Anxiety and Stress Ayurvedic Treatment

 

Natural Ayurveda Stress and Anxiety Relief 

 

Ayurveda, the science of life, may be effective in managing stress and anxiety naturally. This ancient healthcare discipline is an amalgamation of ancient treatments and remedies that have been in existence for over 5000 years.

 

 

 

 

 

 

According to Ayurveda, a person leading a healthy stress-free life has following main characteristics:

 

• Healthy eating and sleeping habits
• Good Memory
• Self awareness
• Enthusiasm
• Sharp intellectual functioning etc.

 

Symptoms of Stress and Anxiety

 

The following list some of the common symptoms and signs of the stress:

 

• Anxiousness
• Seeing only the negative aspects
• Concentration problem
• Poor judgment
• Worrying
• Irritability
• Inability to relax
• Unhappiness
• Body ache due to unknown reason
• Sometimes rapid heartbeat during panic phase
• Dizziness (occasionally)
• Irritable bowel syndrome like symptoms
• Sometimes Loss of sex drive
• Changes in eating habits - eating less or more
• Sleeplessness or excessive sleep
• Procrastination
• Isolating from others
• Nail biting or pacing

 

Natural Anxiety and Stress Managemment with Ayurvedic Medicine

 

The ayurvedic treatment pathway is based on balancing mental and body humors or doshas in order to alleviate anxiety and stress symptoms naturally. In addition to this, Ayurveda also recommend relaxation therapies such Shirodhara, ayurvedic body massage along with organic Indian herbs and ayurvedic medicines used traditionally in lowering stress.

 

Traditional Ayurvedic Natural Herbal Remedies for Stress and Anxiety 

 

The herbs that have a stabilizing effect on the mind have been classified as Medhya Rasayanas in Ayurvedic manuscripts. These herbs are used in Ayurvedic preparations that serve as nervine tonics. The therapeutic benefits of such Ayurvedic medicines and herbs include improvement in memory and concentration, peace of mind, biological nourishment of the brain and alleviation of anxious behavioural disorders. 

 

Following herbs have been used traditionally in ayurveda to reduce stress and anxiety:

 

 

 

Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera)

 

Ashwagandha contains withanine and withanolides, which are main alkaloids responsible for the medicinal value of ashwagandha. It helps to manage symptoms of mania, depression, anxiety disorders, mood phobias etc.

 

Hypothalamic – Pituitary – Adrenal glands (HPA axis) together maintain the secretion of cortisol (stress hormones). With ageing when body tends not to cope with stress efficiently, then APA axis became activated which releases constant supply of cortisol into the blood stream. Studies show that Ashwangdha herb has a positive influence on HPA axis stress response, mental function and foggy mind like symptoms. So its also helps with physical and mental tiredness. (1)

 

Jatamansi (Nardostachys chinensis)

 

Jatamansi takes mind towards positive thinking and pacifies the racing mind. Stress modulating and anti-oxidant properties of Nardostachys jatamansi came to the fore in a research conducted by Tapas Kumar Sur et al. The hydroethanolic acid extract of N. jatamansi showed potent antioxidant activity and significantly reversed the stress-induced elevation of lipid peroxidation and NO levels and decrease in catalase activity in the brain.

 

Turmeric (Curcuma Longa)

 

Turmeric contains curcumin and curcuminoids. It has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, so it is also used in the treatment of arthritis. It improves the mind and body strength to tolerate the external stimuli or stress. It can be an effective remedy to combat depression caused by seasonal changes.

 

Dr. Ajay Goel, the Director of Epigenetics and Cancer Prevention at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, Texas has done extensive research on the healing properties of Turmeric (Curcuma longa). It reduces inflammatory markers in the bloodstream, which travel to the brain, and it helps prevent low levels of serotonin, noradrenaline, and dopamine. It also promotes neurogenesis – brain cell formation- notably in the frontal cortex and hippocampal regions of the brain.

 

Epidemiological studies by Patel Pankti S et al reveal that people who consume curcumin in daily life have sharper brain functions and higher cognitive abilities.  Curcumin acts as an inhibitor of monoamine oxidase (MAO) enzyme and also modulates the level of various neurotransmitters.

 

Brahmi (Bacopa Monnieri)

 

It helps to rejuvenate the mind and provides its biological nourishment. Bacopa monnieri contains alkaloids such as brahmine, herpestine and nicotine, which relaxes the mind and hence reduces the stress.

Study on rat, by Nirma University, Ahmedabad, established that Brahmi extract containing 25% bacoside A (active alkaloid of Brahmi) shown anxiolytic effects similar to lorazepam, without causing any side effects like loss of memory etc; but instead had a memory improving effect. (2)

 

 

Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis)

 

In Indian Medicine, Shankhpushpi is considered as the best brain tonic used for stress disorders, boosting memory, enhancing mood and relaxing the mind.

 

Shankhpushpi also has sedative effects, which makes it effective in stress related insomnia. It also helps to reduce high blood pressure and increased pulse rate due to anti-stress effect. (3)

 

Research shows evidence that this herb increases the brain cells functions, enhance the learning capacity and overall memory. It also has calming effects by reducing the aggressive and agitated behaviour. (4)

 

Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza Glabra)

 

Yashtimadhu is used for acidity, GERD, gas, ulcer, ulcerative colitis and arthritis. It is also beneficial for the people with stress or depression. It contains glycyrrhizin, which is responsible for its medicinal value. 

 

A research conducted by Kajaris Divya and Chandola H.M on the effect of Yastimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra) root extract on wistar albino rats substantiates that constituents present in aqueous root extract have neuronal dendritic growth stimulating properties.

 

Active substance of licorice, increase the cells metabolism to enhance the resistance to stress levels.

 

Vacha (Acorus Calamus)

 

Vacha is a nervine tonic and enhances higher mental functions. It can be considered an ideal herbal remedy for depression, stress, anxiety, moodiness and loss of enthusiasm. It brings the feeling of positive excitement and boosts the mood.

 

In the clinical study, conducted by ayurvedic university of Chennai in 2017, shown that the anxiolytic effect of 400mg/kg Vacha powder was equivalent to 4mg/ kg of diazepam. It is reported that vacha powder revealed anti-convulsant properties, anxiolytic and sedative effects. (5)

 

Mandukaparni (Centella asiatica)

 

Mandukaparni is known for its anti-depressants, anxiolytic and sedative effects. It reduces the corticosterone level naturally.

 

Clinical trial shown that, regular usages of Mandukparni herb for at-least two months helped to reduce stress, anxiety and depression. Same trial has also shown that madukparni can enhance adjustment and attention. In the stressful situation Mandukparni helps to regulate the hypothalamopituitary-adrenocortical axis (HPA axis), to bring back the emotions to equilibrium. Trial are emerging that Mandukparni may be a safer substitute at times to Benzodiazepines in stress like disorders. (6)

 

 

Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia)

 

Guduchi can be quite effective in maintaining the healthy brain functions and to minimise stress levels.

 

Research shows that 100mg/kg extract of Guduchi displays anti- stress properties as compared to 2.5mg/kg of Diazepam. (7)

 

In Indian Medicine, these are some of the common herbs used traditionally as brain tonic and help to reduce stress disorders, boosting memory, enhancing mood and relaxing the mind.(4)

 

Ayurvedic Therapies and Panchkarma Treatment used traditionally for Stress and Anxiety

 

Following ayurvedic therapies or treatments are used by most of the ayurvedic doctors in the cases of stress and anxiety.

 

Nasya or nasal instillation

 

Nasya treatment helps to promote mental clarity and reduce stress. In this treatment method, nasal medication serves as a purifying agent for the head and helps to offer clarity if mind.

 

Shirodhara

 

 

 

 

Shirodhara treatment  is a traditional ayurvedic therapy that has been used for relaxing mind for thousands of years. It helps to cleanse both the mind and the body. In this treatment method, a concoction of herbal oils, medicated milk and medicated water is poured over the forehead for over a duration. It is suggested to assist in relieving stress, tension, anxiety and depression and rejuvenates the mind.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How to Reduce Stress and Anxiety with Yoga

 

Meditation is a great way to get rid of stress and anxiety. A person suffers from the stress disorders and depression should do at least 30 minutes meditation twice a day, especially evening meditation is considered more effective in the management of stress and depression. It also helps to relax the mind after finishing daily routine work. Sun salutation is yoga exercises that can be useful in the treatment of stress and depression.

 

 

The other yoga poses include Child's Pose (Balasana), Bridge Pose (Setu Bandha Sarvangasana), Standing Forward Bend (Uttanasana), Eagle Pose (Garudasana), Corpse Pose (Savasana), Extended Triangle Pose (Utthita Trikonasana), Legs-Up-The-Wall Pose (Viparita Karani), Puppy Pose (Uttana Shishosana), Cat Pose (Marjaryasana) and Dolphin Pose.

 

Managing Stress and Anxiety naturally

 

• Do regular exercises. Exercises are effective natural remedy to combat stress and depression. Regular exercise boosts the level of serotonin and endorphins in the brain, which helps the person to feel good.
• Eating well is also a crucial part of stress management. A well balanced diet keeps the energy level up and reduces the mood swings.
• Take adequate sleep and try to sleep at least 6-8 hours a day.  Sleep is a natural remedy combating with depression and anxiety. Sleep deprivation can also cause irritability, sadness, moodiness and body fatigue.
• Make some string social connection with people and avoid being isolated from the other people. Stay in regular contact with family and friends. Try to spend more time with children and friends.
• Play an acitve game in which you have interest. Playing games are also beneficial in reducing stress and treating depression.

 

 

 

 

Book Your Stress Relief Appointment Today!

 

In case you are suffering from stress, anxiety, depression or any disorder that hinders you normal functioning, it is time you book your appointment at Pure Herbal Ayurved Clinic. Here you get a complete personal evaluation by highly experienced and qualified Ayurvedic doctors and trained therapists.

 

Under the supervision Ayurvedic Doctors Gurnam Saini and Pooja Saini, you get an effective treatment programme, dietary advice and self-care guidance at this Ayurvedic Clinic.

 

 

 

Both Ayurvedic Practitioner Gurnam Saini and Pooja Saini have specialised in mental health in their nursing career and worked in both Public and Private hospital in Melbourne for number of years till 2019. Gurnam Saini holds a Post Gradute Diploma in Mental Health Nursing and Pooja Saini completed Master of Nursing in Mental Health. They have genuine passion to offer a better quality of life to people living with mental health conditions. They believe in active listening and therapeutic engagement of their clients.

 

 

 

If you wish to enquire more information on Anxiety and Stress Ayurvedic Natural Treatment in Melbourne, you may contact us at Pure Herbal Ayurved Clinic.

 

 

References

1. Dr. Ajay Goel, ‘Curcumin – A Novel Treatment for Depression’, Euro Medica Integrative Practitioner, ​https://divcomplatform.s3.amazonaws.com/ip.divcomstaging.com/images/166ee5c481fc264864b1d8c32c6be0f8.pdf
2. Tapas Kumar Sur, Nazmun Lyle, Dipankar Bhattacharyya, Antony Gomes, ‘Stress Modulating Antioxidant Effect of Nardostachys jatamansi’, Indian Journal of Biochemistry and Biophysics, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/24305417_Stress_modulating_antioxidant_effect_of_Nardostachys_jatamansi
3. Kajaria Divya, Chandola H.M, ‘Anxiety and Depressive Illness: Curse to Metropolitan Cities and Role of Ayurveda’, International Research Journal of Pharmacy, https://www.irjponline.com/admin/php/uploads/1980_pdf.pdf