Sukumaram Kwath - Ayurvedic medicine for PCOS and ThyroidKerala Ayurveda's Sukumaram Kwath is an Ayurvedic medicine for PCOS/PCOD and is available as a concentrated decoction or tablet. Known to be useful for amenorrhea treatment in Ayurveda, this medicine is prepared from completely natural and herbal ingredients. 

Sukumaram Kwath can help in experiencing relief from menstrual-related issues like dysmenorrhoea, premenstrual syndrome, cystocele and rectocele, and other gynecological disorders. flatulence, indigestion, piles, and constipation. According to Ashtanga Hridayam, it aids in the treatment of indigestion (dyspepsia), intestinal spasm, abdominal pains, hernia, menstrual disorders, and female infertility. In addition to these, Sukumaram Kashayam is used in uterine prolapse treatment in Ayurveda, the treatment of polycystic disease, ovarian cysts, and uterine fibroids.

Sukumara Kwath is also one of the prescriptions as a potent antioxidant that can be used to help ease chronic constipation as well as digestive and stomach issues including abdominal distension, acidity/heartburn, duodenal ulcer, irritable bowel syndrome, peptic ulcer, and hernia. 

Sukumaram Kwath Ingredients

• Aegle Marmelos – Bael
• Aerva Lanata – Mountain Knotgrass – Gorakhbuti (Kapuri Jadi Or Bhadra)
• Asparagus Racemosus – Shatavari
• Boerhavia Diffusa – Punarnava
• Cuminum Cyminum – Cumin – Jeera
• Desmodium Gangeticum – Prisniparni
• Desmostachya Bipinnata – Kusha Grass – Davoli (Darbha)
• Eragrostis Cynosuroides – Kus Or Kusha
• Mulethi (Yashtimadhu) – Licorice – Glycyrrhiza Glabra
• Gmelina Arborea – Beechwood – Kasmari
• Holostemma Annulare – Payasya
• Imperata Cylindrica – Kasa
• Oroxylum Indicum – Syonaka
• Piper Longum – Long Pepper – Pippali
• Piper Longum – Long Pepper Root – Pippali Mool
• Premna Corymbosa – Agnimantha (Premna)
• Pseudarthria Viscida – Saliparni
• Ricinus Communis – Castor Oil Plant – Erand
• Saccharum Officinarum – Sugar Cane Root – Ikshu Mool
• Saccharum Spontaneum – Sara
• Solanum Xanthocarpum – Kantakari
• Sphearanthus Hirtus – Potagala
• Stereospermum Suaveolens – Patala
• Tribulus Terrestris – Gokshura
• Vitis Vinifera – Dry Grapes – Draksha
• Withania Somnifera – Ashwagandha
• Zingiber Officinale – Dried Ginger Root – Sonth

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) - An Overview

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder common among women of reproductive age.  Women with PCOS have a hormonal imbalance and metabolism problems that may affect overall health and appearance. Additionally, women with PCOS may also experience: 

• Infertility or the ability to have a child
• Infrequent, irregular periods 
• Acne and unwanted body and facial hair
• Risk of other health problems, including diabetes and high blood pressure

The signs and symptoms of PCOS vary, and most women experience at least two of these signs:

• Infrequent, irregular or prolonged menstrual cycles. For example, experiencing fewer than nine periods a year, more than 35 days between periods and abnormally heavy periods.
• Elevated levels of male hormone - androgen - which may result in physical signs, such as excess facial and body hair, and occasionally severe acne and male-pattern baldness.
• Polycystic ovaries where the ovaries might be enlarged and might fail to function regularly
• Acne on the face, chest, and upper back
• Thinning hair or hair loss on the scalp
• Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
• Darkening of skin in certain areas of the body
• Skin tags which are small excess flaps of skin in the armpits or neck area

Causes of PCOS 

• Insulin resistance: Women with PCOS have insulin resistance and more insulin is then produced to keep the blood sugar normal. This raised level of insulin causes the ovaries to make too much testosterone which causes problems with ovulation, ie. period problems, and reduced fertility. 
• Hereditary factors: There may be a hereditary (genetic) factor involved in some cases of PCOS.
• High levels of androgens:  Women with PCOS have more androgens than normal which can prevent the ovaries from releasing an egg (ovulation) during each menstrual cycle, and can cause extra hair growth and acne.
• High Carb Diet: Consumption of a high amount of carbohydrates can trigger PCOS. 
• Sedentary Lifestyle: Lack of exercise and an increasingly sedentary lifestyle that has become characteristic of our urban existence can contribute to PCOD - PCOS.

Thyroid - An Overview

Thyroid disorders are conditions that affect the thyroid gland, a butterfly-shaped gland in the front of the neck. The thyroid has important roles to regulate numerous metabolic processes throughout the body. Different types of thyroid disorders affect either its structure or function.

The thyroid gland is controlled by the pituitary gland and hypothalamus, and so disorders of these tissues can also affect thyroid function and cause thyroid problems. Thyroid disorders can range from a small, harmless goiter (enlarged gland) that needs no treatment to life-threatening cancer. The most common thyroid problems involve abnormal production of thyroid hormones. Too much thyroid hormone results in a condition known as hyperthyroidism whereas insufficient hormone production leads to hypothyroidism.

Hyperthyroidism can have a wide variety of signs and symptoms, some of which include:

• Unintentional weight loss
• Rapid heartbeat 
• Irregular heartbeat 
• Increased appetite
• Nervousness, anxiety, and irritability
• Tremor — usually a fine trembling in your hands and fingers

Some hypothyroidism signs and symptoms may include:

• Fatigue
• Increased sensitivity to cold
• Constipation
• Dry skin
• Weight gain
• Puffy face
• Hoarseness
• Muscle weakness

An Ayurvedic Approach to PCOS and Thyroid

PCOS: Ayurveda believes that most conditions and illnesses are either due to an imbalance of the doshas, stress, and/or improper diet and lifestyle. These lead to a build-up of toxins (ama) in the body and these toxins are the actual cause of diseases. Ayurveda works by addressing the root cause of the disease and begins by detoxifying the body so that medicines can work better towards healing. 

PCOS treatment in Ayurveda falls under the category of the menstrual cycle and uterine disorders known in Sanskrit as 'artava dusti' and 'yonirogas' respectively. Artava dusti is mainly caused by improper lifestyle and dietary habits or by genetic problems. It is a disorder that involves an imbalance of Kapha and Vata. The objective is to balance the doshas and expel toxins (ama) and waste products (mala) that have accumulated in the body.

Thyroid: According to Ayurveda the thyroid function is controlled by Pitta dosha which is responsible for all of the metabolic actions carried out by the thyroid gland.

• Hypothyroidism is considered as a Kapha- Vata dosha imbalance in the body with a diminished Agni (digestive fire). 
• Hyperthyroidism is considered as a Pitta - Vata dominant imbalance in the body with unstable Agni leading to emaciation, increased heart rate, weight loss, and more.

The Ayurvedic line of treatment for Thyroid conditions mainly includes rebalancing the doshas in the body and eliminating the diseases causing toxins or ama which will help to restore the proper functions of the thyroid gland.