Lecosav

Indications

Patrangasav is a classical Ayurvedic asava, a fermented herbal liquid, named after its main herb Patranga (sappan wood, Caesalpinia sappan). It is traditionally used for women's health problems such as heavy or painful periods, white vaginal discharge (leucorrhoea), weakness and anaemia linked to blood loss, and general debility. Scientific evidence for these uses is limited.

How It Works

Ayurvedic texts describe its herbs as astringent (helping reduce bleeding and discharge), anti inflammatory and strengthening for the womb. During fermentation a small amount of alcohol forms naturally, which helps extract and preserve the plant compounds. How it works in the body has not been well studied.

Dosage and Administration

Take as directed on the label or by a registered Ayurvedic practitioner. It is usually taken after meals, often mixed with an equal amount of water.

Interactions

• Because it contains natural alcohol, avoid taking it with Metronidazole, Tinidazole or Disulfiram, and take care with sedatives and other medicines that react with alcohol.
• Tell your doctor if you take blood thinners such as Warfarin, hormone treatments or iron tablets, and about any other medicines or herbal products.

Contraindications

• Allergy to any ingredient.
• Pregnancy.
• People who must avoid alcohol, including those with alcohol dependence or liver disease.
• Children, unless advised by a practitioner.

Side Effects

It is usually well tolerated. Some people may have mild stomach upset, nausea or a burning feeling in the stomach.

Get urgent medical help if you have very heavy bleeding (soaking a pad every hour), dizziness or fainting, severe abdominal pain, fever with foul smelling discharge, or signs of a serious allergic reaction (swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing, widespread rash).

Pregnancy and Lactation

Do not use during pregnancy. Its safety while breastfeeding has not been established, and it contains alcohol, so ask your doctor before use.

Precautions and Warnings

• Heavy or irregular periods, bleeding between periods or after menopause, and abnormal discharge need a medical check, as they can have causes such as fibroids, infection or cancer.
• People with diabetes should note that asavas contain sugar or jaggery.
• Do not drive if you feel drowsy.

Overdose

Taking too much may cause stomach upset and effects of alcohol such as drowsiness. Seek medical advice if a large amount has been taken, especially by a child.

Therapeutic Class

Ayurvedic herbal preparation (asava, uterine tonic).

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children. Keep the bottle tightly closed.