary herbs: Ashoka (the primary classical Stambhana — styptic herb), Lodhra, Nagarmotha, cooling preparations.
Krichhartava (painful menstruation — classical dysmenorrhoea): Primarily Vataja — Vata aggravated in the Artava channels produces the cramping, colicky pain. Primary herbs: Ginger (Shunthi) with jaggery (documented specifically for dysmenorrhoea in multiple classical texts), Dashamoola Kashaya, Ashwagandha for chronic cases.
Yonivyapad — the twenty gynaecological conditions
Sushruta Samhita, Uttarasthana documents twenty Yonivyapad (gynaecological conditions) classified by Dosha — eight Vataja, two Pittaja, four Kaphaja, four Sannipataja (combined), one Raktaja, and one documented as caused by Beeja (genetic/constitutional) factors. Each has specific documented presentations and treatment protocols. This classification system is the most comprehensive classical gynaecological taxonomy in any pre-modern medical tradition.
Primary classical herbs for women's health
Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) — the primary female Rasayana. Documented in Charaka Samhita's Jivaniya group for all conditions requiring tissue nourishment in the female reproductive system. Specifically documented for Artava Kshaya, lactation support (Stanyajanana), and as a general tonic for the female constitution. Ashoka (Saraca asoca) — the most potent classical Artava-regulating herb; documented specifically for Artava Vriddhi and uterine conditions. The bark is the medicinal part; Ashokarishta is the primary classical formulation. Lodhra (Symplocos racemosa) — documented for Pradara (excessive discharge) and as a Stambhana (astringent, styptic) for Artava Vriddhi conditions.