| In Ayurveda, depression is known as Chittavsada. It is | | | | sherbets like rose sherbet in the middle of theday, |
| caused by theincrease in the tamas and rajas of the | | | | especially in the afternoons and when the evening is |
| mind with a vitiation of thekapha dosha. Sometimes, an | | | | beginning.Tea and coffee may be taken occasionally |
| imbalanced vata may also be responsible | | | | to stimulate the brain. |
| fordepression. | | | | Most people with depression lose their appetite and |
| Depression needs to be looked after and treated as | | | | desire to eat.For such people, food must not be |
| soon as it isidentified. In some people, depression may | | | | forced, or it could lead to vomiting.When such a |
| be very dangerous as theycould resort to endangering | | | | disinterest in food occurs, fruits can be consumed. A |
| their own and other people's lives. | | | | dietrich in fruits is beneficial in the treatment of |
| (1) Useful Herbs in the Treatment of Depression | | | | depression. |
| 1. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) | | | | (3) Ayurvedic Treatment for Depression |
| Ashwagandha has the requisite properties to remove | | | | Even in Ayurveda, a psychological counseling between |
| negative thoughtsfrom the mind. The aphrodisiac | | | | the physicianand the patient is undertaken. This helps |
| properties of ashwagandha also help inimproving the | | | | the physician to understandthe root cause of the |
| mind and removing depression. | | | | depression. Then they can take the formulatedsteps |
| 2. Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) | | | | to cure the problem. Such counseling is done to |
| Brahmi is prescribed before a yogic session. The | | | | increase thesattva of the mind. |
| reason is thatbrahmi helps to relax the mind and bring it | | | | Slowly allowing a stream of water to fall in the center |
| to a comfortable state.Brahmi is very popularly | | | | of theforehead enables the mind to remove its |
| available in the form of oils. The oil has acooling and | | | | negativistic thoughts and focusmore on a positive |
| soothing effect on the mind. Regular use of this oil | | | | outlook. This therapy is known as shirodhara and itis |
| canprevent the person from feeling depressed. | | | | becoming very popular in the western world also. An |
| 3. Cardamom (Elattaria cardamomum) | | | | alternativetherapy is shirobasti. The oil massage |
| Cardamom has a very pleasing odor which can | | | | therapy called as abhyanga isalso very useful. |
| soothe the nerves. Whena person is depressed, a tea | | | | Ayurverdic professionals also advocate the use of |
| made by putting cardamom in it can havealmost | | | | yoga in keep themind restful. Praanayama and yoga |
| miraculous effects. | | | | must become an important part of aperson's daily |
| 4. Guggulu (Commiphora wightii) | | | | routine. This helps to concentrate the mind on |
| Guggulu has become the focus of attention recently | | | | positivethoughts and depression will never occur. Yogic |
| due to thepresence of special chemicals in it called as | | | | asanas that arebeneficial to people with depression |
| guggulsterones. Thesechemicals improve the nervous | | | | are bhujangasana, halasana,paschimottasana, |
| coordination and hence are beneficial inthe treatment | | | | sarvangasana, shalabhasana, shavasana and |
| of depression. Guggulu is more effective in | | | | vakrasana.In addition, pranayamas like bhastrika and |
| depressioncaused due to seasonal affective disorder. | | | | kapalbhati are very stronglyadvised. |
| 5. Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi) | | | | (4) Home Medications |
| Jatamansi brings a calming effect on the mind. By | | | | 1. Get someone do a good head massage with a |
| canalizing theenergies of the mind in the right direction, | | | | cooling oil like brahmi oil. |
| jatamansi can remove thedepressive thoughts. | | | | 2. Improve the regimen of your day. Begin with yoga in |
| 6. Turmeric (Curcuma longa) | | | | the morningand then listen to good soothing music. For |
| Turmeric is effective in treating depression that is | | | | some people, visiting theirreligious places of worship |
| caused by the change of seasons, i.e. seasonal | | | | also helps to come out of depression. |
| affective disorder. | | | | 3. Focus your mind in other activities and hobbies in |
| (2) Dietary Treatments for Depression | | | | order to keep the thoughts causing depression away. |
| For people with depression a heavy food is not | | | | 4. You can try eating an apple with milk and honey. |
| advised. The personmust not eat to the full capacity. | | | | This helps to improve the mood. |
| Hot, spicy and pungent tastes mustbe avoided as | | | | 5. Simple lemon juice (the extract of one lemon in a |
| these will aggravate the senses further. Fluids and | | | | glass of water,sweetened with sugar) is also good. It |
| freshvegetables (in salads) must become an important | | | | releases stress-removinghormones and brings the |
| part of every meal. Theperson can have cool | | | | mind at ease. |