Ask Ayurveda

/
/
/
Moonface: Can Ayurveda Help Reduce Facial Swelling from Steroids or Hormonal Issues?
FREE!Ask Ayurvedic Doctors — 24/7
Connect with Ayurvedic doctors 24/7. Ask anything, get expert help today.
500 doctors ONLINE
#1 Ayurveda Platform
Ask question for free
00H : 48M : 04S
background image
Click Here
background image
General Medicine
Question #16284
343 days ago
1,236

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

Doctor-recommended remedies for this condition

FREE! Ask an Ayurvedic Doctor — 24/7, 100% Anonymous
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.
CTA 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. 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
1655 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
993 reviews
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
246 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
546 reviews
Dr. Dhruv Pandya
I am Dr. Dhruv Pandya, an Ayurvedic physcian at Gynoveda, working mainly with people who are stuck with chronic hormonel and digetsive problems and cant figure out why things just dont settle. My work is rooted in Ayurveda, but my thinking is very practical, I focus on finding the root cause instead of chasing symptoms that keep coming back again and again. I am deeply interested in understanding each person’s Prakriti, because no two bodies behave the same way, even if reports look similar. Over the years, I have helped treat and cure more then 1,000 patients dealing with long-standing hormonal imbalance, gut issues, irregular cycles, bloating, fatigue, and related concerns. That number matters to me not as a stat, but because it shows patterns, what actually works and what usually doesnt. My approach is simple, though not always easy. I dont believe in scaring people with heavy terms or pushing strong medicines unless truly needed. Small, consistent changes in diet, lifestyle, and Ayurvedic treatment often create real shifts, and I have seen this enough times to trust it. Sometimes progress is fast, sometimes slower, and that part can be frustrating, but it is also honest. I try to keep consultations open and judgement-free, because healing starts when patient feel safe enough to speak freely. I listen a lot, maybe more then expected, because symptoms often say more then lab values. My goal is to help you feel like yourself again, not someone managing a condition forever!!
0 reviews
Dr. Sara Garg
I am someone who believes Ayurveda isn’t just some old system — it’s alive, and actually still works when you use it the way it's meant to be used. My practice mostly revolves around proper Ayurvedic diagnosis (rogi & roga pariksha types), Panchakarma therapies, and ya also a lot of work with herbal medicine — not just prescribing but sometimes preparing stuff myself when needed. I really like that hands-on part actually, like knowing where the herbs came from and how they're processed... changes everything. One of the things I pay a lot of attention to is how a person's lifestyle is playing into their condition. Food, sleep, bowel habits, even small emotional patterns that people don't even realize are affecting their digestion or immunity — I look at all of it before jumping to treatment. Dietary therapy isn’t just telling people to eat less fried food lol. It’s more about timing, combinations, seasonal influence, and what suits their prakriti. That kind of detail takes time, and sometimes patients don’t get why it matters at first.. but slowly it clicks. Panchakarma — I do it when I feel it's needed. Doesn’t suit everyone all the time, but in the right case, it really clears the stuck layers. But again, it's not magic — people need to prep properly and follow instructions. That's where strong communication matters. I make it a point to explain everything without dumping too much Sanskrit unless they’re curious. I also try to keep things simple, like I don’t want patients feeling intimidated or overwhelmed with 10 things at once. We go step by step — sometimes slow, sometimes quick depending on the case. There’s no “one protocol fits all” in Ayurveda and frankly I get bored doing same thing again and again. Whether it’s a fever that won’t go or long-term fatigue or gut mess — I usually go deep into what's behind it. Surface-level fixes don’t last. I rather take the time than rush into wrong herbs. It’s more work, ya, but makes a diff in long run.
5
468 reviews
Dr. Janvi Dhera
I am a doctor who completed CCH and CGO from Wadia hospital, and that training gave me exposure not just in theory but also in handling patients with very diverse needs. Over time I have treated many cases of chronic skin conditions, gut related disorders and also anorectal issues like piles, fissure and similar complaints. Each case felt different, no two patients respond the same way, and I learnt how to adapt treatment according to prakriti, diet habits, stress levels. Skin problems always catch attention first — psoriasis, eczema, acne that stays for years — but I understood that they often start from inside, from digestion or blood impurities. Gut issues like acidity, constipation, IBS are also common in my practice, and here small corrections in food timing or herbs can change a lot. Anorectal cases, especially piles and fissure, are painful both physically and mentally for patients, so I try to bring a treatment plan that is safe, non-invasive when possible, and focused on long term relief not just temporary fixes. Working with such variety of disorders also taught me patience. Some patients want fast results, but Ayurveda needs time to clean the root cause. I explain them carefully, sometimes repeating many times, that slow healing is stronger healing. Building that trust is important. My approach is always to combine herbal formulations, diet advice, and lifestyle correction with procedures when required, to ensure balance is restored and maintained. For me, Ayurveda is not a set of ready remedies but a flexible science that adapts to each person. Whether it’s skin, gut or anorectal problems, my focus stays on listening, understanding and guiding patients with clarity, honesty and steady support.
5
3 reviews
Dr. Arun Desai
I am Dr. Arun Desai, working in Ayurveda for 19+ years now, both online and offline. My clinic, Ayur Sanjivani, is at #44 B 1, Opp Adarsh Laundry, beside Tej Residency, near Kavalemath Somwaar Peth Cross in Tilakwadi, Belgaum – bit of a long address but patients seem to find it just fine. Over time I’ve learned that people today want relief fast but still safe and lasting. That’s where I mix the depth of classical Ayurveda with practical tweaks to suit this fast moving lifestyle. I don’t like giving something that just masks a symptom – I want to get to the root cause whenever possible. At the clinic, I try to keep things warm and easy to talk, not a stiff doctor’s table vibe. Whether it’s diagnosis, a Panchakarma session, or simple counseling, I want patients to feel they can ask anything, even small doubts. Education matters too – when someone understands why a certain diet or lifestyle change is needed, they actually follow it better. Treatments may include herbal formulations, diet charts, yoga routines, exercise plans, detox, anti-stress work – all depending on their prakruti and condition. Over the years, I’ve treated people from many walks of life – each case different, which keeps me learning. Some come for joint pain, some for skin problems, others for lifestyle disorders like diabetes or high BP. I still follow authentic Ayurvedic principles but adapt them so they work in today’s reality. And yes, I’m always updating my knowledge, making sure the practice stays ethical and effective, because for me, Ayurveda isn’t just treatment – it’s a way to help someone rebuild their health from inside out.
5
70 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
712 reviews
Dr. Anjali Sehrawat
I am Dr. Anjali Sehrawat. Graduated BAMS from National College of Ayurveda & Hospital, Barwala (Hisar) in 2023—and right now I'm doing my residency, learning a lot everyday under senior clinicians who’ve been in the field way longer than me. It’s kind of intense but also really grounding. Like, it makes you pause before assuming anything about a patient. During my UG and clinical rotations, I got good hands-on exposure... not just in diagnosing through Ayurvedic nidan but also understanding where and when Allopathic tools (like lab reports or acute interventions) help fill the gap. I really believe that if you *actually* want to heal someone, you gotta see the whole picture—Ayurveda gives you that depth, but you also need to know when modern input is useful, right? I’m more interested in chronic & lifestyle disorders—stuff like metabolic imbalances, stress-linked issues, digestive problems that linger and slowly pull energy down. I don’t rush into giving churnas or kashayams just bcz the texts say so... I try to see what fits the patient’s prakriti, daily habits, emotional pattern etc. It’s not textbook-perfect every time, but that’s where the real skill grows I guess. I do a lot of thinking abt cause vs symptom—sometimes it's not the problem you see that actually needs solving first. What I care about most is making sure the treatment is safe, ethical, practical, and honest. No overpromising, no pushing meds that don’t fit. And I’m always reading or discussing sth—old Samhitas or recent journals, depends what the case demands. My goal really is to build a practice where people feel seen & understood, not just “managed.” That's where healing actually begins, right?
5
515 reviews
Dr. Akanksha Singh
I am an Ayurveda practitioner and also an enthusiast who belive that healing is not only about medicines but also about living in a way that supports health everyday. My main focus has been on treating auto-immune disorders, musculoskeletal disease like joint pains or stiffness, chronic back problems, as well as liver disorders where digestion and metabolism gets heavily affected. I also work with patients who are struggling with infertility issues and various gynaecological ailment, from irregular cycles to hormonal imbalance that disturb daily life. During my practice I learned that Ayurveda is not a fixed formula, it changes with every person. What help one patient may not help another, even if they show same symptoms. That realization keep me humble and constantly alert. I prefer to combine classical Ayurvedic knowledge with practical lifestyle changes that can actually be followed by patients in modern busy life. Sometimes even small steps like correcting food timing or simple yoga practice can create bigger impact than complicated medication alone. Auto-immune conditions are close to my interest because they are often long term and frustrating for patients who already tried many treatment but find only partial relief. Ayurveda gives a way to look deeper into root imbalances, focusing on gut, liver, immunity and stress factor. In musculoskeletal issues, especially arthritis or degenerative diseases, I seen how Panchakarma and herbal support brings steady improvement when patients stick to the plan. For liver disorders, I emphasize both detoxification and strengthening digestion to prevent relapse. In women’s health, infertility and gynaecology remain a key area where Ayurveda provide hope. Many cases require patience, regular follow up, and often emotional support too. I try to be realistic with my patients and not promise instant cure, but I do believe strongly that with the right therapeutics and disciplined living style, healing becomes almost inevitable sooner or later. I dont claim perfection in my work, sometimes results are slow and I also learn from setbacks. But that keeps me connected to the human side of medicine. To me, Ayurveda is not only treatment, it is also a philosophy of balance. Whether dealing with auto-immune flares, painful joints, weak liver, or women’s health challenges, my approach stays rooted in personalized care, because no two bodies are exact same.
0 reviews

Latest reviews

Jayden
41 minutes ago
Wow, super grateful for this info on managing my dry skin issues. Made me realize it’s more about what I’m eating too. Thanks a ton!
Wow, super grateful for this info on managing my dry skin issues. Made me realize it’s more about what I’m eating too. Thanks a ton!
Elizabeth
41 minutes ago
Thanks for the detailed advice! Really appreciate the specific Ayurvedic suggestions, especially since regular balms weren't cutting it for me. Super helpful!
Thanks for the detailed advice! Really appreciate the specific Ayurvedic suggestions, especially since regular balms weren't cutting it for me. Super helpful!
Tanner
41 minutes ago
Thanks a ton for the info! Never knew my dryness could be related to internal stuff. Your ayurvedic info was super eye-opening and helpful. 😊
Thanks a ton for the info! Never knew my dryness could be related to internal stuff. Your ayurvedic info was super eye-opening and helpful. 😊
Titus
41 minutes ago
Thanks for the detailed advice! Your suggestions helped me understand how to manage my skin better. Feeling more hopeful now!
Thanks for the detailed advice! Your suggestions helped me understand how to manage my skin better. Feeling more hopeful now!