Ayurvedic Medicine for Depression

Depression is taken to be one of the worst conditions that can affect a person. It does not hurt and yet the pain that one goes through can be felt, though it cannot really be expressed in words. While nothing is physically wrong or hurting in a person suffering from depression, it renders a person almost useless because the zeal or even the basic need to do any of the mundane activities in life get completely hampered. That is why there is a need to fight depression. There are several synthetic medication forms that have been used for treating depression through the ages, but today we will talk about one of the alternative medicine forms that are used for the treatment of this condition. Ayurvedic medicine is proving to be one of the most effective methods to treat depression. In the following article we shall focus on some of the treatment forms for depression using Ayurveda and go on to see what they entail.

The Philosophy of Ayurveda

Before getting on to administering ayurvedic cure for depression through certain herbs, you need to understand a little more about this ancient Indian science. Ayurveda doesn't merely look into treating a problem at the surface but goes to the root of the problem to cure it. The symptoms that have prompted a person to undergo treatment might be caused due to an underlying condition and that is what ayurveda will try and correct. This will then automatically correct the symptoms as well. It is due to this focus that the relation between the physician and patient is given prime importance in this ancient science. This interaction especially helps in the case of depression because understanding the root cause will give the physician a better chance of correcting the condition.

Ayurvedic Herbs for Depression

Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri)
This is one of the most effective medication forms when it comes to curing depression. Brahmi has the power to soothe and relax the mind and do away with certain stress factors. Although brahmi is available in different forms, brahmi oil is considered to be one of the best forms. Using it for an invigorating head massage prevents and cures depression.

Guggul (Commiphora wightii)
The guggul herb is one of the forerunners in the cause against depression due to its ability to improve the nervous coordination of the body.

Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum)
Cardamom has a very soothing aroma and can soothe frazzled nerves that are almost always there when a person is depressed. One can use specialized cardamom oils or crush and use the spice to make some tea.

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
Ashwagandha has some of the miraculous properties that help deal with depression effectively. This herb is known to rid the mind of negative thoughts, thereby improving the mind and curing depression.

Other than these 4 herbs, turmeric and Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi) are also known to be effective cures for depression.

Ayurvedic Recipe for Depression

4 Powder Mixture
Ingredients

• Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), 5 parts
• Brahmi (gotu kola), 3 parts
• Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), 5 parts
• Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi), 3 parts

Directions ~ Combine all these powders and then take about ¼ of the mixture, mix it in ½ cup of water and drink it three times a day.

Other than these herbs, one needs to also control their diet a little. An intake of heavy, spicy and pungent foods needs to be avoided. So also, simple lifestyle changes like exercising in the morning and doing certain breathing and meditation postures helps to deal with depression.

The next time you're in depression or are fearing that a bout will come along soon, try one of these methods and you'll see the results for yourself. If there is a ayurvedic doctor that you can consult, then I'd urge you to do exactly that and help facilitate the treatment.