Articles in: Women’s Health

According to Ayurveda, most issues of women’s health are not rooted in the hormonal system, although the symptoms may manifest there. There are many possible imbalances in the body that can make it difficult to maintain balanced hormonal function. In this section, you’ll find many referenced articles discussing possible imbalances underlying issues of women’s health, as well as herbs, diet and lifestyle modifications and that have been shown to help support optimal functioning of the female system.

Best Ayurvedic Herbs to Boost Testosterone

by John Douillard on December 12, 2018 | 5 Comments

It’s hard to listen to the radio and not hear an ad about your local “Low T” center for men with low testosterone. 5% of males aged 40–50 and as many as 70% of males over 70 may have low testosterone or what is officially called “hypogonadism.” Testosterone starts to decline in most men after […]

Ayurvedic Lymph-Cleansing for Cellulite

by John Douillard on November 10, 2018 | 6 Comments

Cellulite is a concern that affects some 80 percent of all females. (4) Cutting-edge research is suggesting cellulite is a consequence of alterations that develop in the lymphatic system that lead to an accumulation of substances in subcutaneous tissue. This can cause the accumulation of fluids and other substances in the cellular tissue and create […]

Shatavari: Ayurveda’s Sacred Reproductive Tonic for Women of All Ages (And Men, Too!)

by John Douillard on September 1, 2018 | 12 Comments

My first real introduction to the female reproductive herb, shatavari, known as the “Women with a Hundred Husbands,” was in the back waters of Kerala—in the south of India—during the late 80s. I was visiting one of the last remaining Nampoothiri tribes still living in their traditional pre-colonial ways. The Ayurvedic clinic in the village […]

3 Ayurvedic Pillars of Effortless Exercise

by John Douillard on July 19, 2018 | 4 Comments

Recently, I competed in a sprint triathlon with my family here in Colorado. With only a couple of weeks to train for this event, we incorporated a few Ayurvedic training techniques and successfully used them for this triathlon. The Personal Scoop Originally, my 24-year-old daughter and 18-year-old son were going to join me for this […]

The Best Ayurvedic Herbs for Menopause

by John Douillard on July 12, 2018 | 4 Comments

For some women, just the thought of entering menopause conjures up fears of sleepless nights, hot flashes, weight gain and emotional swings. Hot flashes seem to be the most common symptom, affecting 75-85 percent of all menopausal women in America. (1) Back in the early 90s, I was involved in hosting numerous Ayurvedic doctors from […]

Why Slow Yoga?

by John Douillard on June 7, 2018 | 17 Comments

Today, yoga classes are available on a drop in, as-needed basis, but traditionally, yoga was prescribed by the family Vedic guru (teacher) whose job was to teach the children the ways of a Vedic lifestyle. This included the practices of yoga, breathing, and meditation, but also had much to do with Vedic psychology and even […]

Menstrual Cycle Strategies by Body Type

by John Douillard on May 24, 2018 | 14 Comments

Menstruation falls under the general Ayurvedic heading of Yonivyapad. Ayurveda uses the word Yoni to describe the female genitalia and reproductive organs, and vyapad to describe disorders or diseases. The Charaka Samhita, a comprehensive text on the ancient Indian medicinal system of Ayurveda, describes around 20 different gynecological disorders. The premise of Ayurveda is not […]

Menopause and Menstrual Cycle Symptoms: It May Not Be Hormonal

by John Douillard on January 16, 2018 | 20 Comments

Over the years, I have worked with countless women suffering from uncomfortable and/or painful menstrual cycles. Studies have shown that menstrual pain leads to a subjectively-rated decreased quality of life, and that over 40% of women of childbearing age are affected by PMS symptoms. (1,2) Often, these same women who experience problematic periods throughout their […]

The Ugly Truth About Most Beauty Products

by John Douillard on December 19, 2017 | 4 Comments

Lead acetate is a color additive that can be found in hair dyes and some conditioners that gradually change hair color, otherwise known as “progressive” hair dye products. While Canada and Europe have banned the sale of cosmetic products containing lead acetate for nearly a decade now, the ingredient is still quite legal here in […]

The Complete Guide to Iodine Deficiency

by John Douillard on December 14, 2017 | 22 Comments

Iodine deficiency is one of the most important and prevalent global deficiencies of the late 20th and early 21st century. While great strides have been made in fighting this epidemic, there is still ample work to be done. Here are some statistics: From 1971-1994, iodine intake levels in the United States decreased by 50%, according […]

#1 Overlooked Cause of PMS + The Top 2 Ayurvedic Herbs to Help

by John Douillard on September 14, 2017 | 13 Comments

The female hormonal system–while bio-chemically complex–is also quite simple to understand when looking at it with logic. There are 3 hormones secreted by the ovaries: estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. In addition, there are ruling pituitary hormones that send orders to the ovaries to increase or decrease the production of these hormones. Contrary to what one […]

Chaste Tree Berry aka Vitex: The Female Hormonal Harmonizer

by John Douillard on August 22, 2017 | 7 Comments

Chaste tree berry (Vitex agnus-castus) has been used to support reproductive health for millions of years. Ground chaste tree berries were added to pepper grinders in monasteries, called monk’s pepper, because they believed it helped monks resist sexual temptation. In reality, there is little if any evidence that chaste tree berry will suppress sexual desire […]