Pushyanuga Churna: Classical Formula for Heavy Bleeding, Weak Evidence

TL;DR

Pushyanuga churna is a classical Ayurvedic polyherbal powder used for Asrigdara, abnormal uterine bleeding. One 2026 study randomized 40 women to Pushyanuga churna or Pradarari churna for two months: both groups improved on bleeding scores, with about 66% overall relief in the Pushyanuga group versus 61% for the comparator. The trial was small, unblinded, and had no placebo arm.

What it is

Pushyanuga churna is a classical compound powder (churna) whose ingredients include Patha (Cissampelos pareira), Jambu (Syzygium cumini), Amra (Mangifera indica), and other astringent, hemostatic herbs, taken traditionally with rice-wash water (Tandulodaka) and honey. It belongs to the Raktastambhaka (hemostatic) group of formulations.

Traditional use

Traditionally, Pushyanuga churna is the signature powder for Asrigdara (excessive uterine bleeding), Shweta Pradara (leucorrhea), and related gynecological discharges. Its astringent, cooling profile is classically aimed at Pitta-type bleeding disorders.

What modern research says

Comparative trial versus Pradarari churna (randomized, open-label)

A 2026 study in the International Journal of Contemporary Research in Multidisciplinary randomized 40 women aged 16–45 with Asrigdara (dysfunctional uterine bleeding) into two groups of 20. Group A received Pradarari churna 500 mg twice daily with sugar water; Group B received Pushyanuga churna 500 mg twice daily with rice-wash water and honey, both for two months with two months of follow-up. Bleeding was scored by pad counts, duration, clots, intermenstrual bleeding, pain, and the Pictorial Blood Assessment Chart.

Both groups improved significantly from baseline (p < 0.001) on all parameters. Overall symptomatic relief was 66.17% with Pushyanuga and 61.48% with Pradarari; between-group differences were not statistically significant. The authors concluded both formulations are safe and effective and of comparable efficacy.

What the evidence does not support (yet)

This is one small, unblinded, single-center trial with no placebo arm, so natural improvement and placebo effects cannot be excluded. "Safe and effective" is the authors' language, not a regulatory-grade finding. There is no placebo-controlled trial of Pushyanuga churna, and no evidence for any use outside abnormal uterine bleeding.

Safety & contraindications

Abnormal uterine bleeding is a symptom with many causes, including fibroids, polyps, endometriosis, thyroid disease, bleeding disorders, and malignancy. The trial itself excluded fibroids, polyps, adenomyosis, tumors, and endometriosis, which means its results do not apply to bleeding from those causes. A woman with heavy or irregular bleeding needs a gynecological workup before any herbal treatment. No safety data exist for pregnancy or breastfeeding, and hemostatic herbs must not be used to mask bleeding that needs diagnosis. The trial reported no adverse events, but it was small and short.

FAQs

What is Pushyanuga churna?

It is a classical Ayurvedic polyherbal powder traditionally used for abnormal uterine bleeding (Asrigdara), taken with rice-wash water and honey.

Is it proven for heavy bleeding?

One small 2026 trial found it comparable to another Ayurvedic powder, with both groups improving. That is weak evidence: no placebo, no blinding, 40 patients.

Can I use it instead of seeing a gynecologist?

No. Heavy or irregular bleeding needs diagnosis first. The trial excluded structural causes like fibroids, so its results don't cover them.

Why is this article short?

Because one weak comparative trial is the entire clinical evidence base.

This article omits dosage because no pharmacopoeial or clinical-trial citation supports a general recommendation.

Is it safe in pregnancy?

Unknown, and abnormal bleeding in pregnancy is an emergency. Do not use it for any bleeding without medical supervision.

Sources

Disclaimer

This article is for education only and is not medical advice. Pushyanuga churna has weak clinical evidence and no established safety profile. Abnormal uterine bleeding always needs medical diagnosis first; never self-treat it with herbs.