Anxiety by itself is a normal human emotion, which comes as a response to stress or danger. But when anxiety becomes excessive or exists without any stressful stimulus, it can be considered a psychological disorder that interferes with your daily life. Anxiety disorders are conditions that involve excessive fear or worry.
If you have anxiety, you may feel like your heart is racing, your hands are sweaty or your stomach is upset. You may keep thinking about something bad happening even if everything is fine around you. Many people also have difficulty sleeping, focusing or they end up feeling tired all the time due to their anxiety.
As per the Ayurvedic view, anxiety is primarily related to an imbalance in the Vata dosha which governs your body’s movement and nervous system functions. When your Vata is disturbed, you start to feel restless and unsteady in your body.
Do not think that anxiety is just "in your head". In reality, it affects your body, digestive process, sleep and your mood. However, it can be naturally managed in Ayurveda with herbal medicines, proper diet, a standard daily routine and relaxing therapies.
Anxiety may occur for many reasons. Often it's caused by things around you. Sometimes it comes from within your body or mind. Knowing the causes may help you control it.
Here are some of the main causes of anxiety that you should be aware of:
Jiva Ayurveda offers holistic Ayurvedic treatment of anxiety using evidence-based Ayurvedic methods. Our treatment plans are created in such a way that they target the root causes of anxiety, and instead of just treating symptoms, they focus on holistic and natural healing, balance and stability.
Ayurveda offers effective herbal remedies to ease stress, calm your mind, and support your emotional health. These natural medicines balance your body’s energies (Vata dosha in particular), support your brain health and sleep. These are some effective Ayurvedic herbs for anxiety management:
Among the most effective herbs for anxiety, Ashwagandha helps control your body's stress hormone, i.e., cortisol. It calms your brain, increases mental power and vitality. It is particularly useful for those people who feel tired, anxious, and overwhelmed often.
Brahmi is a brain-boosting herb. It is believed to sharpen your memory, help you concentrate & promote mental clarity. Also, it helps you feel calmer, making it easier to handle mental fog or anxious thoughts.
Chamomile is a renowned natural tea for relaxing your mind. It is mild but effective, especially for people who experience sleeplessness due to anxiety. Drinking a cup of chamomile tea before bed can help you sleep better and relax.
Jatamanasi has strong antioxidant properties which can help rid your body of toxins and stress related waste. It protects your brain from damage caused by constant stress and makes you feel lighter and calmer.
Bhringaraj supports better blood flow and oxygen supply to the brain. It can be taken as a tea or as an oil for a head massage. This Ayurvedic herb helps reduce tension in the body and supports sound sleep at night.
In Ayurveda, vacha acts like a brain tonic. It supports brain function and protects your brain cells from inflammation. It also improves memory and concentration and keeps your nervous system stable.
Tulsi is considered an excellent herb for its healing properties. It has anti-anxiety, antidepressant and anti-inflammatory properties. Drinking tulsi tea daily can bring mental clarity and peace.
Like Mandukparni, Gotu Kola is known for its calming effects. It reduces stress and nervousness, improves memory and supports brain health. It is light, safe and can be taken for long-term use.
Amla is high in Vitamin C and can be helpful in combating the physical effects of stress. It increases immunity, protects the brain and handles your mood swings. Regular use of amla keeps your energy levels stable and your mind clear.
The main compound in turmeric, i.e, curcumin has antioxidant and anti-stress properties. It reduces oxidative stress in the brain, which is common in chronic anxiety patients.
Saffron is a precious herb and is very well known for its mood lifting abilities. It calms the mind and reduces anxiety, sadness, and psychological stress. Adding a pinch of kesar in warm milk is a traditional way to consume it.
A gentle and mild herb, lemon balm is commonly used for anxiety, sleeplessness and mood swings. Studies also show its usefulness in memory problems such as dementia and Alzheimer's, and it is thus very useful for older adults.
Anxiety Disorder treatment in Ayurveda takes a comprehensive view of an individual's physical, emotional and spiritual conditions. These attributes have an effect on pranavata, a subsidiary of vatadosha which becomes aggravated with worry, anxiety and depression.
Pranavata weakens the nervous system and triggers mental imbalance. It also weakens the neuro-hormonal system and nerve impulses. Ayurvedic treatment of anxiety disorder would involve curbing aggravated pranavata and increasing sattva guna, which envisages a stable and peaceful mind through self-realization and self-control, and appropriate changes in diet and lifestyle.
