Anxiety and depression, sound familiar right? These two health conditions have turned into major concerns over the past few years. It is mainly an outcome of the lifestyle patterns we all have been incorporating into our lives, in today’s hectic world. The biggest concern is that it not only affects our state of mind but also negatively affects our physical health. It’s pretty dangerous, how these two health disorders can take control over our emotions, our way of thinking, and our outlook on life. In this blog, we will talk more about how Ayurveda tackles these issues naturally and holistically, to bring back harmony into our lives.
Ayurveda believes that our health is all about finding a balance between body, mind, and spirit. They all are interconnected so if one is out of whack, the other gets affected too such as if the mind is disturbed, the body responds with changes in our hormones or nervous system and vice versa. Keeping all that in perspective, Ayurveda suggests some recommendations to balance each dosha which involves some modifications in lifestyle habits, diet plans, and natural remedies. Similarly, the Ayurvedic treatment for anxiety and depression with this approach not only helps us to calm our minds but also allows us to be more positive, as one’s way of thinking is nothing but just a mind game.
What does one experience?
- Pounding heart
- Uncontrollable thoughts
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain, headache
- Negative thoughts
- Trembling and insomnia
- Difficulty in concentrating
- Being easily startled
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Sweating
- Weeping, sadness, suffocation
- Difficulty in facing situations
- Not able to express emotions
- Reluctance to meet people
Ayurvedic Herbs for Anxiety and Depression
Ashwagandha
The stress hormones are regulated with its consumption. Additionally, it calms the brain and helps in coping with stress and anxiety. Acting as an energy booster, stamina, and endurance, power is also increased.
Brahmi
Brahmi can boost mental health by enhancing cognitive abilities, such as memory, focus, and problem-solving skills. Engaging with such intricate systems fosters mindfulness and provides a sense of connection to history, promoting mental well-being and reducing stress.
Chamomile
The tea is a great drink to sip as it calms down anxiety and improves sleep.
Jatamanasi
It is a strong antioxidant that has anti-stress properties. The roots of this herb keep the body free from toxins and blockages.
Bhringaraj
This herb can be used in tea as well as herbal oil for massage. This helps in the detoxification of the body and consistently provides oxygen to the body, increasing the blood flow in the body. Additionally, it relaxes the body.
Mandukparni
An aromatic herb that helps to improve alertness and memory.
Vacha
It gives an effect of rejuvenation on the nervous system. As it is bitter it is consumed in dried form. Acting as an excellent brain tonic it protects the brain cells from inflammation and degeneration. It also supports proper brain functioning and boosts the brain.
Tulsi
It is considered the sacred plant in the country. It has numerous amount of benefits as it exhibits anti-anxiety, anti-depressant, anti-oxidant properties. Along with these properties, it also has anti-viral, pain-relieving, and blood glucose stabilization properties.
Gotu Kola
It can be eaten in the form of salad. It works well for stress as it calms the mind and enhances memory.
Valerian
The root of this plant is used to treat anxiety disorders as it aids in receiving better sleep and relief from restlessness.
Lavender
This is a flowering plant, which alleviates anxiety and calms the nerves. Lavender can be used in various forms such as:
- Tea-Leaves
- Aromatherapy-Oil
- Massage- Oil
- Bathing- Oil/Flowers
Passionflower
This flower has an anxiety calming effect. It may be effective in providing relief from restlessness, nervousness, and anxiety disorders.
Kava Kava
It produces pleasant sensations and has a calming effect on the brain. It relaxes the brain giving the sense of euphoria. It can be used in the form of tea or powder.
Amla
It is rich in Vitamin C and has the ability to fight stress.
Turmeric
Curcumin present in turmeric not only reduces stress but also minimizes oxidative stress. Due to its flavor and color, it can be easily added to so many dishes.
Kesar (saffron)
Consumption of saffron calms down the body and gives a soothing effect to the brain.
Shankhpushpi
Shankhpushpi is a special plant that help people with their anxiety, depression, and mental fatigue. It improves the overall functioning of the mind by strengthening its muscles and sharpening the memory. When you're feeling stressed or anxious, Shankhpushpi comes to the rescue. It helps calm down those racing thoughts and eases the tension in your mind. It's also like a supercharger for your memory and focus. Overall, Shankhpushpi is like a trusted friend for your mental health.
Consumption: You can take Shankhpu
shpi powder along with warm milk or water to help boost memory and concentration. Shankhpushpi tablets and capsules can also be used.
Ayurvedic Diet for anxiety disorders and depression
It is always said, “you are what you eat” and this statement fits well in the case of Ayurveda as it balances the energies wonderfully when the nutritional diet is healthy!
A healthy diet not only heals the body internally but the glow is seen externally also. The plus point is it elevates the mood too. You should make sure you follow the food habits as it is going to help you in manage the anxiety disorder.
What to eat?
Fresh fruits
Fresh fruits like berries, bananas, oranges, avocados instill you with various vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
- Berries: Berries like raspberry, blueberry, and strawberry contain antioxidants and they also boost the mood.
- Bananas: As they are a rich source of potassium, they manage stress levels and relax the body.
- Oranges: They are rich in Vitamin C and they reduce the symptoms of anxiety disorder. It helps you to stay calm, happy and relaxed.
- Avocado: It influences the mood of the person giving them a positive outcome. It also shows the relation between the widening of blood vessels and the formation of red blood cells.
Vegetables
Fresh vegetables and green leafy vegetables should be included in the diet.
- Spinach: It contains Magnesium which keeps you calmer and also balances the mood.
- Asparagus: It contains mood-boosting nutrients and is rich in folic acid. Studies suggest people with anxiety disorders are usually deficient in folic acid, so asparagus is a good option for you!
- Kale: It has exceptionally high levels of antioxidants, which help in controlling stress at the cellular level.
- Beet Root: Rise in blood pressure is seen in people who are affected by anxiety disorders, to regulate the blood pressure Beetroot should be consumed in the form of salad or juice as it relaxes the blood vessels promoting oxygen to the brain.
- Broccoli: Enough Vitamin-K is present in the broccoli, which relieves symptoms of anxiety.
- Cabbage: Another form of Vitamin-K is cabbage. Along with this vitamin, it also contains folic acid, Vitamin-C, and Vitamin-B which helps in easing your anxiety. Further, it calms the brain, so grab it and have it!
- Carrots: The vitamins present in the carrot helps in the proper functioning of neurotransmitters as it strengthens the nervous system. Chop them; eat them as a salad or vegetable, or even drink it as a juice!
- Sweet Potatoes: They help in fighting the nervous system damage caused due to anxiety disorder. Make sure you add them to your diet plan.
Probiotics
Fermented foods like yogurt, buttermilk can help in the reduction of anxiety.
Juices
With anxiety and depression, juices of fruits and vegetables work like magic if you consume them empty stomach. Some of the advised juices are:
- Ash gourd
- Beetroot
- Bottle gourd
- Coconut water
- Carrot
- Orange
Nuts (Cashew, Walnuts, and Almonds)
They are a rich source of good fats and they also minimize the stress on the body, aiding in the management of anxiety. So you are advised to have these soaked nuts in the morning or consume them in raw form before the meals to help the absorption of nutrients adequately.
Milk
It is a powerhouse of nutrients and it soothes the nervous system.
- Almond milk along with saffron eases the brain, muscles, and promotes calmness. Drink it in the morning.
- Drinking warm milk with honey and saffron before bed can pacify Vata Dosha.
Cow’s Ghee
Intake of cow ghee increases the Ojas (energy reservoir) which is reduced due to anxiety.
Follow a balanced diet and make a habit to have regular meals timely.
What not to eat?
- Excess sugar harms the brain and can be a triggering factor for anxiety.
- Choosing substance abuse as a coping mechanism will make you dependent on them and will aggravate the anxiety disorder symptoms.
- Processed foods, canned foods, excess carbohydrates should be avoided as it is not good for overall health.
- Caffeine intake should be avoided.
- Carbonated and fizzy drinks should not be taken into consideration.
- Saturated foods, oily foods should not be consumed.
- Intake of non-vegetarian food should be avoided.
Every patient is unique and requires unique treatment to achieve complete healing on all levels so along with these herbs and dietary changes consult us for successful results! Hurry!
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