Role of Shatapushpa Taila in the management of Artava Kshaya

Abstract

Menstruation is the visible manifestation; cyclic, physiologic uterine bleeding due to shedding of endometrium and it is the major stage of puberty in girls. Once the menstruation starts, it continues cyclically at intervals of 21-35 days with mean of 28 days. Due to changed lifestyle, food habits, increased stress and strain, alters the normal physiology and ends with the disruption of H-P-O (Hypothalamus-Pituitary-ovarian) Axis which may lead to many gynaecological problems in which the most common one is Artava Kshaya. Artavakshaya is characterized by delayed and scanty menstrual bleeding associated with pain in Yoni Pradesh. Acharya Susuruta has explained about Artava Kshaya features i.e., Yathochitakal Adarshanam (delayed menstruation) and Alpatvam (scanty menstruation), Yonivedana (pain in Yoni Pradesh). It can be co-related with Oligomenorrhoea and Hypomenorrhea by their signs and symptoms. Shodhana and use of Agneya Dravya is the line of treatment. Shatapushpa Taila Paana, Basti, Nasya, Abhayanga is indicated in Kashyap Samhita to treat Artavakshaya like conditions.