What is Pushyanug Churna?
Pushyanug Churna (पुष्यानुग चूर्ण) is a classical Ayurvedic polyherbal powder (churna) formulation primarily indicated for female reproductive health disorders, with a special focus on abnormal uterine bleeding (Rakta Pradara), leucorrhoea (Shveta Pradara), and post-partum debility. The name “Pushyanug” derives from the Pushya Nakshatra (an auspicious lunar asterism) traditionally associated with healing and purity, reflecting the formulation’s sacred status in women’s health Ayurveda. It is described in the Charaka Samhita (Chikitsa Sthana 30) and Ashtanga Hridayam and consists of a complex blend of over 25 astringent, haemostatic, and Rakta-shodhaka (blood-purifying) herbs and minerals.
Ayurvedic Properties of Pushyanug Churna
| Property | Detail |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Name | Pushyanug Churna (पुष्यानुग चूर्ण) |
| Rasa (Taste) | Kashaya (astringent), Tikta (bitter), Madhura (sweet) |
| Guna (Quality) | Laghu (light), Ruksha (dry) |
| Virya (Potency) | Sita (cooling) |
| Vipaka (Post-digestive) | Madhura (sweet) |
| Dosha Effect | Pitta-Kapha shamak; Rakta-stambhana (haemostatic); specifically indicated in Pitta-dominant Pradara conditions |
| Part Used | Compound churna (powder) formulation |
Ingredients of Pushyanug Churna
- Rasanjana (extract of Berberis aristata) – astringent, anti-inflammatory, Raktashodhaka
- Lodhra (Symplocos racemosa) – uterine tonic, astringent, anti-oestrogenic
- Jambu beeja (Syzygium cumini seeds) – haemostatic, antidiabetic, astringent
- Amra beeja (mango seed kernel, Mangifera indica) – astringent, antidiarrhoeal
- Shalmali niryasa (silk-cotton gum, Bombax ceiba) – haemostatic, nutritive
- Raktachandan (red sandalwood, Pterocarpus santalinus) – Pitta-pacifying, anti-inflammatory
- Musta (Cyperus rotundus) – digestive, anti-inflammatory, uterine regulator
- Amla (Emblica officinalis) – antioxidant, Pitta-pacifying, haemostatic
- Katvanga (Oroxylum indicum) – astringent, anti-inflammatory
- Kutaja (Holarrhena antidysenterica) – antidiarrhoeal, Kapha-Pitta pacifying
- Nagakeshara (Mesua ferrea) – haemostatic, anti-inflammatory, aromatic
- Ananta moola (Indian sarsaparilla, Hemidesmus indicus) – blood purifier, tonic
Health Benefits of Pushyanug Churna
1. Menorrhagia and Abnormal Uterine Bleeding (Rakta Pradara)
Pushyanug Churna is the foremost classical formulation for Rakta Pradara, characterised by excessive or prolonged menstrual bleeding. Its potent Stambhana (astringent-haemostatic) and Pitta-pacifying action works directly on the uterine endometrium to reduce abnormal bleeding. Ingredients like Lodhra, Nagakeshara, and Shalmali niryasa collectively tone uterine tissue, reduce vascular permeability, and control excessive flow without disrupting the normal hormonal cycle.
2. Leucorrhoea and Vaginal Discharge (Shveta Pradara)
In Shveta Pradara (white discharge), Pushyanug Churna’s Kashaya (astringent) and Ruksha (drying) properties reduce excess Kapha secretions from the Artava vaha srotas (reproductive channels). Rasanjana and Kutaja address the antimicrobial aspect, reducing pathogenic load, while Lodhra and Musta restore normal mucosal integrity and pH of the vaginal environment.
3. Uterine Toning and Reproductive Health
Lodhra is specifically classified as a Garbhasaya shoshana (uterine toning) herb in classical Ayurveda. When combined with Ananta moola and Raktachandan in Pushyanug Churna, it provides a comprehensive Artava (menstrual health) tonic action. The formulation supports healthy endometrial proliferation, reduces uterine laxity, and is used classically in post-partum uterine involution and management of mild uterine prolapse.
4. Post-Partum Recovery
Pushyanug Churna is commonly prescribed in the post-delivery period (Sutika Paricharya) to check excessive lochia, support uterine contraction, and prevent post-partum infections. Its Pitta-pacifying and haemostatic action addresses post-partum haemorrhage tendencies, while its Raktashodhaka (blood-purifying) herbs prevent complications from retained products of conception and puerperal inflammation.
5. Diarrhoea and Irritable Bowel with Bleeding
Beyond its gynaecological applications, Pushyanug Churna is classically indicated in Atisara (diarrhoea) with blood, owing to the presence of Kutaja, Amra beeja, and Jambu beeja — three of Ayurveda’s foremost antidiarrhoeal and haemostatic herbs. It is effective in mucous colitis, dysentery, and bleeding disorders of the gastrointestinal tract with a Pitta-Kapha aetiology.
6. Blood Disorders and Raktapitta
Raktapitta, the classical category covering bleeding disorders including haemoptysis, epistaxis, and menorrhagia, is a primary indication for Pushyanug Churna. The Sita (cooling) virya pacifies aggravated Pitta in Rakta Dhatu, while Stambhana-karma (haemostatic action) of astringent herbs arrests pathological bleeding from multiple channels. It is one of the classical first-line formulations for Pitta-dominant Raktapitta.
7. Anaemia Support and Rakta Dhatu Nourishment
Blood loss from menorrhagia leads to Pandu (anaemia) as a common comorbidity in classical texts. Pushyanug Churna’s Raktashodhaka and mild Rakta-vardhaka (blood-building) properties via Amla, Ananta moola, and Raktachandan help address the underlying blood quality while controlling the bleeding that causes depletion. It is often combined with Loha Bhasma or Drakshavaleha in classical anaemia-with-menorrhagia protocols.
How to Use Pushyanug Churna
| Form | Dosage | How to Take |
|---|---|---|
| Churna (powder) | 3–6 g | Twice daily with rice water (Tandulodaka), honey, or milk before or after meals |
| With honey and rice water | 3 g | Twice daily; classical anupana for Rakta Pradara |
| With cold milk | 3–5 g | Twice daily; enhances Pitta-pacifying and uterine-toning action |
| As prescribed | Physician-directed | Duration typically 4–12 weeks based on severity and response |
Side Effects & Precautions
Pushyanug Churna is generally safe and well-tolerated in women at recommended doses. Its high astringency may cause constipation in some individuals — if this occurs, increase fluid intake or use with a mild laxative as directed by a physician. It is primarily formulated for women and its use in men requires specific clinical justification. Pregnant women should use it only under expert guidance, as some haemostatic herbs may be contraindicated in early pregnancy. It should not be used to self-treat heavy menstrual bleeding without ruling out structural uterine pathology (fibroids, endometriosis, polyps) through appropriate gynaecological investigation.
Classical References
Pushyanug Churna is described in the Charaka Samhita (Chikitsa Sthana 30, Yonivyapad Chikitsa), Ashtanga Hridayam (Uttara Tantra), and Bhaishajya Ratnavali (Pradara Rogadhikara). It is classified under Stri Roga Chikitsa (gynaecological therapeutics) and Raktapitta Chikitsa formulations. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India documents its standardised composition.