The Ayurvedic name for mental illness is Mastishka Vikara. There can be various causes of mental illness. According to Ayurveda, mental health is a state of mind, intellectual and spiritual well being. The treatment of Ayurveda works by removing the root cause of mental condition. The system focuses on right diet, cultivation of right attitude, meditation and some exercises.
Ayurvedic View of Mental Illness
- Vitiation in any of the 3 doshas or body humors — vata, pitta and kapha causes this disease.
- When the fire increases inside the body, it produces states of excessive fear, lust and grief.
- Similarly, imbalance in the phlegm humor causes lethargy and anxiety.
- Another cause is an imbalance in the rajas and tamas. These two states are ascribed to ichchha (desire) and dwesh (repulsion). When they cross the limits set by social norms and values or excite the doshas or basic humors of the body, the result is a degeneration of brain power and the birth of mental diseases.
Ayurvedic Cure for Mental Illness
- Almonds — Soak a few almonds in water overnight. In the morning, remove the skins and pound into a paste. Mix the almond paste in a glass of milk and boil for some time; allow it to cool gradually. Take this drink with some mishri added to it twice daily.
- Amla — Amla can be taken in the form of fresh juice, in powder form or even as a sweet amla jelly.
- Asparagus — Mix 1 teaspoon powdered asparagus into ½ teaspoon honey. Take twice daily along with warmed cow’ milk to fight mental stress and weakness.
- Brahmi — Shallow fry some brahmi leaves in desi ghee (clarified butter oil). Add freshly ground pepper and some mishri. Take this mixture regularly as it promotes the power of the brain. Extract the juice of fresh brahmi and take 10 to 20 ml once or twice daily.
- Vacha — Take 1 teaspoon powder of Vacha with cow’s milk twice daily.
- Shankhpushpi — To the powder of Brahmi and Shankhpushpi, add honey and a few drops of almond oil. Regular intake will boost your mental powers and help fight stress.
- Licorice — Powdered roots of licorice when taken with honey and ghee works as a brain tonic and helps fight everyday stress.
- Petha — It has a calming and cooling effect on the brain and the entire nervous system, and strengthens brain power.
Characteristic Symptoms of Mental Illness
- False beliefs, suspicion, oppression and hallucinations.
- Attempts at suicide and homicide, disregard of personal appearance, tearing of clothes or extravagant dressing.
- Obsessive stealing, refusal of food and drinks, indecent exposure of self.
The above are some of the Ayurvedic treatments for mental illness..
