Shunthi i.e. Zingiber officinale R. is one of the popular herbs used since many centuries for various ailments as mentioned in Ayurveda literature. The herb is considered under the category of Rasayana (Rejuvenative) for having a broad spectrum activity. It is famous for most of the inflammatory conditions and associated diseases. The herb has unique quality to exert this activity under various pathogenesis. There are many pharmacological screening conducted so far to establish its effect on various animal / screening models. But yet, its Ayurvedic view in correlation with pharmacological screening with special reference to menstrual pain is not systematically presented. It is observed that understanding the mode of action of the herb in terms of Ayurvedic parameters is solely for Ayurvedic diseases and not for its understanding according to contemporary medical science. The theory of herb`s active components or extracts studied in in-vivo or in-vitro methods may be supportive to the actions describe in traditional texts. However, the understanding by both streams (Ayurveda and contemporary medicine) can help to appreciate other herbs with similar properties. It may give new vision to develop an interdisciplinary common protocol for other medicinal plants.

Menstruation is a biological, cultural as well as now a political phenomenon. In culture and traditions across the globe menstruation is surrounded by secrecy, shame, embarrassment, fear, humiliation, silence, and stigma. Apart from these variables, several studies on menstrual practices also include other variables like bothersome, prohibitions, community, presumptions and seclusion. It is easy in today’s world to forget that menstruation is all about reproductive health. The practice of menstrual taboos in adolescent girls with its implications on hygiene are widely being studied and published. Ayurveda marks menstruating female as ‘Rajaswala’ and instructs to follow certain disciplined life style in terms of diet and routine activities while menstruating. Apart from culture and contemporary science, Ayurveda science believes observance of Rajaswala paricharya must for reproductive health and for procurement of healthy offspring. Present article is a review of various research works on menstrual practices globally and review of studies on Rajaswala paricharya.

Gomutra Haritaki is one of the Ayurvedic drugs which have been described in the Samhitas like Charakasamhita, Sushrutasamhita, Ashtangahridayam etc. This drug has been recommended for the diseases like Shoth (Oedema), Arsha (Haemorrhoids) and Pandu (Anemia). Several references are available about the properties of Gomutra (Cow’s Urine) and Haritaki (Fruit of Terminalia Chebula) in different Samhitas. The different methods are described regarding the preparation of Gomutra Haritaki. This is multidimensional drug useful in various disorders. An attempt has been made to compile all the details of Gomutra Haritaki from classics along with its method of preparation. Keywords

Introduction: Dysmenorrhoea is one of the gynaecological pathogenesis commonly observed in the socie-ty in young and adolescent girls. It is associated with painful cramps during menstruation of uterine origin with association of nausea, vomiting, constipation or diarrhoea. Various methods are practiced relieving pain and such symptoms but the search for herbal nutritive formulations to cure this is in search. Methodology: The present clinical study was randomized open labelled clinical trial amongst 150 unmar-ried girls suffering from painful menstruation between age group of 13 to 25. Performa was prepared to analyse data and pain before and after treatment. The population samples were randomly divided into three group with Rajapravartini Vati as control group, another two groups were administered herbal soup and herbal cookies. Results: Percentage relief in pain was 84.9% in cookies, 63.64% in soup group and 45.83% in Ra-japravartni group. 51.35% girls showed complete relief in dysmenorrhoea in cookies group, 40.54% in soup group and 32.43% in Rajapravartini group. Conclusion: Palatability and acceptability of herbal soup and cookies along with effectiveness in relieving painful menstruation was significant.