Natural Ayurveda Depression & Anxiety Treatment and Management

An occasional feeling of sadness is something we all experience from time to time. And it is a perfectly normal response to unsettling life circumstances. But if you find yourself frequently feeling low, moody or weepy for days on end, for no apparent reason, it is time to visit your GP to get checked out for the possibility that you suffer from depression.

Depression and Anxiety are very serious illnesses that affect not just the emotions but also the physical health of people suffering from it. Presently, this debilitating conditions are recognised as the top cause for non-fatal disability among the Australian population and the worst part is that only half of those affected by it may receive the necessary medical care.

Depression Signs and Symptoms 

People with depression or anxiety suffer from a chronic lack of energy or the motivation to do something. Often, they lose interest in something they previously enjoyed doing. This situation may be the norm in the face of some trying situations such as the loss of a loved one or suffering a major career or relationship setback; however, if this behavior surfaces for no reason at all and persists for a long time, it may be a sign of depression.

Some people with depression withdraw into a shell and cut off contact from their family and friends while others have problems with concentration and managing their emotions, and go from being gloomy to irritable in an unpredictable manner.

Depression natural Ayurvedic Treatment

If you have been formally diagnosed with depression or anxiety by a medical professional or just started to experince these preliminary symptoms and looking for a natural path to enhance your mental health and wellbeing.  Ayurveda may be able to help. According to this ancient system of health, the body is made up of three elements or doshas and as long as these remain in a state of balance, the individual is healthy; any imbalance in these elements can lead to health problems of the body as well as the mind.

Ayurveda says that when the kapha element is imbalanced, it causes a change in the proportions of the vata and pitta elements, too and this affects the normal functioning of the nervous system.

There is a sub-element called Sadhaka pitta that is responsible for balanced emotions. When there is a disturbance in the proportion of this element, a person experiences the symptoms of mental ill health, including depression.

According to Ayurveda, mental disturbances are related to the accumulation of toxins (Ama) in the body; this is a result of clinging on to negative emotions and not being able to get rid of them. Such abnormal function in turn may generate the feelings of hopelessness that are generally associated with depression or anxiety.

Ayurveda also believes that a lack of awareness of one’s inner self may lead to the condition of depression. Deep-seated pain and hurt and negative emotions from the past that have not been resolved also tend to deplete the natural energy of the mind and this may lead to the condition of depression.

Therefore, Ayurvedic treatment of depression focuses on remedies that deal with all these aspects.

Natural Herbal Remedies for Depression

Ayurveda approaches the problem of depression from a holistic viewpoint. Some of the remedies used in treatment of depression include:

• Daily regimen (Dincharya) – this involves setting up a regular routine of waking up with the sun, eliminating the toxins from the body, cleaning of the body and beginning the day with worship. This routine helps to promote purity of the body, mind and emotions and has a deep influence on one’s state of mind. Eating and sleeping on time so as to optimize digestion and rest are also important aspects in Ayurveda.

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• Right diet – selection of the right type of food according to one’s body type is considered a very important aspect for sound physical as well as mental health. Self-indulgence is discouraged and the emphasis is on a healthy diet that helps to maintain the three elements in a state of balance. Depending on your body type, you get a specific prescription of the foods you ought to consume and those you should avoid. Foods such as milk, walnut, coconut, pear, dates, raisins, black pepper, ginger and turmeric may be recommended for their ability to create stable emotions and coordination between the functions of the mind.

Natural Herbs for Depression in Melbourne

Ayurvedic treatment of depression may involve the use of Ayurvedic herbs that are used traditionally to help balance the doshas – a type of Pitta element that helps to regulate the emotions. The following herbs have teaditionally worked well either singly or in combination for Ayurvedic treatment of depression.

Brahmi Herb (Bacopa monnieri):

Obtained from the Bacopa monieri plant, this herb helps the mind to relax and its regular use may help to alleviate the effects of depression.

Ashwagandha Herb (Withania somnifera):

Obtained from Withania somnifera, this herb is considered to have adaptogenic properties that may help in improving resistance to stress and negative thoughts. It helps to balance Vata dosha and helps to improve emotional stability.

Arjuna Herb (Terminalia arjuna):

The bark of the Terminalia arjuna tree is considered to contains several alkaloids that are good for the heart. In combination with Brahmi, Arjuna may be effective as a remedy for depression and anxiety.

Jatamansi Herb (Nardostachys chinensis):

Obtained from Nardostachys, this herb aims to channelise the energy of the mind in a positive direction and thus, may exert a calming effect that removes depressive thoughts.

Ayurveda Herbs to treat and Manage Depression and Anxiety

Ayurveda texts have mentioned many herbal formulations to alleviate depression and anxiety. As per as advice of qualified Ayurvedic doctors, below given list of natural medicines have been used for centuries as the Ayurveda treatment options for people suffering from depression and anxiety. 

1.    Aswagandharishtam - Herbal Wine
2.    Parpatadyarishtam - Herbal Wine
3.    Saraswatharishtam - Herbal Wine
4.    Anu thailam - Herbal Oil
5.    Bala Thailam - Herbal Oil
6.    Balaswagandhadhi Thailam - Herbal Oil
7.    Brahmi Thailam - Herbal Oil
8.    Bringamalakadi Oil
9.    Chandanadi Thailam - Herbal Oil
10.   Chandraprabha vatika - Herbal Tablet
11.   Dhanwantharam Gulika - Herbal Tablet
12.   Brahmi gritham - Herbal Oil
13.   Kalyanaka Gritham - Herbal Oil
14.   Saraswatha gritham - Herbal Powder
15.   Sathavaryadi gritham - Herbal Powder
16.   Hinguvachadi Choornam - Herbal Powder 
17.   Aswagandhadi lehyam - Herbal Paste
18.   Brahma rasayanam - Herbal Paste
19.   Chyavana prasam - Herbal Paste 

How to Manage Depression and Anxiety Naturally 

Ayurveda believes in the healing power of meditation for treatment of depression and anxiety. One of the key features of depression is brooding – that is, the tendency to stay focused on unhappy or sad thoughts. Meditation can help depressed persons to stop brooding and move away from the mind’s actions and reactions.

Along with these measures, Ayurveda also emphasizes the need to identify and let go of negative emotions that pose obstacles in the normal brain functions. Being unable to vent out negativity causes it to accumulate and this leads to depression or anxiety. Ayurveda can help you get in touch with your own mental awareness, channelize the energy in the body, balance it and move away from depression towards a positive life.

If you find yourself feeling unusually low or moody for no obvious reason, do get in touch with us to find out and learn how Ayurveda can help. If you have been battling depression or anxiety with medication, your doctor has probably advised you about the need to keep taking it on time as prescribed. We do not advocate you stop taking your medication, we do encourage you to explore Ayurveda as a complementary pathway.