Management of Stanyakshaya: Ayurvedic Etiopathogenesis and a Clinical Evaluation of Vidarikanda and Shatavari

Stanyakshaya (insufficient breast milk) is a common postpartum problem that adversely affects infant nutrition and maternal well-being. In Ayurveda, stanya is described as an upadhatu of Rasa dhatu, and stanyakshaya is understood to arise mainly from Rasa dhatu kshaya and Vata prakopa affecting the stanyavaha srotas. Vidarikanda (Pueraria tuberosa DC) and Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus Willd) are classical Madhura rasa, Sheeta virya and Brimhana dravyas, indicated as stanyavardhaka. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the clinical efficacy of Vidarikanda churna with ksheera and Shatavari churna with ksheera in the management of stanyakshaya. A prospective, randomised, two-arm, open-label clinical study was conducted on 60 postpartum women aged 18 to 35 years with stanyakshaya, each with a breastfed infant up to 6 months of age. Participants were allocated into two equal groups. Group A received Vidarikanda churna 6 g twice daily with 50 ml cow’s milk after meals for 21 days, and Group B received Shatavari churna 2 g twice daily with the same anupana and duration. Outcomes were assessed weekly using graded scores for stanayomlanata (breast fullness) and stanyapramana (milk ejection), and infant parameters including weekly weight gain category, rodan (crying), dehydration and nidra (sleep). Non-parametric statistical tests were applied. Both groups showed significant improvement from baseline in stanayomlanata and stanyapramana, as well as in infant weight gain and reduction in excessive crying. Shatavari, however, produced significantly greater improvement than Vidarikanda in stanayomlanata, stanyapramana and infant weight gain (p<0.001 for between-group comparisons), while changes in dehydration and sleep were modest and comparable. No adverse effects were observed. The findings suggest that both Vidarikanda and Shatavari are effective stanyavardhaka in stanyakshaya, with Shatavari demonstrating superior clinical efficacy. Vidarikanda remains a safe and economical option, particularly where access or cost is a concern. Larger, blinded trials with objective lactation measures are warranted.