Ask Ayurveda

/
/
/
Moonface: Can Ayurveda Help Reduce Facial Swelling from Steroids or Hormonal Issues?
FREE! Just write your question
— get answers from Best Ayurvedic doctors
No chat. No calls. Just write your question and receive expert replies
1000+ doctors ONLINE
#1 Ayurveda Platform
Ask question for free
00H : 03M : 04S
background image
Click Here
background image
General Medicine
Question #16284
271 days ago
690

Moonface: Can Ayurveda Help Reduce Facial Swelling from Steroids or Hormonal Issues? - #16284

Owen

A few months ago, I was put on steroids for an autoimmune condition, and while they helped with inflammation, I started noticing something strange—my face was getting rounder and puffier. At first, I thought maybe I was just gaining weight, but then my cheeks started looking swollen, and my jawline completely disappeared. I looked it up and found out that this is called moonface, a common side effect of long-term steroid use. The worst part is, even though I’ve slowly reduced my steroid dosage, my moonface hasn’t gone away completely. My body weight is normal, but my face still looks bloated, especially around the cheeks and under the chin. It makes me so self-conscious, and people keep asking if I’ve gained weight, which is really frustrating. I want to know—can Ayurveda help reduce moonface naturally? I read that steroids cause water retention and an imbalance in hormones. Are there Ayurvedic herbs or treatments that help the body flush out excess fluid and restore balance? I saw mentions of Punarnava and Triphala for reducing swelling, but are they safe to take while tapering off steroids? Another thing—I feel like my digestion has been sluggish since starting steroids. I get bloated easily and feel like my metabolism has slowed down. Could poor digestion be contributing to moonface? Does Ayurveda suggest any diet changes to help with this type of swelling? And is there any Ayurvedic oil massage or facial therapy that can help tone the face and reduce puffiness? I’ve tried facial exercises, but I don’t see much difference yet. If anyone has dealt with moonface from steroids or hormonal imbalance and found relief through Ayurveda, what worked for you? Did the swelling go away completely, and how long did it take? Would love to hear real experiences before trying anything new.

FREE
Question is closed

Shop Now in Our Store

FREE! Ask an Ayurvedic Doctor — 24/7, 100% Anonymous
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.
background-image
background-image
background image
banner-image
banner-image

Doctors' responses

Namaste,

Moonface due to steroid use happens because of Kapha and Pitta imbalance, leading to water retention, sluggish metabolism, and hormonal fluctuations. Ayurveda focuses on reducing fluid retention, detoxifying the body, and improving digestion to bring your face back to its natural state. Since you are tapering off steroids, a gradual approach is best to support your body’s transition.

Start with Punarnavadi Kashayam (15ml with warm water, twice daily before meals) to flush out excess water retention safely. To improve metabolism and reduce swelling, take Triphala Churna (1 tsp at bedtime with warm water). If digestion feels heavy, start your day with hot water and a pinch of dry ginger to boost Agni (digestive fire).

For facial puffiness, gentle Abhyanga (oil massage) with dry-brushing techniques can help. Use warm sesame oil for a lymphatic massage, moving your fingers in upward strokes from the chin to the ears. Afterward, apply Ubtan (a paste of chickpea flour, turmeric, and rose water) to improve circulation and tone the skin. Avoid salty, processed, and dairy-heavy foods, as they aggravate water retention.

Healing takes 4-8 weeks, but with herbs, diet, and facial massage, your moonface will gradually reduce, and your body will regain balance. Stay patient and trust the process—Ayurveda works deeply but naturally! Wishing you a smooth recovery.

11913 answered questions
78% best answers
Accepted response

0 replies

Ah, moonface from steroid use, it’s quite a tricky one but totally understandable how it messes with your self-image. Now, Ayurveda’s got some gentle, natural approaches to help manage this, focusing on balancing the doshas and boosting digestion, or Agni, as we call it.

You’ve mentioned Punarnava and Triphala, both are great choices. Punarnava is reputed for reducing water retention and may help with the swelling. You could start by taking 1/2 teaspoon of Punarnava powder with warm water twice daily. It’s quite safe but make sure to discuss with your healthcare provider especially since you’re tapering off steroids. Triphala is an excellent option to support digestion and detoxify your system: try taking 1 teaspoon in warm water at bedtime. It helps regulate digestive issues which can contribute to facial puffiness.

About sluggish digestion — that’s a common response to steroids, but we can fire up the Agni. Simple tweaks like adding cumin, fennel, and coriander to your meals could invigorate your digestion. Also, sipping on warm ginger tea a few times a day can do wonders, too.

For dealing with facial puffiness directly, consider a gentle self-massage with warm sesame oil. Gently massage in circular motions, doing it for about 5-10 mins before you wash your face in the morning. This could improve circulation and, over time, help reduce some of the swelling. Patience is key here, as changes can be slow.

A diet focusing on lightly cooked, warm foods, and avoiding very salty and processed foods could also help - this reduces water retention and supports a strong Agni.

Experiences vary, some see changes in a few weeks, while for others it might take longer. But remember, everyone’s restoring balance at their own pace. If you ever feel overwhelmed or your condition worsens, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional. Balancing safety with these natural remedies is key.

1742 answered questions
27% best answers

0 replies
Speech bubble
FREE! Ask an Ayurvedic doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymous

600+ certified Ayurvedic experts. No sign-up.

About our doctors

Only qualified ayurvedic doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.


Related questions

Doctors online

Dr. Haresh Vavadiya
I am an Ayurvedic doctor currently practicing at Ayushakti Ayurveda—which honestly feels more like a learning ecosystem than just a clinic. Being here has changed the way I look at chronic conditions. You don’t just treat the label—you go after the cause, layer by layer, and that takes patience, structure, and real connection with the person sitting in front of you. Ayushakti has been around 33+ years, with global reach and seriously refined clinical systems. That means I get to work with protocols that are both deeply rooted in traditional Ayurveda and also super practical for today’s world. Whether I’m managing arthritis, asthma, skin issues like eczema or psoriasis, hormone trouble, gut problems, or stress overload—my first step is always a deep analysis. Prakriti, doshas, ahar-vihar, past treatments—everything gets mapped out. Once I’ve got that picture clear, I create a plan using herbal medicines, detox programs (especially Panchakarma), Marma therapy if needed, and definitely food and routine corrections. But nothing’s random. Each piece is chosen for *that* person. And I don’t just prescribe—I explain. Because when someone knows *why* they’re doing a certain thing, they stick with it longer, and the results hold. One thing I’ve learned while working here is how powerful Ayurved can be when it's structured right. At Ayushakti, that structure exists. It helps me treat confidently and track results properly. Whether I’m working with a first-time visitor or a patient who’s been dealing with the same thing for 10 years, my goal stays the same—help their system return to a natural, sustainable state of balance. What I really enjoy is seeing how people’s mindset changes once they start to feel better. When they stop depending on just temporary relief and start building their health from within—that’s when the real shift happens. And being part of that shift? That’s why I do this.
5
64 reviews
Dr. Shaniba P
I am an Ayurvedic doctor, someone who’s pretty much built her clinical journey around natural healing, balance and yeah—just trying to help ppl feel a bit more whole again. I work mostly with conditions that kinda stay with people... like joint pain that won’t go away, periods all over the place, kids falling sick again n again, or just the kind of stress that messes up digestion n sleep n everything in between. A lot of my practice circles around arthritis, lower back pain, PCOD-ish symptoms, antenatal care, immunity problems in kids, and those quiet mental health imbalances ppl often don't talk much about. My approach isn’t just pulling herbs off a shelf and calling it a day. I spend time with classical diagnosis—checking Prakriti, figuring out doshas, seeing how much of this is physical and how much is coming from daily routine or emotional burnout. And treatments? Usually a mix of traditional Ayurvedic meds, Panchakarma (only if needed!!), changing food habits, tweaking the daily rhythm, and honestly... just slowing down sometimes. I’m also really into helping ppl understand themselves better—like once someone gets how their body is wired, things make more sense. I talk to patients about what actually suits their dosha, what throws them off balance, and how they can stop chasing quick fixes that don’t stick. Education's a big part of it. And yes, I’ve had patients walk in for constant cold and walk out realizing it’s more about weak agni n poor gut routines than just low immunity. Every case’s diff. Some are simple. Some not. But whether it’s a young woman trying to fix her cycles without hormones or a 6-year-old catching colds every week, I try building plans that last—not just short term relief stuff. Healing takes time and needs trust from both sides. End of the day, I try to keep it rooted—classical where it matters but flexible enough to blend with the world we're livin in rn. That balance is tricky, but worth it.
5
124 reviews
Dr. Atul Painuli
I am Vaidya Atul Painuli, currently working as an Ayurvedic Consultant at Patanjali Chikitsalaya, Delhi... been here a while now. My focus from the start—over 10+ yrs in this field—has been to stay true to what Ayurveda *actually* is, not just surface-level remedies or buzzwords. I’ve treated a wide mix of patients, from people battling chronic illnesses to those just looking to fix their lifestyle before it leads to disease (which is v underrated tbh). During these years, I kinda shaped my practice around the idea that one solution never fits all. Whether it’s diabetes, gut disorders, stress-related problems or hormone issues—everything goes back to the root, the *nidana*. I usually go with classic Ayurvedic meds, but I mix it up with Panchakarma, diet tweaks and daily routine correction, depending on the case. Most of the time, ppl don’t even realize how much their habits are feeding into the problem. It’s not just about herbs or massages... though those are important too. At Patanjali Chikitsalaya, I see patients from literally all walks of life—office-goers, elderly, even young kids sometimes. Everyone’s got something diff going on, which keeps me grounded. What I try to do is not just treat the symptoms but help ppl *see* what’s happening in their bodies and minds. Like Ayurveda says—if your digestion, sleep and emotions are off... then eventually health’s gonna wobble. I don’t promise quick results but I do stay with my patients through the process, adjusting things based on how they respond. That part makes a big difference I think. For me, Ayurveda isn’t a “last resort” kinda thing—it’s a system that can prevent 80% of the lifestyle diseases ppl suffer from today, if done right. My goal? Just to keep doing this in a way that feels real, grounded, and actually helps ppl—not overwhelm them with too much jargon or fear. Just practical, clean, honest healing.
5
84 reviews
Dr. Nisha Bisht
I am an Ayurvedic physician with over 10 years of real, everyday experience—both in the clinical side and in managing systems behind the scenes. My journey started at Jiva Ayurveda in Faridabad, where I spent around 3 years juggling in-clinic and telemedicine consultations. That time taught me how different patient care can look when it’s just you, the person’s voice, and classical texts. No fancy setups—just your grasp on nidan and your ability to *listen properly*. Then I moved into a Medical Officer role at Uttaranchal Ayurved College in Dehradun, where I stayed for 7 years. It was more than just outpatient care—I was also involved in academic work, teaching students while continuing to treat patients. That phase really pushed me to re-read things with new eyes. You explain something to students one day and then end up applying it differently the next day on a patient. The loop between theory and practice became sharper there. Right now, I’m working as Deputy Medical Superintendent at Shivalik Hospital (part of the Shivalik Ayurved Institute in Dehradun). It’s a dual role—consulting patients *and* making sure the hospital ops run smooth. I get to ensure that the Ayurvedic care we deliver is both clinically sound and logistically strong. From patient case planning to supporting clinical staff and overseeing treatment quality—I keep an eye on all of it. Across all these years, my focus hasn’t changed much—I still work to blend classical Ayurved with today’s healthcare structure in a way that feels practical, safe and real. I don’t believe in overloading patients or selling “quick detox” ideas. I work on balancing doshas, rebuilding agni, planning proper chikitsa based on the person’s condition and constitution. Whether it’s lifestyle disorders, seasonal issues, chronic cases, or plain unexplained fatigue—I try to reach the cause before anything else. I still believe that Ayurved works best when it’s applied with clarity and humility—not overcomplicated or oversold. That’s the approach I carry into every patient room and every team meeting. It’s a long road, but it’s one I’m fully walking.
5
285 reviews
Dr. Prasad Pentakota
I am Dr. P. Prasad, and I’ve been in this field for 20+ years now, working kinda across the board—General Medicine, Neurology, Dermatology, Cardiology—you name it. Didn’t start out thinking I’d end up spanning that wide, but over time, each area sort of pulled me in deeper. And honestly, I like that mix. It lets me look at a patient not just through one lens but a whole system-wide view... makes more sense when treating something that won’t fit neatly in one category. I’ve handled everything from day-to-day stuff like hypertension, diabetes, or skin infections to more serious neuro and cardiac problems. Some cases are quick—diagnose, treat, done. Others take time, repeated check-ins, figuring out what’s really going on beneath those usual symptoms. And that’s where the detail matters. I’m pretty big on thorough diagnosis and patient education—because half the problem is ppl just not knowing what’s happening inside their own body. What’s changed for me over years isn’t just knowledge, it’s how much I lean on listening. If you miss what someone didn’t say, you might also miss their actual illness. And idk, after seeing it play out so many times, I do believe combining updated medical practice with basic empathy really shifts outcomes. Doesn’t have to be complicated... it just has to be consistent. I keep up with research too—new drugs, diagnostics, cross-specialty updates etc., not because it’s trendy, but cuz it’s necessary. Patients come in better read now than ever. You can’t afford to fall behind. The end goal’s the same tho—help them heal right, not just fast. Ethical practice, evidence-based, and sometimes just being there to explain what’s going on. That’s what I stick to.
5
746 reviews
Dr. Snehal Vidhate
I am Dr. Snehal Vidhate, born n brought up in Maharashtra—and honestly, for as long as I remember I’ve felt this pull towards Ayurveda. Not the fancy version ppl throw around, but the deep, real kind that actually helps ppl. I did my BAMS from YMT Ayurvedic Medical College in Kharghar. That’s where I got my basics strong—like really studied the shastras, understood prakriti, doshas, the whole deal. Not just crammed theory but started to see how it shows up in real lives. After finishing BAMS, I got into this one-year certificate course at Rashtriya Ayurveda Vidyapeeth, Delhi—honestly a turning point. I was super lucky to learn Kerala Ayurveda from my Guru, Prof. Dr. G.G. Gangadharan. He’s got this way of seeing things... simple but deep. That time with him taught me more than any textbook ever could. It kinda reshaped how I look at health, healing n how precise Ayurveda can be when you respect its roots. Right now I’m doing my MD in Panchakarma from SDM Ayurveda College, Bangalore. This place is like a hub for serious Ayurveda work. The Panchakarma training here? Super intense. We go deep into detoxification & rasayana therapy—not just theory again, but hands-on. I’m learning to blend classical techniques with today’s clinical demands.. like how to make Vamana or Basti actually doable in modern patient setups. My current practice is really about merging tradition with logic. Whether it’s chronic skin issues, gut problems, stress burnout or hormone stuff—my goal is to get to the root, not just hush the symptoms. I use Panchakarma when needed, but also a lot of ahara-vihara tweaks, medhya herbs, sometimes just slowing ppl down a bit helps. I really believe Ayurveda’s power is in its simplicity when done right. I don’t try to fix ppl—I work *with* them. And honestly, every patient teaches me something back.
5
298 reviews
Dr. M.Sushma
I am Dr. Sushma M and yeah, I’ve been in Ayurveda for over 20 yrs now—honestly still learning from it every day. I mostly work with preventive care, diet logic, and prakriti-based guidance. I mean, why wait for full-blown disease when your body’s been whispering for years, right? I’m kinda obsessed with that early correction part—spotting vata-pitta-kapha imbalances before they spiral into something deeper. Most ppl don’t realize how much power food timing, digestion rhythm, & basic routine actually have… until they shift it. Alongside all that classical Ayurveda, I also use energy medicine & color therapy—those subtle layers matter too, esp when someone’s dealing with long-term fatigue or emotional heaviness. These things help reconnect not just the body, but the inner self too. Some ppl are skeptical at first—but when you treat *beyond* the doshas, they feel it. And I don’t force anything… I just kinda match what fits their nature. I usually take time understanding a person’s prakriti—not just from pulse or skin or tongue—but how they react to stress, sleep patterns, their relationship with food. That whole package tells the story. I don’t do textbook treatment lines—I build a plan that adjusts *with* the person, not on top of them. Over the years, watching patients slowly return to their baseline harmony—that's what keeps me in it. I’ve seen folks come in feeling lost in symptoms no one explained… and then walk out weeks later understanding their body better than they ever did. That, to me, is healing. Not chasing symptoms, but restoring rhythm. I believe true care doesn’t look rushed, or mechanical. It listens, observes, tweaks gently. That's the kind of Ayurveda I try to practice—not loud, but deeply rooted.
5
585 reviews
Dr. Manjusha Vikrant Pate
I am practicing Ayurveda since 18+ years now, and honestly... it still surprises me how much I keep learning especially when it comes to skin and hair. My focus—if I had to sum it up—is deeply rooted in Panchakarma, but more specifically in *Upakarma* therapies. These smaller, supportive steps within the Panchakarma frame can be powerful if you adjust them exactly right to a person’s *prakriti*. That’s actually where my attention goes first—understanding their natural constitution. Because once that’s clear, everything else sort of falls in place. I work a lot with chronic and tricky skin issues like pigmentation, hair fall, premature ageing, even stubborn acne that just doesn’t respond to regular creams and pills. And no—I don’t use shortcuts. I rely on traditional protocols, yes, but also create my own Ayurvedic blends—like facemasks, oils, even hair packs. These aren’t random—they're planned, adjusted, dosha-specific, and meant to *actually* support the skin's natural cycle. I’ve spent years refining these formulations, keeping them close to classical wisdom but tweaking them slightly when needed for a person’s lifestyle or condition. Ayurvedic facials in my clinic aren't just glow-up routines. They’re built to go deep—cleanse the layers, calm pitta excess or vata dryness, stimulate sluggish kapha skin... whatever’s needed. And I find that when these treatments are given at the right time, in the right sequence—results show up clearly, not just externally but also in the way ppl feel about themselves. There's a calmness, a reset almost. I don’t push chemical-based stuff, even when patients ask for it. Instead, I educate—like how proper *abhyanga* or a dosha-correct oil can do far more than a synthetic serum. My aim is to blend the core of Ayurveda with practical, everyday guidance. I don't just want patients to come for sessions—I want them to *understand* what's going on in their skin or hair and how to maintain it naturally. Things don’t always go perfect, sometimes I still need to rethink protocols mid-way, but I guess that’s what makes the process human... and real.
5
16 reviews
Dr. Karthika
I am currently a PG 2nd yr student in the dept of Shalakya Tantra at Parul Institute of Ayurveda and Research, batch 2024. I joined right after UG—no break—straight into PG (regular batch). I did my undergrad from Rajiv Gandhi Ayurveda Medical College (2017 batch, CCRAS syllabus under Pondicherry Univ). Somehow managed to secure 2nd rank university-wide back then, which I didn’t totally expect. Right now, my core interest lies in the Ayurvedic and integrative management of eye disorders. I’ve got decent exposure to both classical texts and clinical practice. From anatomy to pathology, I try to stay grounded in both the traditional Ayurvedic view and also the modern opthalmic understanding, especially with conditions related to the cornea, retina, and anterior segment. During PG deputation in 2nd year, I handled like 200+ OPD patients daily within 1–2 hrs (felt crazy at first but got used to the pace). I’m also trained hands-on in cataract and cornea surgeries under supervision. Not calling myself a surgeon yet, but I did get a good amout of surgical exposure in the PG postings. In terms of academics, I got 82% in the first-year PG exams—distinction score—secured department 1st and university topper at Parul Institute. Sometimes I do wonder if all this speed actually lets me go deep into each case but I’m learning to balance efficiency with proper patient care. Honestly I think that’s the biggest challenge in clinical ayurveda today—staying rooted in shastra while also being practically useful in today's overloaded OPDs. Anyway, still got a lot to learn, but I try to show up with clarity, humility and the will to keep improving every day.
5
214 reviews
Dr. Ravi Chandra Rushi
I am working right now as a Consultant Ayurvedic Ano-Rectal Surgeon at Bhrigu Maharishi Ayurvedic Hospital in Nalgonda—and yeah, that name’s quite something, but what really keeps me here is the kind of cases we get. My main focus is managing ano-rectal disorders like piles (Arsha), fistula-in-ano (Bhagandara), fissure-in-ano (Parikartika), pilonidal sinus, and rectal polyps. These are often more complex than they look at first, and they get misdiagnosed or overtreated in a lotta places. That’s where our classical tools come in—Ksharasutra therapy, Agnikarma, and a few other para-surgical techniques we follow from the Samhitas...they’ve been lifesavers honestly. My work here pushes me to keep refining surgical precision while also sticking to the Ayurvedic core. I do rely on modern diagnostics when needed, but I won’t replace the value of a well-done Nadi Pariksha or assessing dosha-vikruti in depth. Most of my patients come with pain, fear, and usually after a couple of rounds of either incomplete surgeries or just being fed painkillers n antibiotics. And I totally get that frustration. That’s why I combine surgery with a whole support plan—Ayurvedic meds, diet changes, lifestyle tweaks that actually match their prakriti. Not generic stuff off a handout. Over time, I’ve seen that when people follow the whole protocol, not just the procedure part, the recurrence drops a lot. I’m quite particular about follow-up and wound care too, ‘cause we’re dealing with delicate areas here and ignoring post-op can ruin outcomes. Oh and yeah—I care a lot about educating folks too. I talk to patients in OPD, sometimes give community talks, just to tell people they do have safer options than cutting everything out under GA! I still study Shalya Tantra like it’s a living document. I try to stay updated with whatever credible advancements are happening in Ayurvedic surgery, but I filter what’s fluff and what’s actually useful. At the end of the day, my aim is to offer respectful, outcome-based care that lets patients walk out without shame or fear. That’s really what keeps me grounded in this field.
5
220 reviews
Dr. Maitri Bhavesh Kumar Acharya
I am Dr. Maitri, currently in my 2nd year of MD in Dravyaguna, and yeah, I run my own Ayurvedic clinic in Ranoli where I’ve been seeing patients for 2 years now. Honestly, what pulled me into this path deeper is how powerful herbs really are—when used right. Not just randomly mixing churnas but actually understanding their rasa, virya, vipaka etc. That’s kinda my zone, where textbook knowledge meets day-to-day case handling. My practice revolves around helping people with PCOD, acne, dandruff, back pain, stiffness in knees or joints that never seem to go away. And I don’t jump to giving a long list of medicines straight away—first I spend time figuring out their prakriti, their habits, food cycle, what triggers what… basically all the small stuff that gets missed. Then comes the plan—herbs (single or compound), some diet reshuffling, and always some lifestyle nudges. Sometimes they’re tiny, like sleep timing. Sometimes big like proper seasonal detox. Being into Dravyaguna helps me get into the depth of herbs more confidently. I don’t just look at the symptom—I think okay what guna will counter this? Should the drug be snigdha, ushna, tikta? Is there a reverse vipaka that’ll hurt the agni? I ask these questions before writing any combo. That’s made a huge diff in outcomes. Like I had this case of chronic urticaria that would flare up every week, and just tweaking the herbs based on sheetala vs ushna nature... helped calm the system in 3 weeks flat. Not magic, just logic. I also work with women who are struggling with hormonal swings, mood, delayed periods or even unexplained breakouts. When hormones go haywire, the skin shows, digestion slows, and mind gets foggy too. I keep my approach full-circle—cleansing, balancing, rejuvenating. No quick fixes, I tell them early on. What I’m hoping to do more of now is make Ayurveda feel practical. Not overwhelming. Just simple tools—ahara, vihara, aushadha—used consistently, with some trust in the body’s own healing. I’m still learning, still refining, but honestly, seeing people feel in control of their health again—that’s what keeps me rooted to this.
5
571 reviews

Latest reviews

Wyatt
1 hour ago
Thanks, doc! Your answer was super clear and really helped me cut through all the confusion. Feeling a bit more hopeful now!
Thanks, doc! Your answer was super clear and really helped me cut through all the confusion. Feeling a bit more hopeful now!
Connor
6 hours ago
Thanks so much! Your explanation really made things clearer and gave me hope. Was getting so confused but this new perspective is super helpful!
Thanks so much! Your explanation really made things clearer and gave me hope. Was getting so confused but this new perspective is super helpful!
Harper
8 hours ago
Thanks for the clear advice! Great to know about avoiding amla if potassium's high. Appreciate the other tips too!
Thanks for the clear advice! Great to know about avoiding amla if potassium's high. Appreciate the other tips too!
Charles
8 hours ago
Thanks a bunch! Your answer was so clear and easy to understand, really calmed my nerves. Gonna try your suggestions!
Thanks a bunch! Your answer was so clear and easy to understand, really calmed my nerves. Gonna try your suggestions!