I. Introduction

 

Ayurveda does not characterise menstruation as a nuisance or problem to "deal with," but instead views it as a method of natural detoxification —a monthly reset where the body self-cleanses built-up toxins by sloughing off the lining of the uterus. This process is under the management of the Apana Vata, the downward-moving energy, and is supportive of ease, nourishment and rest.

Nowadays, we often do not honour the natural signals of our body, and there is a tendency for women to "push through" their period, ignoring discomfort, fatigue, or emotional shifts during these days. While Ayurveda advocates that we honour this time of the month by supporting our body and mind through practices to harmonise, i.e. with age-old rituals of eating warm, nourishing foods and soothing self-care.

In this blog, we want to detail Ayurvedic menstrual rituals with a focus on natural products (ghee, honey, mustard oil, and jaggery) and how you can integrate Gavyamart's ethically sourced products to create a menstrual wellness practice. With practices such as warming milk with A2 bilona ghee to ease cramping, using ajwain honey to alleviate bloating, and massaging with mustard oil to promote relaxation, we aim to provide you with an Ayurvedic approach to feeling more connected and cared for throughout your menstrual cycle.

 

II. Understanding Menstruation in Ayurveda

 

Ayurveda considers menstruation to be the cyclical expression of Apana Vata; Apana Vata is the energy that governs downward elimination, be it in the form of urine, stool, or menstrual blood. When Apana Vata is in harmony, menstruation will unfold easily, without excessive pain, bloating, or emotional fluctuation.

Of course, during periods, the body makes a move slowly. This is a period of cleansing, both physically and energetically, and Ayurveda believes it is honourable to slow down further by resting, eating light and nourishing foods, and avoiding anything overstimulating or strenuous.

As Vata dosha tends to become more aggravated during this time, it is a good idea to incorporate warmth, oiling, grounding activities, and easy-to-digest foods into your routine. These will help calm a nervous system that may be feeling particularly aggravated, alleviate cramping, and promote emotional homeostasis.

When you truly embody these teachings, you will be well on your way towards turning your period from a painful event to a ritual of renewal.

 

III. Ritual #1: A2 Bilona Ghee & Warm Milk for Period Cramps

 

Cramps are usually linked to a depth of vata dosha and a lump inside. Ayurveda appreciates an embrace of fat like A2 Bilona ghee, to sedate vata dosha and makes it easier for the body to flush.

Ghee provides nourishment to our tissues, facilitates hormone production, and is an optimal natural lubricant for joints and muscles.

Gavyamart’s A2 Bilona Ghee is made from desi Kankrej cow's milk and is hand-churned using the bilona method, so it is full of omega fatty acids and loaded with antioxidants, making it an ideal solution to the discomfort of menstruation.

 Ritual Recipe:

• 1 glass warm organic milk 
• 1 tsp. Gavyamart A2 Bilona ghee 
• Option: A pinch of cardamom (for digestion) or turmeric (for inflammatory support)

When to drink: In the morning and/or before bed on the first 2--3 days of your cycle.

Benefits:

• Soothes your abdominal wall musculature
• Supports your digestive fire (Agni)
• Calms mood fluctuations
• Supports deeper sleep 

This simple but powerful drink feels like a warm hug from the inside out, soothing, nurturing, and drastically calms the mind.

 

IV. Ritual #2: Reducing Bloating and Pain with Ajwain Honey & Warm Water

 

Bloating is a common symptom of menstruation, usually associated with slow digestive function and an impaired Agni. In Ayurveda, carom seeds (ajwain) are a perfect way to treat gas, bloating, and abdominal pain, because it has deepana (digestive stimulant) and pachana (carminative) qualities.

Through Gavyamart's Ajwain Honey, we bring you the herbal medicine of ajwain, along with raw, medicinal-grade honey that has anti-inflammatory properties and is a natural Vata pacifier.

Ritual Recipe:

• 1 teaspoon of Gavyamart Ajwain Honey
• 1 cup of warm (not hot) water

When to Drink: On an empty stomach in the morning, or when bloated, between meals.

Benefits:

• Gas and bloating relief
• Decreased abdominal cramps
• Improved digestion and metabolism
• A gentle kick of energy

This ritual is a great option for individuals who experience heavy bloating, indigestion, or sluggishness in their cycle.

V. Ritual #3: Mustard Oil Massage for Leg and Back Pain

 

 

Through using Abhyanga, or self-oil massage, during your period, you can perform one of the most grounding Ayurvedic practices. Abhyanga can enhance the self-care experience by calming an erratic Vata and improving circulation, and supporting your nervous system.

Mustard Oil is particularly good to use during periods, specifically because of its warming qualities, the ability to release tension in muscles, and its penetration of deep tissue.

The Mustard Oil by Gavyamart is cold-pressed and chemical-free, making it the perfect, beneficial mustard oil.

My favourite way to use it is:

• Warm 2-3 tablespoons of mustard oil
• Massage it into legs, lower back and feet.
• Optional: A few drops of calming lavender or eucalyptus essential oil?
• Have a bath or get into warm clothes afterwards to let it absorb

Benefits:

• Relieves stiffness and cramps in the muscles
• Improves sleep quality
• Calms the nerves and grounds Vata
• Increases circulation to this area of the body

By adding this practice - especially at night, you can start to reframe your period as a time to feel nurtured and reconnect to your body.

 

VI. Ritual #4: Consuming Jaggery for Healthy Menstrual Flow

 

Irregularity, clotting, and after-period sleepiness can often be caused by a close Vata dosha or weak Agni, followed by painful blood circulation and removal. Ayurveda advocates eating jaggery to help a healthy and complete period flow.

Gavyamart's jaggery cubes are unrefined, organic and additive-free, mineral and iron-rich, and an important illustration of healing foods. 

Ritual:

• At each meal while on your period, eat 1 small cube of jaggery 
• You can add jaggery to roasted sesame seeds for a boost of calcium and grounding energy 

Benefits:

• Increase iron storage 
• Smoother menstruation with fewer clots 
• Lessened fatigue following the period 
• Support healthy contractions in the uterus and detoxification 

This sweet treat provides pleasure and support for your reproductive health and long-term health.

 

VII. Lifestyle & Diet Tips for Menstrual Health (Ayurveda-Aligned)

 

In addition to the above rituals, following an Ayurvedic diet and lifestyle during your period has the additional benefit of being in sync with the natural rhythms of the body.

Examples of foods to emphasise include:

• Warm, soupy dishes, khichdi and dal 
• Cooked seasonal vegetables and ghee
• Herbal teas (fennel, ginger, or tulsi)
• Stewed fruits and soaked dates

Examples of foods to avoid include:

• Cold foods/drinks
• Caffeine or stimulants
• Raw vegetables or salads 
• Fried or processed foods 

Examples of lifestyle activities include:

• Rest and gentle movement like yoga or walking
• Avoid intense physical or mental work 
• Hydrating with warm water or herbal teas 
• Early bed to assist with recovery 

The overall goal is to create a nurturing cocoon, one where you quicken and gladden and nourish your body and calm and settle your mind.

 

VIII. Why Choose Gavyamart Products for Menstrual Wellness?

 

When using an Ayurvedic regimen, it is important to choose quality sources for the preparation so that you get the most from the healing benefits of Ayurveda. Gavyamart specialises in the sourcing and supply of natural products that are ethically made and follow the basic traditions of Ayurveda.

 

What makes Gavyamart different?

• A2 Bilona Ghee - desi Kankrej cows, hand-churned, most nutritious source.
• Ajwain Honey - raw, unheated, medicinal grade honey.
• Mustard Oil - cold-pressed, therapeutic quality.
• Jaggery Cubes - chemical-free, iron-rich, traditional preparation.

All products are free of preservatives, chemicals, additives, or artificial colours, referring back to their intended healing purpose. Using these products in your ritual will make your rituals pure and functional, as long as you are also utilising the correct ritual and intentions.

 

IX. Closing Thoughts: Reclaiming Your Period as a Time for Nourishment

 

Ayurveda teaches us that menstruation is not a horrible curse, but a time of self-care, healing and reflection. By incorporating little rituals with high-quality ingredients (like from Gavyamart), you can transform your cycle from a time of deprivation to a time of nourishment.

Every little ritual, from sipping ghee-infused milk to massaging with mustard oil to taking a bite of jaggery, is a realisation for us to slow down and listen to our bodies.

Over time, these consistent practices will not only alleviate your monthly symptoms but will also facilitate a healthy hormonal balance over time, better cycles, and a healthier reproductive system overall.

This is an invitation for you to create a sacred rhythm around menstruation, with the help of Ayurveda and the purest products from Gavyamart.

Optional: Printable Checklist – Period Care Week

• Morning: Warm milk with A2 Bilona ghee
• Empty Stomach: Ajwain honey with warm water
• Evening: Mustard oil leg/back massage
• After Meals: Jaggery cube (with/without sesame)
• Meals: Warm, cooked foods and herbal teas
• Movement: Gentle yoga or walking
• Rest: If you need to sleep more or if you need extra downtime.

 

FAQs

 

1. What is the Ayurvedic approach to period care?

 

Ayurveda sees menstruation as a natural monthly detox, not a problem to fix. It recommends slowing down, eating warm foods, using ghee, and practising rituals like self-massage and herbal drinks to balance hormones and ease discomfort.

 

2. How does ghee help with menstrual cramps in Ayurveda?

 

A2 Bilona ghee is deeply nourishing and pacifies Vata dosha, which is responsible for cramping and pain. Drinking warm milk with ghee soothes abdominal muscles, improves sleep, and supports hormonal balance during your period.

 

3. Can honey and ajwain reduce period bloating?

 

Yes, ajwain (carom seeds) is a powerful digestive in Ayurveda. Combined with raw medicinal honey, it relieves bloating, supports digestion, and provides gentle energy during menstruation—especially when taken on an empty stomach.

 

4. Why is mustard oil massage recommended during periods?

Warm mustard oil is ideal for Abhyanga (self-massage) during menstruation. Its heating properties relieve lower back pain, leg cramps, and nervous tension by grounding Vata dosha and improving circulation and relaxation.

 

5. Is jaggery good for menstrual flow and fatigue?

 

Absolutely. Jaggery is rich in iron and minerals that support healthy blood flow, reduce clotting, and combat post-period fatigue. Eating a small cube after meals improves digestion and promotes complete detoxification of the uterus.