Today we will talk about their everyday concerns about how to improve their health, including psychological, with the help of natural remedies. Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of health maintenance and longevity. The Arsenal includes special Ayurvedic diet, daily routine, yoga, meditation, pranayama, special procedures of Panchakarma and herbal preparations. All Ayurvedic remedies made from herbs, specially grown on the plantation of Ayurvedic plants.
so, consider the plants that are most important for maintaining mental health.
1.Ashwagandha. Latin Withania somnifera, in Russian it is called "winter cherry" or "Indian ginseng". This is the most important tonic for the nervous system and the organism as a whole. Numerous scientific studies confirm this fact. Ashwagandha has powerful anti stress effect, reduces the levels of cortisol, boosts the immune system and the body's resistance to stress. This plant soothes and improves mood. In one study it was shown that anti-anxiety effect of Ashwagandha is comparable to a tranquilizer with Lorazepam, and its antidepressant effect similar to action Melipramine. Although the usual doses of this remedy does not cause daytime sleepiness, it significantly normalizes sleep at night.
in addition, Ashwagandha enhances memory, prevents the development of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, improves learning ability in children. This drug acts as aphrodisiac, improves libido and sexual vovlekaet in men and women. Increases the testosterone,improves semen quality and erections in men. Normalizes the menstrual cycle and promotes conception in women. Ashwagandha enhances strength and stamina of the body, has an anabolic effect, thus it is used in sports nutrition. On the other hand, Ashwagandha helps to lose weight as the metabolism gets into the right channel and increases cellular respiration.
In addition to the list of useful properties it is necessary to add anti-inflammatory, antitumor and analgesic effects of this beneficial plant. Ashwagandha is also good for heart, cures chronic cough, lowers cholesterol and blood sugar. Has a slight diuretic effect and normalizes blood pressure.
2. Brahmi-another favorite of Ayurvedic psychotropic drugs. The name speaks for itself-Brahman means Supreme consciousness. Brahmi is considered a drug that increases the level of awareness. In Latin this plant is called Bacopa monieri. Another plant with very similar properties -Centella asiatica Gotu Kola is called in Ayurveda Mandookaparni. In General, there is a version that Brami, referred to in ancient texts, now extinct, and most similar to Brahmi effects will have a mixture of Brahmi and Mandookaparni. the
Scientific studies show that Brahmi has a powerful neuroprotective effect, can inhibit the development of Alzheimer's disease. Increases the level of Acetylcholine, the main neurotransmitter of memory and promotes the growth of neurons. Improves learning and attention, helps with hyperactivity in children. But the effects Brami only visible after 4-12 weeks of treatment, in single dose, no changes detected.
Brahmi calms without causing sedation helps to more complete awareness. It is a good adaptogen, reduces the levels of norepinephrine during stress and increases the level of serotonin-the hormone of joy. Serotoninovy effect explains the ability Brahmi to reduce dependencies and obsessions. This plant reduces the dependence on alcohol, sugar cravings. In one study it was shown that Brahmi reduces the symptoms of schizophrenia and the need for neuroleptics in patients.
Brahmi also lowers blood pressure and blood sugar levels, has anti-inflammatory properties, removes toxins, useful in chronic cough and heart problems. This tool is also good in curing skin psychosomatic illnesses. Brami it is important to drink a hot sweet drink, ideal, hot milk with honey.
3. Shankpushpi- Convolvolus pluricaulus is another important Ayurvedic plant group Madhya-herbs that affect the mind. Has great neuroprotective potential, reduces the level of hormones under stress, protects the membranes of nerve cells and promotes the formation of new neural connections. Significantly increases the level of acetylcholine, the ability to memorize and learning after 1 week of admission. Slows aging, increases physical and mental endurance, improves skin and hair.
Shankpushpi has a pronounced antianxiety effect, the mechanism of its action is the same as that of Phenazepam. Well expressed antidepressant activity of this plant, this effect is associated with an increase of serotonin in the brain and similar drug Fluoxetin. Normalizes sleep, has a slight sedative effect, can be taken only at night.
As with previous funds, Shankpushpi for coughs and skin diseases, this plant strengthens the digestion and removes toxins. Lowers blood cholesterol and blood pressure. This plant helps from headaches of a different nature-migraines and oppressive "neurotic slam".
Shankpushpi very beneficial for alcohol dependence: inhibits seizures, relieves alcohol withdrawal syndrome, soothes and reduces the craving for alcohol. And finally, this remarkable plant acts as an aphrodisiac and improves sexual function.
4.Tagara-the Indian variety of Valerian - Valeriana wallichii. In Russia more common Valeriana officinalis, which is slightly inferior to Tagore efficiency.
Tagara also has neuroprotective properties, protects the brain from toxic and radiation damage. It has anti-inflammatory properties, expands bronchial tubes and reduces the pressure. In the experiment, relieves cramps. Successfully treats headaches. It has antimicrobial activity, detoxifies the liver, beneficial for the skin and eyes.
Actually antianxiety effect in Tagari not expressed, but significantly a good sedative and hypnotic effect. Tagara promotes sleep, increases the depth and duration of sleep. Perhaps the development of sleepiness in the afternoon, then this tool should be used only at night.
Antidepressant effects in Tagara moderate, studies show that it is associated with increased dopamine and noradrenaline in the nervous system. Overdose drowsiness and lowering blood pressure, Tagara is not suitable for people with hypotension. But in severe hustle and motor restlessness at normal pressure, Tagara-best choice.
This plant also has some antipsychotic properties-one study showed a positive effect of taking Tagara in schizophrenia, but it was much less pronounced than the effect of Chlorpromazine.
5.Jatamansi completes our Top 5 Ayurvedic psychotropic drugs. Latin name - jatamansi Nardostachis. This plant is traditionally used in Ayurveda for the treatment of serious psychological problems, even schizophrenia and depression. Look at the scientific data on this issue. One study compares the effectiveness of Jatamansi and sertraline in the treatment of depression. The result was similar, but Jatamansi caused much less side effects.
Another study shows the effectiveness of Jatamansi in a mouse model of schizophrenia. It turned out that the introduction of Jatamansi immediately increases the level of neurotransmitter GABA in the brain. That is, Jatamansi acts like Phenazepamum or Relanium. By the end of the second week of treatment normalized the levels of all mediators in the CNS are norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin. Unlike Tahari antianxiety effect is not accompanied by increased drowsiness.
Protects against stress, stimulates the growth of neurons. Improves memory and learning ability. Restores sleep, increases its duration and quality. There is evidence that Jatamansi is useful in childhood autism and seizures.
in addition, Jatamansi has antitumor,immunomodulatory and hepatoprotective activity. Improves skin and hair.Reduces pressure. This tool should only be taken under medical supervision, overdose can cause vomiting, abdominal pain, drowsiness, confusion or agitation. Pregnant contraindicated.
this concludes this short overview of the remarkable Ayurvedic remedies have such a broad spectrum of action. Of course, I as a psychiatrist more useful seems to be the one "tablet", which will not only improve mood and sleep, but will improve digestion, heal the hair, reduce blood pressure and cholesterol. Nature is still wiser and more varied than it is the similarity in the kind of dedicated "synthesized" drugs. In General, the plant operates a complex of different substances, which mutually reinforce each other.
However, remember the most important thing! Ayurvedic drug is effective only in conjunction with proper diet and way of thinking, meditation, yoga and special psychotherapeutic moods. If You are just starting to use these Supplements, the result might disappoint You. Although the effect will certainly be, but it will be much less than the result that could be obtained from these tools with the right approach.