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.

Iron Deficiency? Restore Your Ferritin Reserves

by John Douillard on October 10, 2019 | 6 Comments

Iron: World’s Most Common Mineral Deficiency Iron deficiency affects 25% of people worldwide! It is considered one of the most prevalent forms of malnutrition in the world1 and the most common mineral deficiency.4 In America, 20% of women and 50% of pregnant women are iron deficient.5 Sadly, adolescent girls are most vulnerable. In a 2017

092: Hormonology with Gabrielle Lichterman

by John Douillard on October 7, 2019 | 2 Comments

October 7, 2019 | 61 minutes, 24 seconds Download Every once in a while, you read something so important, you just want to make sure everyone hears about it. Recently, I read the book 28 Days by women’s health journalist Gabrielle Lichterman, who sourced thousands of scientific studies to explain and verify what women feel

Ayurvedic Pregnancy Preparation Tips

by John Douillard on September 12, 2019 | 5 Comments

Ayurveda + Modern Science for Healthy Pregnancy According to Ayurveda, preparing for pregnancy is as important as getting pregnant, being pregnant, staying pregnant, and delivering a healthy child. Today, understanding these ancient principles is more important than ever. But it is important to understand modern pregnancy risks as well. In this article, I discuss some

#1 Cause of PMS + 2 Herbs to Help

by John Douillard on August 22, 2019 | 19 Comments

Do you have irritating symptoms around your monthly menstrual cycle? Often, we are told this is just a part of being a woman, but according to Western science and Ayurvedic wisdom, there is both a logical reason for the imbalance and a way to address it, so you can enjoy the healthy natural rhythms of

Women: Embrace the Power of Your Sensitivity!

by John Douillard on June 13, 2019 | 3 Comments

I have long held that being a highly sensitive person a great asset. Learning how to be a sensitive person, however, in an insensitive world, is the key—but once mastered, the rewards are great, especially for women!13 A 2015 study in the journal Psychonueroendocrinology suggests that women experience 2-3x the stress and mood-related concerns that men

Iodine for Thyroid, Hormonal + Breast Health

by John Douillard on April 30, 2019 | 6 Comments

You may have heard extreme claims about iodine—that we’re all deficient, causing us to be flooded with fluoride, or that it will poison you and destroy your thyroid gland. I’m here to bring some sober statistics to the table about this important trace element and a plan to moderately and safely introduce it into your routine.

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 | 8 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 | 13 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 | 18 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