Can Ayurveda treat ovarian cysts? Expert explains root-cause approach

Explore Ayurveda's holistic approach to treating ovarian cysts through detoxification, herbal management, and lifestyle changes for lasting results.

Ovarian cysts are one of the most common health concerns among women aged 15 to 45, often causing pelvic pain, bloating, irregular periods and hormonal imbalance. While most functional cysts resolve on their own, many women look for a long-term, natural solution. Can Ayurveda offer a permanent answer? We spoke with renowned Ayurveda and fertility expert Dr Chanchal Sharma, founder of Asha Ayurveda in New Delhi.

Know diagnosis and treatment of ovarian cysts. (Shutterstock)

By Tavishi Dogra

Tavishi Dogra is a Deputy Chief Content Producer, Health & Wellness, at Hindustan Times. She has over 9 years of experience writing about fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being, translating medical research and expert insights into practical advice readers can trust.

Career journey and experience
Tavishi began her health journalism journey in 2017, and has since reported for RSTV, Financial Express, Jagran, HT Media Labs and Zee. She joined Hindustan Times to simplify wellness subjects by cutting through jargon.

From decoding health trends and interviewing doctors to testing fitness routines herself, Tavishi always approaches content with one filter: “Will this help someone make a better decision today?”

Subject expertise
With 9+ years tracking India’s health conversations, Tavishi knows the gap between clinical advice and daily life. She knows fads from fundamentals and curates science-backed, expert-recommended solutions.

In fitness, she breaks down bodyweight training, recovery, and posture fixes for desk-bound readers. In nutrition, she translates guidelines into affordable, desi meal tweaks. In mental well-being, she focuses on stigma-free, actionable tools — all backed by research, expert input, and lived context.

Education and professional background
Tavishi holds a Master’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication and began her career reporting on public affairs for broadcast. Those early years in policy and TV shaped how she writes today: fast, factual, and human-first.

Editorial Philosophy
I write with one single goal: To simplify health in a world full of noise by finding what’s actually doable, safe, and evidence-based for my readers. I test claims against research and user experiences. When all else fails, I speak to the expert who sees 50 patients a day, not the one with the most followers.

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What is Ayurveda?

Dr Chanchal Sharma explains, "Ayurveda is derived from two Sanskrit words- ' Ayush,' meaning life and 'Veda', meaning knowledge. It is the science of life. Unlike systems that only manage symptoms, Ayurveda focuses on the root cause. Ayurveda rests on four pillars: balancing the doshas, treating the root cause, using natural herbs and lifestyle corrections, and a holistic approach that includes physical, mental, and hormonal health.

What is an ovarian cyst?

An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac that develops inside or on the surface of an ovary. If the egg isn't released properly, or the follicular sac doesn't close after releasing it, fluid can accumulate and form a cyst.

Types of ovarian cysts:

• Functional cysts: Follicular and Corpus Luteum cysts, formed due to hormonal changes during ovulation.
• Endometrioma: Formed due to endometriosis.
• Cystadenoma: Formed from the outer surface of the ovary.
• Polycystic ovaries: Common in PCOS, where many small follicles develop but fail to ovulate.

How to identify symptoms?

Common symptoms include pelvic pain, bloating, irregular periods, pain during intercourse and frequent urination. Severe symptoms that need immediate medical attention include sudden, sharp pelvic pain, severe abdominal pain with nausea and dizziness. Hidden symptoms include fatigue, digestive issues, and breast tenderness.

Can Ayurveda treat ovarian cysts naturally? Yes, says expert

Dr Chanchal Sharma says, "In Ayurveda, an ovarian cyst is considered as 'Granthi' and is mainly a Kapha-Vata disorder. It forms due to accumulation of toxins (Ama) caused by poor digestion, an unhealthy diet, and hormonal imbalance. Our aim is not just to shrink the cyst, but to correct the hormonal imbalance and improve ovarian function so that cysts do not recur."

Effective Ayurvedic approach for ovarian cysts:

1. Panchakarma therapy

Considered highly effective for detoxification.

• Virechana: A medicated purgation therapy that removes toxins through the bowel and helps balance hormones.
• Anuvasana basti: The core of Panchakarma for gynaecological disorders. A medicated ghee-based enema is given to balance Apana Vayu, which governs menstruation and ovarian function.

2. Shamana chikitsa (herbal management)

Use of classical Ayurvedic formulations like Kanchanar Guggulu, Ashokarishta and Shatavari under expert supervision to support hormonal balance and reduce cyst size.

3. Yoga and lifestyle

Specific yoga asanas like Bhujangasana, Supta Baddha Konasana and Pranayama like Kapalbhati, when done under expert guidance, improve blood circulation to the ovaries and show results within 3-4 months.

4. Dietary corrections

Including curd for gut health, ginger to reduce inflammation, and avoiding processed and Kapha-increasing foods.

Dr Sharma advises, "Every cyst is different in size and nature. Self-medication should be avoided. Proper sonography and Ayurvedic Nadi Pariksha are essential before starting any treatment."

(Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.)