Tranexamic acid - #17019
I was prescribed tranexamic acid about six months ago for my stubborn melasma. My dermatologist said it’s one of the best treatments for pigmentation, and for a while, it seemed to be working. The dark patches on my cheeks and forehead started to lighten, and I felt hopeful. But as soon as I stopped taking it, the pigmentation came right back. Now I feel like I’m stuck in a cycle where I have to keep taking this medicine just to maintain the results, and honestly, that worries me. I’ve also been feeling some weird side effects. Sometimes I feel lightheaded or nauseous after taking the pills, and I noticed that my periods have become slightly irregular since I started the medication. I looked it up, and I saw that tranexamic acid can increase the risk of blood clots, which freaks me out. My doctor said it's rare, but I don’t want to take chances with my health just for the sake of clear skin. That’s why I’m looking into Ayurveda now. I’ve heard that melasma is often linked to internal imbalances, like liver health or excess heat in the body. I’d rather fix the root cause instead of just taking pills to suppress it. Does Ayurveda have any real treatments for melasma that actually work long-term? Are there specific herbs, oils, or dietary changes that can help lighten pigmentation naturally? I’ve read about manjistha, turmeric, and sandalwood being good for the skin, but how do I use them correctly? I also want to know if stress or hormonal issues could be making my melasma worse. I work long hours, and I don’t always eat on time, so I wonder if that’s part of the problem. If anyone has treated melasma successfully with Ayurveda, please let me know what worked!
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Doctors’ responses
Melasma in Ayurveda is linked to Pitta and Vata imbalance, often aggravated by stress, poor digestion, and heat accumulation in the liver. Tranexamic acid only suppresses symptoms, but Ayurveda focuses on detoxifying the liver, balancing hormones, and cooling excess heat for long-term results. Since your pigmentation returned after stopping the medicine, your body likely needs deeper healing. Manjistha (blood purifier), Neem (detoxifier), and Triphala (gut health) can help clear pigmentation from within. Drinking aloe vera juice or coriander juice in the morning also reduces Pitta-related skin issues.
For external treatment, mix Manjistha powder, turmeric, and sandalwood with rose water and apply as a face pack. Licorice root (Mulethi) is excellent for brightening pigmentation—apply Mulethi powder with milk or honey. Using Kumkumadi oil at night can also gradually fade dark patches. Since melasma is often worsened by hormonal imbalances, focus on Ashwagandha or Shatavari if stress or irregular periods are a concern. Avoid spicy, fried, and overly salty foods, as they increase Pitta and worsen pigmentation.
Your stress and irregular eating habits could be fueling melasma. Try mindful eating, regular meal timings, and cooling foods like coconut water, cucumber, and soaked almonds. If digestion is weak, Triphala at night can help. Ayurveda works gradually but permanently—with the right internal and external care, you can lighten melasma naturally without depending on medication!
Melasma in Ayurveda is linked to excess Pitta and toxin (Ama) accumulation, often aggravated by hormonal imbalances, liver dysfunction, stress, and poor digestion. Instead of suppressing symptoms like tranexamic acid, Ayurveda focuses on purifying the blood and balancing Pitta for long-term healing. Manjistha is excellent for detoxifying the blood and reducing pigmentation, while turmeric helps brighten the skin and balance inflammation. You can take these herbs internally as capsules or decoctions and apply them externally as a face pack with sandalwood and rosewater. A diet rich in cooling, hydrating foods like coconut water, coriander juice, and bitter greens can prevent excess Pitta buildup. Avoid spicy, fried, and processed foods, as they trigger pigmentation. Since stress and irregular eating patterns contribute to hormonal imbalance, practicing mindfulness, yoga, and proper mealtime discipline can significantly help. Liver-supporting herbs like Bhumiamalaki and Triphala can also improve detoxification and skin clarity. Ayurvedic treatments like Virechana (purgation therapy) may be beneficial for stubborn melasma by removing deep-seated toxins.
Melasma does indeed have deep roots connecting to internal balance and lifestyle factors—it’s not just about the skin, truly a whole-body perspective. You’re spot on about it being linked with heat or “Pitta” imbalance primarily, sometimes combined with “Vata” issues, so let’s focus on cooling and stabilizing the internal environment.
It’s true, manjistha, turmeric, and sandalwood are your best friends here—working from the inside out. Manjistha is a powerful blood purifier, improving skin tone from within. You can take manjistha powder, about 1 teaspoon mixed with warm water, daily. Turmeric acts as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Adding it to your diet can aid in reducing pigmentation, but for an extra boost, mix turmeric paste with milk and apply it topically couple of times a week. Sandalwood paste made with rose water can give a soothing effect—apply this directly to the affected skin as a mask.
Now let’s dive into diet: Try keeping your meals cooling and hydrating. Think cucumbers, leafy greens like spinach, and plenty of water. Avoid spicy, fatty, and overly processed foods which can worsen Pitta imbalance. Eating at regular intervals helps stabilize your digestion—or “agni.”
Stress and hormones do play a significant role. Yoga and meditation might become your anchor here. Both are known to help balance hormonal fluctuations and reduce stress. A daily practice, even 15 minutes, could bring noticeable changes.
Also, ensure you’re sleeping well and exposure to the sun is minimized—sun aggravates melasma big time. Wearing a hat and using natural sunblock is a simple preventive measure.
See how these changes fit into your life. Remember, Ayurveda takes time but works to the root; patience is key. If possible, connect with an Ayurvedic practitioner for a detailed look at your dosha and lifestyle—each person’s journey is unique and deserves that tailored approach!

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