Sukumaram Kashayam

Sukumaram Kashayam (also spelled as sukumar kashaya) is a classical ayurvedic medicine available in either decoction liquid form or concentrated extract tablet form. According to Ashtanga Hridayam, it helps treat indigestion (dyspepsia), intestinal spasm, abdominal pains, hernia, menstrual disorders and female infertility. In addition to these, Sukumaram Kashayam is also beneficial in the treatment of polycystic disease, ovarian cysts, and uterine fibroids.

Ingredients

1. Aegle Marmelos – Bael
2. Aerva Lanata – Mountain Knotgrass – Gorakhbuti (Kapuri Jadi Or Bhadra)
3. Asparagus Racemosus – Shatavari
4. Boerhavia Diffusa – Punarnava
5. Cuminum Cyminum – Cumin – Jeera
6. Desmodium Gangeticum – Prisniparni
7. Desmostachya Bipinnata – Kusha Grass – Davoli (Darbha)
8. Eragrostis Cynosuroides – Kus Or Kusha
9. Mulethi (Yashtimadhu) – Licorice – Glycyrrhiza Glabra
10. Gmelina Arborea – Beechwood – Kasmari
11. Holostemma Annulare – Payasya
12. Imperata Cylindrica – Kasa
13. Oroxylum Indicum – Syonaka
14. Piper Longum – Long Pepper – Pippali
15. Piper Longum – Long Pepper Root – Pippali Mool
16. Premna Corymbosa – Agnimantha (Premna)
17. Pseudarthria Viscida – Saliparni
18. Ricinus Communis – Castor Oil Plant – Erand
19. Saccharum Officinarum – Sugar Cane Root – Ikshu Mool
20. Saccharum Spontaneum – Sara
21. Solanum Xanthocarpum – Kantakari
22. Sphearanthus Hirtus – Potagala
23. Stereospermum Suaveolens – Patala
24. Tribulus Terrestris – Gokshura
25. Vitis Vinifera – Dry Grapes – Draksha
26. Withania Somnifera – Ashwagandha
27. Zingiber Officinale – Dried Ginger Root – Sonth

Medicinal Properties

Sukumaram Kashayam has following healing properties.

1. Antacid
2. Antiulcerogenic
3. Anti-inflammatory
4. Antispasmodic
5. Antitumor
6. Analgesic
7. Carminative
8. Fertility Promoter in females
9. Adaptogenic
10. Anticancer
11. Anti-mutagenic
12. Antioxidant
13. Digestive Stimulant
14. Emmenagogue
15. Mild estrogenic
16. Mild laxative
17. Muscle relaxant
18. Uterine Tonic

Therapeutic Indications

Sukumaram Kashayam is helpful in following health conditions.

Women’s Health

• Infertility
• Membranous dysmenorrhea
• Ovarian Cysts
• Polycystic ovarian disease
• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
• Secondary amenorrhea
• Uterine fibroids or tumors

Digestive Health

• Abdominal distension
• Abdominal pain or cramps
• Acidity or Heartburn
• Bloating
• Chronic Gastritis
• Chronic Constipation
• Duodenal ulcer
• Gas or flatulence
• Indigestion or Dyspepsia
• Intestinal spasm
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Peptic ulcer
• Hepatomegaly – liver enlargement
• Splenomegaly – Spleen enlargement

Others

• Hernia

Benefits & Medicinal Uses

Sukumaram Kashayam is prepared from a mix of herbs. Extracts from selective natural ingredients are effective in treating complex situations. It helps treat infertility, indigestion and chronic constipation. There are multiple benefits associated with it, which makes it amongst the popular ones. Several gynecological disorders can be treated with its guided usage, including diseases pertaining to ovaries, uterus and reproductive system in general.

To begin with, it is an excellent remedy for infertility. It is also a popular cure for colic, dyspepsia and indigestion. For women, it is a blessing as it helps overcome commonplace menstrual problems and regulates the hormonal levels to rectify misbalanced functions.

Along with prescribed for hepato-splenomegaly, it is a preferred natural herbal medicine for hernia. At the same time, it is useful in managing hyperacidity and is often recommended for ascites (especially due to liver disease). It calms the brain and mind, thereby relieving depression and tension.

Female Infertility

Being an excellent fertility enhancer and rejuvenator, it often used in women experience difficulty in conception or anything owing to uterine or blood flow related disorders.

Unexplained Infertility

In some cases, the underlying cause of the infertility is unknown, all tests are normal, woman also getting normal regular periods with normal ovulation, but still unable to conceive. In such case, ayurveda believes in weakness of uterus and ovaries. Many cases of Unexplained Infertility are well treatable with following combination when taken continuously for 3 to 6 months.

Dysmenorrhea (Menstrual cramps)

Sukumaram Kashayam has antispasmodic and anodyne action, which gives relief from menstrual cramps, severe throbbing pain or severe lower abdominal cramps that occurs just before or during menstrual periods. Sukumaram Kashayam possibly acts on prostaglandins. The higher levels of prostaglandins are associated with severe menstrual cramps.

Severe contractions of uterine muscles constrict the blood vessels of uterus. This blockage also leads to severe pain. Several ingredients in Sukumaram Kashayam lead to smooth contractions and easier flow of menstrual blood, which results in normal contractions and gives relief from menstrual cramps.

Sukumaram Kashayam also provides relief in other causes of dysmenorrhea including endometriosis, uterine fibroids and pelvic inflammatory disease.

For best results in Dysmenorrhea (Menstrual cramps), the following combination with Sukumaram Kashayam works better.

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

According to ayurveda, most commonly Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) occurs due to aggravated VATA and PITTA humors. Sukumaram Kashayam pacifies VATA and PITTA both and relieves symptoms such as mood swings, fatigue, irritability and tenderness of the breasts. Some ingredients of Sukumaram Kashayam also act on mental stress and depression, which may be likely a cause of PMS aggravated symptoms. Following combination with Sukumaram Kashayam can treat PMS if taken for three months regularly.

1. If backache, fatigue, joint pain or muscle pain occur, then Ashwagandha can be added in above mix.
2. If restlessness, lower abdominal cramps, irritability, mood swings and breast tenderness are main symptoms, then Licorice (Mulethi) and Shatavari can also be added in the above mix.

Ovarian Cysts

However, ovarian cysts may not be harmful and these may present with no or little discomfort. In ayurveda, the drugs of choice for ovarian cysts are Chandraprabha Vati and Sukumaram Kashayam. This treatment is very successful and gives complete relief from ovarian cysts and associated symptoms.

PCOS (PCOD)

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD) is a major contributor towards infertility in women. Hormonal imbalance triggers this condition and leads to formation of multiple ovarian cysts.

Together with other Ayurvedic medicines, Sukumaram Kashayam is used in holistic healing of ovaries and uterus related issues. Minimum three months therapy is recommended for bringing back the normal cycle. It controls ovarian and endocrine functions while reducing circulation of androgens. The following combination can be used along with Sukumaram Kashayam.

1. Ovarian Cysts: Chandraprabha Vati is necessary to take with Sukumaram Kashayam for reducing ovarian cysts.
2. Absent Periods: Normally, Kumaryasava and Kasisadi vati or Raja Pravartini Vati is used for this purpose, but when this combination does not work, and then a strong medicine is required. Agnitundi Vati with Kumaryasava is strongest medicine for bringing periods and starting ovulation. However, it may also have side effects, so it should be used under medical supervision. It should be stopped immediately as soon as a menstrual period starts. Kumaryasava should be continued.
3. Ovulation Problems: Vang Bhasma and Saraswatarishta are two effective medicines with Sukumaram Kashayam, which help correcting ovulation problems and balancing hormones. However, in some cases, Ashokarishta can also be beneficial, but some women with PCOS reported delay in menstruation periods with Ashokarishta. If Ashokarishta need to be taken then it should be taken in combination with Kumaryasava and Bang bhasma.

In addition to these, women may require other medications as per other symptoms.

Amenorrhea

Sukumaram Kashayam along with Kumaryasava and Kasisadi vati or Raja Pravartini Vati or Agnitundi Vati with Kumaryasava help curing amenorrhea (absent periods). However, medicines like Raja Pravartini Vati and Agnitundi Vati can only be used for a short-term duration, but Sukumaram Kashayam can be used for a longer period to regulating the periods.

Uterine Fibroids or Tumors

Sukumaram Kashayam is a drug of choice for Uterine Fibroids or Tumors. For additional support, Kanchnar Guggul and Chandraprabha vati should also be used. This combination helps reducing size of uterine fibroids and long-term treatment (3 to 6 months) can completely remove the fibroid.

Uterine fibroid also have several symptoms like heavy bleeding or heavy menstrual bleeding or prolonged menstrual periods. Under such circumstances, Ashokarishta, Praval Pishti, Mukta Pishti, Mulethi (Yashtimadhu), Shatavari, Amla (Indian Gooseberry) or other PITTA pacifier herbs should be used.

Endometriosis & Menorrhagia

Endometriosis is characterized by painful and prolonged bleeding. Sukumaram Kashayam with Ashokarishta when taken on regular basis for 6 months can alleviate the symptoms and control the situation.

It is encouraged that during menses women being treated for endometriosis should keep away from salt. This results in speedy recovery as well as enhanced fertility.

After Delivery & Miscarriage

Sukumaram Kashayam pacifies VATA and decreases ill effects of KAPHA. It painlessly cleanses the female reproductive system including the uterus of any toxic substances. Hence, women who have just delivered as well as those recovering from miscarriage, if uses Sukumaram Kashayam at least for one month can get benefit from this formulation. For additional support or benefits, Dashmoolarishta (Dasamoolarishtam) should also be used along with Sukumaram Kashayam.

It clears obstructions in female urogenital system. Furthermore, during pregnancy it nourishes the mother and child. After delivery, it promotes lactation and recovery.

Ulcers

Inflammatory bowel diseases like Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are on the rise. Many of my patients suffer from these kinds of psychosomatic disorders because of their modern lifestyle.

Sukumaram Kashayam with GRAHI and DEEPAN formulations has succeeded in overcoming irritable bowel syndrome.

Flatulence & Intestinal Spasms

By balancing the VATA aggravation in the abdomen, Sukumaram Kashayam relieves intra-abdominal pressure helping with hernia, constipation, flatulence and intestinal spasms.

Its carminative property benefits those struggling with hernia, GULMA and wounds at large.

Dosage & Administration

The general dosage of Sukumaram Kashayam is as follows.

* Twice daily – Sukumaram Kashayam liquid diluted with 15 – 60 ml warm water or Sukumaram Kashayam Tablet with a glass of warm water 30 minutes before meal

Safety Profile

Sukumaram Kashayam is LIKELY SAFE & WELL TOLERATED in most individuals with the dosage of Sukumaram Kashayam described above.

Side Effects

There are no side effects observed with Sukumaram Kashayam use.

Allergic Reactions

Generally, there is no allergic reaction observed while using Sukumaram Kashayam, but one should avoid it if he/she has allergy to any of its ingredients.