Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD) is a common condition, which is caused by hormonal imbalance in women of reproductive age. A woman suffering from PCOD has multiple cysts in her ovaries. These cysts occur due to disruption in regular menstrual cycles. The ovaries get enlarged due to the cysts and produce excess androgens. The levels of estrogen and progesterone are lower than usual. The increased levels of androgens and missed ovulation together might cause problems in conceiving. PCOD can also be caused by genetic factors, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle.
Also, PCOD can result into various health complications such as having irregular or missed menstruation cycles, excessive hair fall and thinning, excessive oil secretion on the skin, loss of appetite, pelvic pain, hirsutism, conceiving problems, and several others. It can be easily diagnosed by a physical examination, pelvic examination, blood tests or a vaginal ultrasound (sonogram). PCOD is also known as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) or Stein-Leventhal syndrome.
Best part is, PCOD can be cured completely with proper treatment. A PCOD patient can try out several home remedies which can effectively treat the condition and reduce the associated symptoms. It is advised to combine home remedies with a healthy lifestyle, reduced or limited alcohol consumption, smoking cessation and increased physical activities, to effectively cure PCOD.
Here are some home remedies to cure PCOD naturally:
1. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a widely used herb in the kitchen. It increases the insulin sensitivity and promotes calorie burning. Cinnamon also reduces lipid and cholesterol levels in the body. It can give results quickly and helps in losing weight.
Cinnamon can be easily consumed in meals daily by adding its powder in foods such as oatmeal, cereal, yogurt, cottage cheese, and sandwich. However, a person should not consume more than two teaspoons of cinnamon in a day.
Ingredients:
One teaspoon of cinnamon powder
One tablespoon of honey
How to use it:
Method-1:
- Add one tablespoon of honey to one teaspoon of cinnamon powder to form a paste.
- Consume this paste once a week.
Method-2:
- Add one teaspoon cinnamon powder in a glass of water (hot).
- Consume the mixture daily for several months or until being satisfied with results.
2. Flaxseeds
Flaxseeds help in combating PCOD effectively as they can reduce the androgens levels. It contains lignans which increase the production of sex hormone binding globulin or SHBG that binds the testosterone in the blood, preventing it to cause harm to the body.
Flaxseeds are also rich in fiber. They help in slowing down glucose metabolism and reducing cholesterol level. The omega-3 fatty acids present in flaxseeds normalize blood pressure, reduce body inflammation and decrease the risk of developing chronic diseases like several cardiovascular diseases. A PCOD patient can include flaxseeds in his/her daily diet by sprinkling them over soups, salads, and smoothies.
Ingredients:
- Two tablespoons of grounded flaxseeds
How to use it:
- Mix two tablespoons of freshly grounded flaxseeds in a glass of warm water.
- Consume this mixture daily for several months.
3. Spearmint Tea
Spearmint tea helps in treating PCOD naturally because of its anti-androgenic properties. Regular consumption of spearmint tea can help in reducing hirsutism by reducing free and testosterone levels. Spearmint tea also helps in increasing both follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels.
Ingredients:
- One teaspoon of spearmint leaves (dried)
How to use it:
- Boil one cup of water in a saucepan.
- Add one teaspoon of dried and crushed spearmint leaves.
- Let it boil for 10 minutes.
- Strain and consume this tea.
- Consume spearmint tea twice daily, for several weeks.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is extremely beneficial in treating PCOD naturally, as it helps in controlling blood sugar and regulates insulin production. Less insulin production will also limit testosterone production. Apple cider vinegar helps in losing weight and provides overall health benefits.
It also helps in reducing symptoms associated with PCOD. Apple cider vinegar can be consumed daily by adding a bit of it into salads, sprouts, etc. A person can gradually increase the consumption of ACV up to two tablespoons per glass, two to three times a day.
Ingredients:
- Two teaspoons of unfiltered and raw ACV
- A glass of fresh fruit juice
How to use it:
Method-1:
- Mix two teaspoons of unfiltered and raw ACV into a glass of warm water
- Consume the mixture on an empty stomach and before every meal.
- Repeat the process for several months.
Method-2:
- Mix two teaspoons of ACV into a glass of fresh fruit juice.
- Consume the mixture twice daily.
- Repeat the process until being satisfied with results.
5. Fenugreek
Fenugreek is very effective in reducing symptoms associated with PCOD. It improves glucose resistance, thereby helping in regulating hormones in the body. It might also support in losing weight, lowering blood cholesterol levels, and promoting cardiovascular health. Fenugreek seeds and leaves can be consumed by adding to the diet daily.
Ingredients:
- A cup of fenugreek seeds
- One tablespoon of honey
How to use it:
- Soak the fenugreek seeds in water and keep overnight.
- Mix one teaspoon of the soaked fenugreek seeds with one teaspoon honey.
- Consume this paste on an empty stomach and before every meal.
- Repeat the process for a few weeks.
6. Green Tea
Green tea is packed with anti-oxidants. Catechins present in the green tea help in lowering down the hormone levels, thereby reducing ovary cysts and associated PCOD symptoms. Insulin levels are also normalized by consuming green tea regularly. It also helps in reducing and managing weight of a PCOD patient.
Ingredients:
- One green tea bag or a teaspoon of green tea leaves
- One teaspoon of honey
How to use it:
- Boil the leaves with water or use a tea bag to brew the herb in a glass of hot water, for four to five minutes.
- Strain the tea and add a teaspoon of honey to it.
- Consume this tea around three to four times a day.
- Repeat the process until being satisfied with the results.
7. Indian Gooseberry
Indian gooseberry is an excellent source of vitamin C and has various antioxidant properties. It helps in controlling the blood sugar level and can also boost fertility in women. Indian gooseberry has several detoxifying properties which can help in losing weight quickly. It fights against the free radicals and also has anti-inflammatory properties which help in restoring hormonal balance. It can also be consumed raw.
Ingredients:
- Half a cup of Indian gooseberry juice
How to use it:
- Mix half a cup of Indian gooseberry juice in a glass of lukewarm water.
- Consume this mixture daily for improving body’s immunity and reduction of PCOD symptoms.
8. Chasteberry
Chasteberry is scientifically known as Vitex agnus-castus. It is useful in treating PCOD symptoms as it regulates the activities of pituitary gland, thus restores normal hormonal balance. Chasteberry is an excellent home remedy to treat infertility due to hormonal imbalance in women.
Ingredients:
- One teaspoon of dried or fresh chasteberry
How to use it:
- Boil dried or fresh chasteberry in a cup of water.
- Strain and consume this tea daily.
- Repeat the process until being satisfied with the results.
9. Licorice Roots
Licorice is a well-known herb which can significantly reduce the level of serum testosterone in the women suffering from PCOD. It also helps in promoting ovulation and detoxifying liver in PCOD patients. Licorice contains a compound known as glycyrrhizin, which inhibits the enzyme responsible for synthesis of testosterone in the body, thereby limiting testosterone level.
Ingredients:
- One tablespoon of licorice root
How to use it:
- Add one tablespoon of licorice root in a cup of hot water.
- Let it sit for around five minutes.
- Strain and consume licorice tea.
- Consume licorice tea daily for several months.
10. Holy Basil
Holy basil has several anti-androgenic properties. It helps in restoring normal hormonal balance, aids in weight loss, and reduces the symptoms associated with PCOD. Holy basil also has several anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. It also acts as a potent stress reliever.
Ingredients:
- 10-12 fresh basil leaves
- A teaspoon of honey
How to use it:
Method-1:
- Chew 10-12 basil leaves early morning, daily on an empty stomach
- Repeat this process for several months.
Method-2:
- Boil 8-10 basil leaves in a cup of water.
- Strain and add one teaspoon of honey to it.
- Consume basil tea for several months to treat PCOD naturally.