Menstruation, commonly known as periods, is a natural and vital part of a woman's life, typically beginning between the ages of 11 and 14 and continuing until menopause in her late 40s or early 50s. This monthly cycle not only reflects the body's reproductive health and readiness for pregnancy but also serves as an important indicator of overall well-being. Maintaining proper menstrual hygiene is a key aspect of staying healthy during this phase.
Observed every year on May 28, Menstrual Hygiene Day aims to raise awareness about the importance of safe and hygienic menstrual practices and to break the stigma surrounding periods. Read on to understand why menstrual hygiene matters, explore Ayurvedic approaches to menstrual care, and discover Patanjali products that can support women's health during their menstrual cycle.
Impact of Menstruation Hygiene
One of the most important reasons to maintain proper menstrual hygiene is to prevent infections caused by bacterial growth resulting from infrequent changing of sanitary pads or other menstrual products. Poor menstrual hygiene can increase the risk of bacterial and yeast infections, as well as reproductive and urinary tract infections. If left untreated, some infections may lead to serious long-term health complications.
Good menstrual hygiene practices also help prevent skin irritation, rashes, unpleasant odour, and conditions such as pelvic inflammatory disease. By encouraging open conversations about menstrual health and cleanliness, women can become more informed and confident about their bodies, challenge long-standing taboos and stigmas, and enjoy a healthier, more comfortable, and dignified life during their periods.
In Ayurveda, menstruation, known as Rajah or Rajasrava, is considered a natural monthly cleansing process and an integral part of the Ritu Chakra (menstrual cycle). Maintaining proper hygiene during this time is essential for supporting physical comfort, reproductive health, and overall well-being. Let us explore some simple Ayurvedic tips for menstrual hygiene and discover Patanjali products that can help women stay clean, comfortable, and healthy throughout their menstrual cycle.
3 Ayurvedic Ways to Keep Period Hygiene
Daily Routine: Maintaining personal cleanliness during menstruation is essential for preventing infections and ensuring comfort. Taking regular warm baths and gently cleaning the external vaginal area can help reduce bacterial build-up and keep the body feeling fresh. It is also important to change sanitary pads, tampons, or empty and clean menstrual cups every four to eight hours, depending on menstrual flow.
Whenever possible, choose menstrual products made from natural materials such as cotton and free from harsh chemicals, fragrances, and synthetic additives. Wearing clean, breathable clothing and changing undergarments regularly can further support good hygiene and help prevent irritation, unpleasant odour, and discomfort during periods.
Dietary Routine: Diet plays an important role in supporting menstrual health and overall well-being during periods. Ayurveda recommends consuming warm, nourishing, and easily digestible foods that help reduce inflammation and support the body's natural balance. Including fibre- and iron-rich foods such as leafy greens, berries, apples, bananas, oats, lentils, kidney beans, black beans, cauliflower, almonds, dates, beetroot, and sweet potatoes can help replenish nutrients lost during menstruation and support healthy digestion.
Simple, comforting meals such as khichdi, soups, stews, porridges, and steamed vegetables are particularly beneficial during this time, as they are gentle on the digestive system. Staying adequately hydrated is equally important, as it can help manage bloating and support overall comfort throughout the menstrual cycle. A balanced diet can also help ease common symptoms such as digestive discomfort and hormonal fluctuations, contributing to better menstrual health.
Herbal Care: Ayurveda recommends several herbs and spices that support menstrual wellness and help maintain reproductive health naturally. Aloe vera is traditionally valued for its soothing properties and its role in supporting women's reproductive health. Lodhra is another important Ayurvedic herb known for its astringent qualities, which may help support healthy menstrual flow and strengthen uterine tissues.
Triphala is widely used for its cleansing and detoxifying properties, while Shatavari is often referred to as a premier herb for women due to its ability to nourish the reproductive system, support hormonal balance, and promote regular menstrual cycles. Ginger and turmeric are also beneficial during menstruation because of their anti-inflammatory properties, which may help ease discomfort and support overall uterine health.
Herbal teas prepared with fennel, coriander, and cumin are commonly recommended in Ayurveda to aid digestion, reduce bloating, alleviate cramps, and promote healthy circulation. When incorporated into a balanced lifestyle, these traditional remedies can contribute to greater comfort and well-being during the menstrual cycle.
Patanjali offers a range of Ayurvedic formulations that can support women's health and menstrual well-being. Divya Patrangasav (450 ml) contains a blend of Ayurvedic herbs and ingredients such as clove (Lavang), Patangkasth, Khair, Kali Sariva, Gudhal (hibiscus), Kesar (saffron), and cinnamon, which are valued in traditional Ayurvedic practice for their beneficial effects on women's reproductive health. When used as directed and alongside a healthy lifestyle, Divya Patrangasav can be a useful addition to an Ayurvedic approach to menstrual care.
Maintaining personal hygiene during menstruation can also be supported with suitable cleansing and wellness products. Patanjali Haldi Chandan Kanti Body Cleanser (188 Gms) is formulated with ingredients such as turmeric and sandalwood, which are traditionally valued for their cleansing properties. Turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities, helping keep the skin clean and refreshed. For menstrual wellness, Patanjali Divya Raj Pravartini Vati (21 Gms) helps manage menstrual discomfort, support regular cycles, and promote hormonal balance. The formulation contains ingredients such as hing (asafoetida), soya, carrot seeds, shuddha tankan, and musabbar (aloe vera), which are valued in Ayurveda for their role in supporting women's reproductive health and overall well-being.
Divya Nari Kanti Syrup (200 ml) contains rakta Chandan, lodhra, ashwagandha, shatavari, amla, jatamansi, patrangnb, ashok, nagkesar, and nagarmotha. It is useful for women’s reproductive system. It lowers menstrual pain, cramps and tiredness while treating issues like excessive or irregular bleeding.
It is time for women to manage their menstrual health and hygiene to stay completely healthy. They can start that on Menstrual Hygiene Day observed on May 28 with the help of Ayurveda and Patanjali products.
