Category: Depression

September 1, 2020

An Ayurvedic Perspective of Depression ( Vishada)

Abstract

One in four people in the world experience mental/ neurological disorders at some point in life. Ayurveda is the science which not only treats your disease but also maintain a healthy person’s healthy life as said in its aim (prayojana)- “”Swasthashya swasthya rakshanam aturasya vikara prashmanam ch”. Recent cases of mental disorder are found, whether, in the daily life of a housemaker, sportsperson, or in the entertainment world too and reviews on ayurvedic studies of ancient times also reveal that psychiatry also had their role in those eras. So, this article describes “depression” along with its management and treatment.

INTRODUCTION

General Introduction

Depression is more than sadness (SAD – Seasonal Affective Disorder), many people use the word depression to explain the feeling like – life’s struggle, setback, disappointments, but it’s more than that.

Depression varies from people to people like

  • Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness.
  • Loss of interest in daily activities.
  • Sleep changes like oversleep or no sleep (insomnia).
  • Anger or irritability.
  • Concentration problems – trouble in focusing, making decisions, and remembering things.
  • Unexplained aches or pains.

Depression

Mythological View

Vishada is witnessed in the Arjuna Vishada Yoga, the first chapter of Bhagavat Gita(verse 14), where Arjun mighty warrior describes his helpless condition as- Arjun says, my limbs feel weak and loose, my mouth dried up with heat, tremors all over my body and I feel horripilation,my bow slips from my hand and my skin is burning all over, my brain is whirling and I can’t stand any longer.

Ayurvedic View

According to Dalhan-[vaka kaya chitavsaadvishadam] i.e vishada is the state of avsada which is characterized by lassitude of spirit,body and mind,where the physical and mental retardation of the individual is understood.

Aetiology/nidana (Cause of depression): basic nidana- 1.Asatmendriyathsamyoga- unwholesome contact with the objects may be in the atiyog( excessive use) ,ayog ( no use) ,mithya yog( incorrect use), and sometimes it also occurs due to social abuse.

Pragyaapradh- Poor lifestyle habits such as overwork, lack of sleep, poor diet, and lack of regular exercise, knowingly doing wrong things.

Parinaam-results of all misdeeds

PATHOGENESIS: vishada affect our mind (Mana) by above nidan and thus leads to-

  1. Mano vibram (loose mental ability)
  2. Buddi vibram (loose intellectual power)
  3. Chestha vibram (loose stamina to do work)

PREMONITORY SYMPTOMS

  • Dukita(distress, unhappy or grieved )
  • Manah kheda(feeling of depression)
  • Asiddhi bhaya(fear and anxiety or apprehension of failure)
  • Bhramatimanas(wandering mind)

Complication

The complications that can be seen

  • Most importantly this disorder causes social isolation.
  • The person can’t cope up even with a situation like he is indulged in conflicts whether it’s about family or professional life.
  • It leads to weight gain and thus causes heart disease.
  • Physical illness
  • Pain in the body and anxiety.
  • Hazardous drawback of this disease is suicidal feelings.

Ayurvedic Management

Management of mental illness in Ayurveda is done on 3 broad aspects-

  • Daviyapashya chikitsa- Devine therapy
  • Yuktivipashya chikitsa
  • Satvajayaya- Ayurvedic psychotherapy

Herbal supplements by Planet Ayurveda

Herbs for Depression

Alternative Medicine for Herbal remedies for Depression

To deal with depression Planet Ayurveda has contributed its best. Which not only will help to strengthen the nervous system but will bring clarity in the higher mental functions of the individual. So, to tackle this disease you must follow this Ayurvedic Medicines for Depression as described in the Depression Care pack. It includes the following medicines:

Products Description

1. Gotu Kola Capsules

  • Ingredients:- Madhukparni
  • Scientific name: Centella Asiatica

Significance

  • This herb has an anti-hypertensive effect.
  • Titrated extract of Centella Asiatica (TECA) and a good therapeutic effect on the nervous system.
  • According to the Vedic point of view, Aacharya Charaka described it especially as “Medhya Rasayana” here Medhya means memory power. Hence, this product helps in enhancing memory power.

2. Medhya Churna

Ingredients – Combination of

  • Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri)
  • Vacha (Acorus calamus)
  • Sunthi (Zingiber officinale)
  • Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
  • Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis)

Significance

  • Brahmi – It is also Medhya.
  • Vacha – extract was found to suppress the primary as well as secondary problems related to the brain.
  • Sunthi
  • Control the number of motion.
  • Improvement of appetite.
  • Ashwagandha – its powder significantly relieves from symptoms of anxiety neurosis.
  • Shankhpushpi – according to the Vedic point of view this is also a Madhya Rasayana hence this also helps in memory enhancing.

So, in combination, this product helps in depression and stress management.

3. MEMORY SUPPORT

Combination of

    • Brahmi
    • Vacha
    • Shankhpushp
    • Licorice/ Yastimadhu- (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

Significance– Brahmi is a brain tonic and Vacha helps to stimulate the normal functions of the nervous system, they synergistically act along with Shankhpuspi because of its medhya and cooling properties, it is a great choice to alleviate depression.

Yastimadhu-[tridosha hara] also manages all tripods of life – vata (mobile functions of body), pitta (intelligence, digestive power, anxiety, and behaviors), kapha ( balance functions and other factors).

In addition to this, the product helps in sleep disturbances and memory support also.

4. STRESS SUPPORT

Combination of

  • Ashwagandha
  • Tagar( Valeriana wallichii)
  • Brahmi

Significance– Brahmi, and Ashwagandha acts as nervine tonics. They help to normalize the hormones.

“Tagar – Tagar is also used in apasmara is one of the mental disorders, hence this product is helpful in depression.

Dosage

  1. Gotukola Capsules – 2 capsules twice daily with plain water.
  2. Medhya Churna – 1 pinch of powder twice daily or 1 gram twice daily.
  3. Memory Support – 1 capsule twice daily with plain water.
  4. Stress Support – 1 capsule twice daily with plain water.

Diet and Lifestyle

  • Learn to do self-love rather than running for show off and for fake appreciation. No matter whatever color, height, size, race, community, religion, the gender you belong to.
  • By change in daily routine like exercise.
  • Take a balanced diet.
  • Eat healthy and balance.

Others Procedures To be Taken

  • Shirodhara
  • Abhyanga
  • Dietetics
  • Yoga
  • Appropriate lifestyle

Conclusion

Psychological and psychodynamic methods [SATVAJAYAYA] are assigned to individuals, this helps for the normal state of patients. So, must follow the above-given guidelines to manage depression.

And Most Importantly ☝️

�”Hate the disease, not the person who is fighting or is the survivor of it. “Talk with him/ her all they need is the support “and we can pull him/ her out from that hole (depression).

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January 16, 2020

How to Beat Winter Blues or Seasonal Affective Disorder Naturally?

Abstract

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) can occur if one is having a family history of depression, bipolar disorder or any psychological disorder. Common treatments to this may include anti-depressants, counseling and allopathy medications but improving lifestyle, diet, and mode of living can manage this syndrome effectively and naturally.

Introduction

Welcome to the season when days have started getting shorter, less sunlight, 5 p.m. sunsets and plenty of snow all around. Some days can be worse if one is experiencing random mood swings, feeling more lethargic and low almost every day. What might be the reason?

Is it the SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) or Winter Blues?

Some people start feeling dump after the winter vacations, ending the festive season and Slump after the fun. Finding it difficult to get up out of the bed, irritated, sad and low energy levels are not uncommon. These are the manageable ebb and flow that come along with the every changing season and can be considered as winter blues. There is no clinical diagnosis for this condition but is fairly common globally. While a small percentage of people experience a severe medical disorder which is known as Seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

Seasonal Affective Disorder

What is SAD?

Seasonal Affective disorder (SAD) is a depressive disorder with recurrent seasonal patterns which usually begins in fall and continues till winter ends. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), this starts in a specific season each year and ends in another. This disorder occurs more often in women than in men at an estimated age between 18-30 years. People living away from the equator are more susceptible to this disease.

Recognize the Signs and Don’t Ignore Your Symptoms

The Most Common Signs and Symptoms Include the Following

  • Excess sleeping
  • Overeating
  • The person feels down or depressed the whole day or nearly every day
  • Loss in interest in some activities which you enjoyed once
  • Preferring isolation and withdrawing from social gatherings
  • Constant feeling of fatigued and lethargic
  • Suicidal thoughts
  • Feeling of hopelessness and demotivated
  • Finds difficult to take initiative
  • Difficulty in focusing on work
  • Frequently crying
  • Lowered energy levels
  • Crave carbohydrates and sugars
  • Sudden weight gain

Symptoms Which Can Occur During Summer Are Given as Follows

  • Insomnia
  • Restlessness
  • anxiety
  • violent behavior
  • sudden weight loss
  • poor appetite

Causes

Some of the Major Factors that Trigger The Onset of The Disorder Are Discussed as Follows

The major and foremost reason which can be considered as the primary culprit for a seasonal affective disorder is the decreased exposure to sunlight which leads to an imbalance in serotonin and melatonin levels.

What is Serotonin?

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that modulates all human behavior and is produced by CNS neurons. This hormone regulates the brain functions, helps to regulate mood, biological clock and body’s sleep-wake cycles. Lowered serotonin levels can be due to improper diet, sedentary lifestyle, lack of exercise, etc. and ultimately leads to the onset of depression. (3)

What is Melatonin?

Melatonin hormone which is secreted by the pineal gland is a derivative of tryptophan (Amino acid) found in mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and birds. In humans, it regulates circadian rhythm (24-hour cycles) and its secretion is enhanced by darkness while inhibited by light. (2)

Less sunlight causes a deficiency of Vitamin D which hinders the secretion of Serotonin and melatonin which ultimately causes depressive symptoms. But don’t let these winter blues hinder your daily enjoyment here are some of the home remedies which can put this winter illness off.

Home Remedies – Embrace a Healthy Lifestyle

1. Sunlight

To get a sufficient amount of Vitamin-D, you need to step outside whenever the sun is out. Exposing yourself to natural light and sun will trigger the serotonin production which will naturally lighten up your mood. So this winter takes a break with your kids, family or friends and tries indulging yourself in skiing, ice-skating or picnic, etc.

2. Exercise

Exercise tends to have a link with mental health so making exercise an essential part of our routine contributes to a healthy lifestyle. Daily exercise is beneficial in managing depression and anxiety effectively which acts as a natural antidepressant. It also increases endorphins which are secreted by the hypothalamus and lower levels may trigger anxiety and stress. Levels of serotonin and endorphins can affect mood which can be boosted by daily exercise.

3. Change your Diet

Some of the dietary supplements and altering diet can improve the condition and some of the supplements are discussed as follows-

1.Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Food items like walnut, salmon, tuna, shrimp, catfish, spinach, flaxseed oil, etc. should be added in the diet.

2.Berries

Berries like blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, etc. can help to prevent the secretion of cortisol which is a stress hormone.

3.Folic Acid

Food items that have high amounts of folic acid are Oatmeal, green leafy vegetables, cereals, soybeans, and black-eyed peas can be included in daily diet.

4.Vitamin B-12 and D

Food sources like oysters, crab, eggs, cheese, yogurt, milk, cereals, etc. are rich in Vitamin B-12 while mushrooms, fish, etc. are rich in Vitamin D should be included in the daily diet for reducing symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder.

5.Banana

It possesses tryptophan, natural sugars, magnesium and potassium which improves sleep and reduces anxiety which naturally symptoms of depression and enhances a good mood.

Ayurvedic Remedies for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Ayurvedic Medicine forSeasonal Affective Disorder

Ayurvedic Remedies for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

1.Stress Support Capsule

Stress support from Planet Ayurveda has been formulated from enormous traditional herbs like Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera), Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) and Tagar (Valeriana wallichii). This product effectively manages various conditions like nausea, dizziness, tremors, sleeping disorders, and anxiety.

Dosage – 1-2 capsules daily with plain water after meals

2. Brahmi Chyawanprash

This is an herbal dietary supplement that contains many herbs like Jivanti, Punarnava, Jeerak, Brahmi, Dashmola, Bhumi Amla, Choti elaichi, Ashwagandha, Bala, Shatavari, Chandan, etc. This product pacifies Tridosha i.e. Kapha, Pitta and Vata which eliminates anxiety, indiscrimination, fear, grief, etc.

Dosage – 2-3 teaspoonful twice or thrice with milk after meals.

3. Brahmi Capsules

Brahmi capsules are an amazing herbal product that has been formulated from the standardized extract of Bacopa monnieri which is very beneficial in treating Neurological Disorders.

Dosage – 1-2 capsules two times a day with plain water after meals.

4. Gotu kola Capsules

Gotu kola capsules have been prepared from pure extracts of Gotukola (Centella asiatica) which Manages Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety effectively.

Dosage – 1-2 capsules two times a day with plain water.

References

  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4673349/
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5405617/
  3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4728667/
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