Herbal Treatment for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder is a mental health condition or psychiatric disorder which may occur when people witness such trauma or shock. A mental disorder is a change in behavioral patterns which causes impairment in personal functioning. A mental disorder is a psychological syndrome which is associated with a disability which increases the risk of death and a certain loss of autonomy. Trauma is a deeply distressing and disturbing situation that affects humans diminishes their sense of self and runs high in emotions. This trauma affects the normal life of a person with an altered mood which she/he used to be in the past. The traumatized person feels permanently damaged if the trauma is gone they don’t feel or believe in this situation. They lead to loss of self-esteem, emptiness and sometimes depression. In this article, we shall see the details of this disorder and management and the traditional view.
Introduction
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is a psychiatric disorder in which one witnesses a traumatic event once in a lifetime. It is known as shell shock and battle fatigue syndrome which develops when one experienced terrifying events such as sexual assault, traffic collisions and child abuse. People with PTSD have disturbing thoughts and feelings which are related to experience even though the trauma has ended. There are four types of post-traumatic stress disorder – intrusive memories, avoidance, negative thinking and mood, and various changes in a physical and emotional state. It occurs at any age, in every person of every nationality. Women are more prone than men to getting this disease. PTSD (Post-traumatic stress disorder is a lasting consequence of trauma which causes fear, helplessness, and horror. Those who suffer prolonged trauma and abuse may develop complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD).
Causes
- Stressful experience
- Inherited mental health risk which includes anxiety and depression
- Domestic violence
- Child abuse
- History of drug abuse and alcohol
- War-related trauma
- Pregnancy-related trauma
- Death-related trauma
Signs and Symptoms
These symptoms can be classified into 4 types
1. Intrusive Memories
- Upsetting dreams and nightmares
- Unwanted distressing memories of the traumatic event
- Emotional distress and physical reactions which lead to trauma
2. Avoidance
- Trying to avoid thinking
- Avoiding places and activities which cause trauma
3. Negative Changes in Thinking and Mood
- Emotionally disturbed
- Feeling detached from everyone
- Lack of interest in activities
- Memory loss
4. Changes in Physical and Emotional Reactions
- Trouble sleeping
- Angry outbursts
- Guilt and shame
5. Negative Cognitions and Mood
6. Temper Tantrums
7. Use of Alcohol
Pathophysiology
It is divided into two parts
1. Neuroendocrinology
This may be a result of a traumatic injury which causes a reactive adrenaline response which creates various neurological patterns in the brain. During traumatic experience there is a high level of stress hormones which are secreted and suppress hypothalamic activity, causing biochemical changes in the brain and body. It causes low levels of serotonin.
2. Neuroanatomy
Reduced total brain volume and intracranial volume, but with a patient of PTSD have decreased activity. In reports of PTSD, there is a large degree of social anxiety disorder.
Diagnosis
- Physical examination
- Screening and assessment
Differential Diagnosis
- Adjustment disorder
- Acute stress disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Complex post-traumatic stress disorder
Treatment
1. Counseling
This includes psychotherapy which is used in the treatment of Post-traumatic stress disorders
- Cognitive therapy
- Exposure therapy
- EMDR (Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing)
2. Medication involves
- Antidepressants
- Anti-anxiety medications
- Prazosin
Complication
- Depression and anxiety
- Eating disorders
- Suicidal thoughts and actions
Ayurvedic Management
- Post-traumatic stress disorder is a serious disorder which occurs due to various life happenings such as physical assault, roadside traffic accidents and away from loved ones. This includes various signs and symptoms which include anxiety, hallucinations and headache.
- In ayurveda post-traumatic stress disorder is correlated with the Aggravation of Vata doshas.
- It includes Vata doshas which further includes majja dhatu and manovaha srotas, manovaha vikara arises because of fear and grief which leads to vitiation of Vata doshas and the mind is the abode of disease which causes physical ailment. The mind works as a dual organ which has extraordinary sense organs. Manas is said to be present throughout the body except for nails, hair and other structures, hence it is the seat of all sense organs.
Treatment
- Virechana (purgation therapy)
- Basti (enema)
- Nasya
- Abhyanga- daily massage which is helpful in Vata imbalance.
- Shirodhara- it is treated by pouring buttermilk on the forehead, it helps to balance Vata doshas and clear the srotas and helps to eliminate the sensory overload.
- Use of ghrita such as panchagavya ghrita, kalyanka ghrita which are helpful in post-traumatic stress disorder used as nasal drops.
- And ayurveda recommends three types of chikitsa
1. Daivavyapasraya chikitsa (Spiritual therapy)
It refers to the mantra, ausadhi and magala and homa which helps with mental disorders and is helpful in all manas vikara.
2. Yuktivyapasraya chikitsa (rational therapy)
It refers to the use of diet (ahara) and aushadh (drugs). It helps to eliminate the doshas and toxins from the body.
3. Satvavajaya Chikitsa (psychobehavioral therapy)
It helps to restrain the mind from desires from unwholesome objects. It helps to increase the sattva guna by exaggerating the tamas and rajas guna. In this dincharya (daily regimen), ritucharya (seasonal regimen), sadvritta(code of conduct) and achar rasayan are very beneficial.
Herbs Useful in PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)
Mandukparni
Mandukparni (Centella Asiatica) is an ayurvedic medicinal herb which is helpful in liver protective properties, has anti-oxidant properties, and helps to stimulate the immune system. Helps in cell regeneration and promotes skin thickening and in the wound healing process. Mandukhparni helps to increase the level of dopamine in the brain which helps to deal with depression.
Yashtimadhu
Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra) helps to cure infertility and has hepatoprotective properties and antioxidant properties. Helps in promoting and improving the skin complexion. In the healing process and provides immunity and is a good hair tonic. Promotes the longevity of life and relieves dysuria and is used in blood disorders.
Brahmi
Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) is a famous ayurvedic herb which helps to improve intelligence and memory and has antioxidant properties. It is useful for high BP and helps to cure anxiety and stress, and is a good antioxidant. Helps to improve psychiatric disorders and improves bronchial disorders. Brahmi improves the quality of life and acts as a cardiac tonic.
Guduchi
Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) is a famous ayurvedic herb which is helpful in cardiac disorders and is well known as an immune modulator which helps to improve immunity. Helps to relieve constipation and balances the tridoshas of the body. Guduchi is helpful in eye disorders and acts as a rejuvenative.
Herbal Remedies for PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) by Planet Ayurveda
Planet Ayurveda is an eminent ISO 9001:2015, GMP certified, and US- FDA registered ayurvedic company which adheres to the objectives of manufacturing quality Ayurvedic products as mentioned in the number of ancient textbooks. These formulations are free from any preservatives and any other kinds of chemicals which have many side effects on the body. Products manufactured at Planet Ayurveda are pure and devoid of any kind of adulteration. These products are purely organic and gluten-free. Planet Ayurveda formulated many herbal remedies for PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) which are helpful in managing the disease without causing any side effects.
Products List
- Neurogenie Capsules
- Stress Support
- Mahakalyanaka Ghrit
- Arjun Tea
Products Description
1. Neurogenie Capsules
Neurogenie Capsules are polyherbal capsules made by planet ayurveda using various ingredients such as Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) and Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). It is helpful in the treatment of insomnia and improves memory and mental power. Neurogenie Capsules are helpful in nourishing nerves and improving muscular strength, controlling the Vata doshas and stimulating the organs to function properly.
Dosage- 2 capsules twice daily with plain water after meals.
2. Stress Support
Stress support capsules are polyherbal capsules made by planet ayurveda using products such as Tagar (Valeriana wallichii), Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) and Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). It is helpful in balancing the tridoshas of the body and is beneficial for the nervous system. Helps to relieve stress and anxiety, and fight against depression.
Dosage- 1 capsule twice daily with plain water after meals.
3. Mahakalyanaka Ghrit
Mahakalyanaka Ghrit is a classical ayurvedic formulation which is made by planet ayurveda using ingredients such as Haridra (Curcuma longa), Shalparni (Desmodium gangeticum), Brihati (Solanum indicum) and many more. It is helpful in infertility, anemia and in memory loss problems. Mahakalyanaka ghrit helps to cope with stress disorders as it helps to relax the mind and manage the symptoms.
Dosage- 1 tsp twice daily with warm water.
4. Arjun Tea
Arjun Tea is a herbal tea formulation made by planet ayurveda using ingredients such as Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna), Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa), Chhoti elaichi (Elettaria cardamomum). It is helpful in problems such as hypertension, blocked coronary arteries and in conditions with high cholesterol. Helps to strengthen the heart muscles and arterial system and has the property of antioxidants.
Dosage- 1 cup twice daily.
Contact Planet Ayurveda Support Team to provide you the costing / ordering and delivery information at – costing.planetayurveda@gmail.com or Call at 0172-521-4040 (India), +91-172-521-4040 (Outside India) or Whatsapp at (+91) 9915-593-604
Conclusion
Post-traumatic stress disorder is a mental health condition or psychiatric disorder which may occur when people witness such trauma or shock. It is known as shell shock and battle fatigue syndrome which develops when one experienced terrifying events such as sexual assault, traffic collisions and child abuse. People with PTSD have disturbing thoughts and feelings which are related to experience even though the trauma has ended. In ayurveda post-traumatic stress disorder is correlated with the Aggravation of Vata doshas. It includes Vata doshas which further includes majja dhatu and manovaha srotas, manovaha vikara arises because of fear and grief which leads to vitiation of Vata doshas and the mind is the abode of disease which causes physical ailment. In this article, we discussed the herbal remedies by planet Ayurveda which are beneficial in this.
