Exploring the Ayurvedic Practice of Potaki Taila Pichu for Labor Facilitation among Rural Women in Northern Indi

Abstract

Introduction: Childbirth is a profound experience in a woman's life, emphasizing the importance of promoting natural birthing processes to minimize discomfort and medical intervention. Ayurveda, an ancient holistic medical system, advocates for safe motherhood through herbal interventions like Potaki (Basella alba) Taila Pichu, which aims to alleviate imbalances in Apana Vayu and facilitate smooth labor. Methods: This study evaluated the efficacy of Potaki Taila Pichu in promoting easier labor by assessing its impact on cervical dilation and effacement. Sixty pregnant women meeting inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to a trial or control group. Various parameters, including cervical dilation, uterine contractions, and labor duration, were measured and compared between the two groups. Results: The trial group showed significant increases in cervical dilation and effacement compared to the control group, indicating the potential of Potaki Taila Pichu in facilitating labor progression. The intervention did not disrupt the natural rhythm of labor, as evidenced by consistent uterine contraction duration between groups. Moreover, the trial group experienced a significantly shorter latent phase of labor, suggesting accelerated onset of active labor. Discussion: These findings suggest that Potaki Taila Pichu may offer a safe and effective means of promoting smoother labor experiences while minimizing the need for medical interventions. Integrating traditional herbal remedies into modern obstetric care aligns with efforts to enhance maternal and neonatal outcomes. Conclusion: Herbal interventions like Potaki Taila Pichu hold promise in optimizing childbirth experiences by promoting natural labor progression. Further research is needed to validate these findings and explore long-term effects on maternal and neonatal health.