Anxiety

Anxiety disorder is a mental health condition where a person feels overwhelming worry, fear, or nervousness. While it’s normal to feel anxious sometimes, such as before a big test or an interview, people with anxiety disorder feel this way most of the time. It can interfere with daily life, affecting work, relationships, and health.

According to Ayurveda, anxiety is often associated with an imbalance in the Vata dosha, one of the three doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) that govern bodily functions. Vata is associated with movement, mental activity, and the nervous system, so when it becomes imbalanced, it leads to symptoms like anxiety and restlessness. Ayurveda views the mind and body as interconnected, hence physical, mental, and spiritual factors are considered.

Causative factors of Anxiety

The causes are multifactorial, including genetics, brain chemistry, environmental stressors, and lifestyle.

• Family history of anxiety or other mental health conditions
• History of trauma or abuse
• High levels of stress, either acute or chronic
• Certain personality types prone to excessive worrying
• Substance abuse or withdrawal (alcohol, caffeine, drugs)
• Conditions like heart disease, diabetes, or chronic pain can increase anxiety risk.

Symptoms

Mental: Persistent worry, fear, restlessness, irritability, and feeling “on edge.”

Physical: Increased heart rate, sweating, trembling, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, headaches, digestive problems, sleep disturbances.

Ayurvedic Management of Anxiety disorders

Ayurveda focuses on restoring dosha balance and a holistic approach to prevent recurrence.

Abhyanga or Shirodhara (Oil): Helps calm Vata and relax the nervous system.

Dinacharya (Daily Routine): Structured daily routines are advised to balance Vata.

Meditation and Pranayama: Practices like deep breathing and meditation to stabilize the mind.

Diet: Warm, nourishing foods, avoiding cold, dry, and overly stimulating items.

Lifestyle Modifications: Regular exercise, balanced diet, sufficient sleep, and reducing substance use.

Herbs useful for anxiety disorder

Ayurveda advises a variety of herbs known for their calming, grounding, and nervine (nerve-supporting) properties, which are helpful for treating anxiety.

Ashwagandha: (Withania somnifera)

Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb which helps balance the Vata dosha and also reduces the stress hormone levels which can alleviate anxiety. It also provides over mental stability.

It is often taken in powder or tablet form with warm milk.

Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi)

This herb is valued for its sedative and calming properties. Jatamansi can help in reducing stress and anxiety by calming the nervous system.

Vacha (Acorus calamus)

Vacha has calming effects and is believed to reduce symptoms of anxiety and nervousness.

Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri):

Brahmi is known to enhance cognitive function and has a calming effect on the mind. It’s often used to manage anxiety and improve mental clarity.

Mandukaparni (Centella asiatica)

Also known as gotu kola, this herb supports mental clarity and has mild anxiolytic properties, which may help reduce stress and anxiety.

Tagara (Valeriana wallichii):

Tagara, similar to valerian, is used for its sedative properties and can help with sleep issues and anxiety.

Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis)

Traditionally used as a brain tonic, shankhpushpi is known to help with anxiety, stress, and mental fatigue.