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ana) and Gairika (Red Ochre, Fe2O3) powder in equal parts in the dose of 1 karsha (12 gm) acts as a contraceptive. 2. Paste of chitraka (Plumbago zeylanica) root mixed with Nirgundi (Vitex negundo) juice and administered in the dose of one karsha (12 gm) is an effective contraceptive. 3. Powder of sarshapa seeds (Brassica campestris), Tandulam (Amaranthus spinosus), Sarkara (Sugar candy) pound with Tandulodaka (rice water) when taken with milk prevents conception. 4. Powders of Amla (Emblica officinalis), Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna) and Abhaya (Terminalia chebula), along with water ,make the follicular development ineffective. 5. Haridra (Curcuma longa) rhizome , having knot, is to be given one rhizome per day during the 3 days of menstruation and continued for another 3 days. 6. Powder of Krishna Jeeraka (Carum carvi), Kachooram (Hedychium spicatum), Nagakesara (Mesua ferrea), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Kalonji (Nigella sativa), Kayaphala (Myrica nagi) is to be mixed and given as pills in the size
of ziziphus fruit for 7 days. 7. Flowers of Japa (Hibiscus rosasinensis), if taken immediately after the delivery of a child, is said to prevent future conception. The anti-implantation activity of this was tested scientifically. 8. The entire seeds of the cotyledons of white variety of Gunja (Abrus precatorius), after removing the epicarp are to be soaked in water for one night. Administration of the potion on the fourth, fifth and sixth day of menstruation is stated to prevent conception for three years. Interesting scientific studies were conducted on this regimen. It produces absolute infertility effect which is also reversible on withdrawal. 9. Pippali (Piper longum), Vidanga (Embelia ribes) and Tankana (borax), made into a powder in equal quantities and taken with milk during the fertile phase, is an effective contraceptive. Experimental studies proved its efficacy and there were only two failures amongst 458 users. There is no adverse effect on lactation or any other side -effects. The reversibility of fertility is stated to be immediate after withdrawal of medication.
AYURVEDA & Health Tourism 48 April/June 2014
Oral contraceptive for males 1. The herb Arka (Calotropis gigantea) inhibits spermatogenesis and acts as oral contraceptives for males. Calotropin, a novel compound, is responsible for its fertility control. 2. Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) leaves when administered in the dose of 2 gm daily acts as an effective anti -fertility agent in males. 3. Haridra (Curcuma longa) extracts induce fertility control in male. The natural birth control methods mentioned in Ayurvedic texts help to minimize chances of unwanted pregnancies and prevent sexuallytransmitted diseases. Contraceptive methods were in use since the time of Vedas. Unlike hormonal contraceptives or other contraceptive methods, Ayurvedic contraceptives are free from side- effects and are very effective. So this vast field has to be researched more for benefiting mankind. *Consultant Ayurveda Physician, Chakrapani Ayurveda Clinic & Research Centre, Jaipur Email:
lakshmianoop3@gmail.com
6th World Ayurveda Congress and Arogya Expo - Delhi 2014 (1-5 November 2014) Ayurveda, the ancient healthcare science of India was beset with challenges at the turn of the 20th century, even though it was being considered the science of life and the source of most alternative healthcare systems. Its growth rate was stagnating and certain 'scientific' reviews were questioning the efficacy of Ayurvedic formulations, given their heavy metal content. European legislation was threatening to bar Ayurveda from the continent forever. Ayurvedic organizations did register protests but could not mobilise the cohesive, critical mass needed to make their voices heard. They needed advocacy groups and forums to offer robust scientific support to the idea of Ayurveda. This raised the need for a credible platform that would potentially disseminate authentic, unbiased, comprehensive information to national and global audiences. As a result, in 2001, the WAC (World Ayurveda Congress) was established, an appropriately optimistic development to harbinger the start of the new millennium. Of course, this was helped by the fact that despite the stated challenges, global aware-
ness of Ayurveda was on the rise. Increasingly, people across the world were discovering what a panacea for lifestyle-related and chronic diseases Ayurveda could be. Also, there was new evidence to validate Ayurvedic scriptures, thus piquing interest in this science. Over 10 years and through four Congresses, the WAC has emerged as a global forum for all stakeholders to not only network but also engage in intellectual exchange to strengthen the Ayurveda sector, reaffirm their sense of purpose and think about the future. It showcases advances in relevant fields, orients students and facilitates interaction between professionals and consumers, thus boosting Ayurveda commerce. The 6th World Ayurveda Congress & AROGYA Expo, organized by World Ayurveda Foundation and Gujarat Ayurved University, is scheduled to be held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi from 1-5 November 2014. The 6th World Ayurveda Congress creates a platform for facilitating the all round development of Ayurveda in India and the world at large by bringing together stakeholders, policy
makers and the general public under a common roof to deliberate on critical issues concerned with the growth and application of Ayurveda for public benefit. It offers opportunities for worldwide networking and evolution of strategies that can position Ayurveda as a force in human health care at the global scenario. Ayurveda is already an integral part of healthcare delivery both in the government and private sectors. But many people who are curious about its effectiveness or would like to use Ayurvedic therapies do not have an opportunity to keep abreast with current developments. International visitors are keen to find out the status of research and practice, but they have negligible opportunities for interaction; often this leads to negative assumptions which too need correction. The World Ayurveda Congress provides a strong platform for all stakeholders to come together and benefit from the opportunities that the Congress provides. For more information, visit: www.ayurworld.org
AYURVEDA & Health Tourism 49 April/June 2014