A Fibroid is a benign (non-cancerous) tumor of fibrous tissue in the womb that may develop in the muscular wall of the womb. Fibroids are often accompanied by severe pain, pelvic discomfort and excessive menstrual bleeding. These fibroids can grow to a large size. This growth will prevent pregnancy. This condition usually affects women over 30 years of age. The growth of Fibroids is triggered by hormonal imbalance and production of excessive estrogen.
Fibroids can be removed by surgery but to avoid complication other safe methods to dissolve them safely are advisable. The small fibroids normally disappear when the uterus membranes contract and due to the dryness of the canal leading to the vagina. If the fibroids are extremely large, surgery is the only option to get rid of them.
Fibroids in Ayurveda
The names given to Fibroids in Ayurveda are Arbuda and Granthi. Ayurveda suggests that dosha imbalance in the muscles in the body can lead to the growth of Arbuda or Granthi. The three doshas namely vata, pitta and kapha when aggravated may weaken the body’s immune system and give way to diseases.
Ayurveda refers to tumors as Rakta Gulma and attributes it to the impurity in the blood. Depending upon the dosha type of the affected person and the dosha vitiation the course of treatment is decided.
The fatty substances that constitute the tissues namely ‘Medha’, the fat muscles known as ‘Mamsa’, and blood get affected by the dosha aggravation and show various symptoms depending on the nature of the dosha disturbance.
Types of Fibroids
The fibroids may be of different types depending upon the dosha vitiation and the nature of the tumor.
Vata: Tumors caused by vata aggravation are large in size accompanied by intestinal bleeding. They are malignant (cancerous) and can be identified by the dark color of the menstrual blood that is thin and also dry. The person may have symptoms like sleeplessness, constipation, dryness of skin and body aches.
Pitta: Fibroids are caused due to inflammation or infection and may be malignant. It is accompanied by burning sensation, acidity, thirst and excessive bleeding known as menorrhagia and infection of the urinary and genital systems.
Kapha: The tumor is usually big in size and grows slowly. The affected person feels lethargy, heaviness of body, excessive sleep and menorrhagia containing plenty of blood clots.
Medoj Arbuda: These fatty tumors may be made up of fluid, mucus and sebaceous material usually related to problems related to obesity.
Mamsa Arbuda: They are muscular fiber growth and are immobile, smooth and hard. These fibroids are from different origins.
Ayurvedic Remedy for Fibroids
The Ayurvedic herbs generally are cold and astringent and help to balance and strengthen the systems and check the excessive bleeding. The combination of these herbs is found highly effective in the treatment of gynecological disorders caused by fibroids. They help in reducing the pelvic discomfort, bleeding and improve the patient’s general health.
Herbs Useful in the Treatment of Fibroids
Ashoka, Babul, Bilba, Kanchar, Guggulu, Gum Tragacanth, Kalajaji, Lodhra, Laksha, Mochrus, Hiradukhi, Majuphal, Nagkesar and Harida are used in herbal medicines in the treatment of fibroids as they are highly effective in reducing the symptoms.
In Ayurvedic treatment of fibroids the patients are advised to increase the intake of foods containing iron as it can prevent anemia caused by excessive bleeding. They should take banana, apple, amla, spinach, nuts, molasses, wheat bran and jaggery etc. Moderate exercise and avoiding stress can also relieve the effects of fibroids.