Key Ayurvedic herbs for managing children's mental illness.
Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: Some important ayurvedic herbal drugs for the management of mental illness in children
AYUSHDHARA is an international peer-reviewed journal. It focuses on research in Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy, Allopathy, and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
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Masram Pravin R*
Research officer (Ayu.), Regional Research Centre of Ayurveda, Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Island
Vedika Ade
Ayurveda Consultant, Wani, Yavatamal, Maharashtra
Ayushdhara:
(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)
Full text available for: Some important ayurvedic herbal drugs for the management of mental illness in children
Year: 2017
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Mental disorders in children are increasingly common and pose significant challenges to their development and well-being. In Ayurveda, a traditional Indian system of medicine, mental illness encompasses various conditions, including ADHD, dyslexia, autism, and mental retardation, which correlate with psychological terms such as Apsmara and Unmada. Ayurveda considers the balance of the body's three doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) and the interplay of the mind's qualities (Sattva, Rajas, Tamas) in addressing mental health. This paper investigates the use of Ayurvedic herbal drugs for managing these mental disorders in children, highlighting specific herbs known for their therapeutic properties.
The Role of Ayurvedic Herbal Drugs
Ayurvedic herbal drugs play a pivotal role in managing mental disorders by promoting a balance in the tridosha and providing cognitive benefits. Key herbs, such as Vacha (Acorus calamus), Mandukparni (Centella asiatica), Bramhi (Bacopa monnieri), Shankhapushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis), and others, are noted for their Medhya (intellect promoting) and memory-enhancing properties. Research has shown that these herbs can improve cognitive functions, reaction times, and overall mental performance in children. For instance, Vacha is noted for its efficacy in alleviating attention deficits and enhancing cognitive abilities, while Mandukparni has been associated with improvements in academic performance and intelligence quotient (IQ).
Addressing Various Psychological Disorders
Ayurveda categorizes conditions like ADHD, dyslexia, autism, and mental retardation under specific psychological classifications, emphasizing their unique characteristics and Ayurvedic treatment approaches. ADHD, characterized by inattention and hyperactivity, is linked to a Vata-Pitta imbalance. Dyslexia, or reading disorder, is understood through its effects on cognitive processing and memory. Autism pertains to challenges in social interaction and communication, often arising from an imbalance in the doshas affecting cognitive and sensory functions. Herbal remedies like Bramhi and Jyotishmati are recognized for enhancing learning and memory, aimed at addressing these developmental challenges effectively. The collective use of these herbs is found to not only manage symptoms but also improve overall mental wellness in children.
Conclusion
The integration of Ayurvedic herbal drugs in the management of mental disorders provides an alternative approach, especially given the limitations of modern medicine in treating these conditions effectively. Ayurveda's holistic view of health emphasizes the interconnectedness of the mind and body, making it essential for addressing mental health issues. Herbs such as Vacha, Mandukparni, and Bramhi offer natural, less adverse options for treating ADHD, dyslexia, autism, and mental retardation in children. Continued research into these herbal solutions is crucial for validating their effectiveness and exploring their potential benefits in global mental health management strategies.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What are some common psychological disorders in children today?
Common psychological disorders in children include Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, mental retardation, and autism. These conditions significantly impact children's social development and can lead to long-term mental health issues.
How does Ayurveda approach the treatment of mental illnesses in children?
Ayurveda treats mental illnesses by focusing on the holistic balance of body and mind. Herbal remedies, dietary changes, yoga, and lifestyle modifications are employed to improve mental health and cognitive functions.
Which herbs are significant in Ayurveda for managing mental disorders?
Key Ayurvedic herbs for mental disorders include Vacha, Mandukparni, Bramhi, Shankhapushpi, Jatamasi, Jyotismati, and Kushmanda. These herbs have properties that enhance memory, cognition, and emotional stability.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Key Ayurvedic herbs for managing children's mental illness.�. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Drug:
A drug is a plant-based or synthetic substance used in Ayurvedic medicine to balance Tridoshas and treat various mental and physical disorders [see source text or glossary: Drug].
2) Vaca:
Vacha (Acorus calamus) is an Ayurvedic herb known for treating attention deficit disorders like ADHD and enhancing intellectual functions due to its Medhya (brain tonic) properties.
3) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is an ancient holistic medical system from India focusing on health through balance of body, mind, and spirit, utilizing traditional practices like herbal remedies, food, lifestyle, and yoga.
4) Kushmanda (Kusmanda, Kushmamda):
Kushmanda (Benincasa hispida) is an Ayurvedic plant known for its memory-enhancing, anti-stress, and antioxidant properties, used particularly for mental disorders.
5) Shankhapushpi (Sankhapuspi, Samkhapuspi):
Shankhapushpi (Convululus pluricaulis) is an Ayurvedic herb used to boost memory and intellect, with properties beneficial for ADHD, learning problems, and cognitive enhancement.
6) Jyotishmati (Jyotismati, Jyotirmati):
Jyotismati is an Ayurvedic herb (Celastrus paniculatus) used to enhance memory, cognition, and mental performance, particularly in mentally retarded children.
7) Rasayana (Rasa-ayana):
Rasayana in Ayurveda refers to rejuvenative treatments that enhance longevity, mental performance, immunity, and overall health, often used to treat and prevent mental disorders.
8) Mental disorder:
Mental disorder in Ayurveda includes various psychological disturbances like Unmada (insanity), Apasmara (epilepsy), and conditions affecting mental behavior and cognitive functions.
9) Medhya:
Medhya in Ayurveda denotes brain tonics that improve intellect, memory, and cognitive functions, crucial in the treatment of mental disorders [see source text or glossary: Medhya].
10) Vata:
Vata is one of the three Doshas in Ayurveda, representing air and ether elements; imbalance can lead to various physical and mental disorders like ADHD and anxiety.
11) Disease:
A disease in Ayurveda is a result of an imbalance in Doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) and can affect both physical and mental health, requiring holistic treatment [see source text or glossary: Disease].
12) Katu:
Katu is a taste in Ayurveda, characterized as pungent; it is believed to stimulate digestion and metabolism, often found in spices and herbs like Vacha [see source text or glossary: Katu].
13) Kapha:
Kapha is one of the three Doshas in Ayurveda, associated with the elements of water and earth, responsible for body structure and stability; imbalance can lead to lethargy and depression.
14) Medha (Medhas):
Medha refers to intellect and cognitive abilities in Ayurveda, often improved through Medhya herbs like Bramhi, Shankhapushpi, and Jyotishmati [see source text or glossary: Medha].
15) Tikta:
Tikta is a taste in Ayurveda, characterized as bitter; it helps in detoxification and improving digestion, often found in herbs like Mandukaparni [see source text or glossary: Tikta].
16) Epilepsy:
Epilepsy (Apasmara) in Ayurveda is characterized by seizures and is treated with herbs like Vacha, Bramhi, and Shankhapushpi, which have anticonvulsant properties.
17) Buddhi:
Buddhi in Ayurveda refers to intellect and reasoning abilities, which can be enhanced by Medhya herbs like Jyotishmati, Bramhi, and Shankhapushpi.
18) Unmada:
Unmada in Ayurveda refers to insanity or psychosis, treated with herbs like Bramhi, Vacha, and Shankhapushpi to improve mental stability and cognitive functions.
19) Pitta:
Pitta is one of the three Doshas in Ayurveda, representing fire and water elements; its imbalance can lead to inflammation, anger, and skin diseases [see source text or glossary: Pitta].
20) Laghu:
Laghu in Ayurveda refers to lightness, a quality of certain herbs like Mandukaparni and Bramhi, which enhance cognitive functions without causing heaviness or lethargy.
21) Mana:
Mana in Ayurveda refers to the mind or mental functions, which are crucial for emotional and cognitive health, balanced through herbs and mental practices [see source text or glossary: Mana].
22) Mandukaparni (Manduka-parni, Mamdukaparni):
Mandukaparni (Centella asiatica) is an Ayurvedic herb known for improving IQ and academic performance, used as a brain tonic and for cognitive enhancement.
23) Madhura:
Madhura is a taste in Ayurveda, characterized as sweet; it is nourishing and balancing for Vata and Pitta Doshas, found in herbs like Kushmanda [see source text or glossary: Madhura].
24) Samaka (Shamaka):
Shamaka in Ayurveda refers to substances or actions that pacify and balance Doshas, crucial for treating mental and physical disorders [see source text or glossary: Shamaka].
25) Manas (Mano, Manash):
Manas in Ayurveda denotes the mind, encompassing emotional and cognitive functions, which can be balanced through Medhya herbs and mental practices [see source text or glossary: Manas].
26) Dosha (Dosa):
Dosha in Ayurveda refers to the three fundamental bio-elements (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) governing physiological and psychological functions, imbalance of which leads to disease.
27) Ushna (Usna):
Ushna refers to the hot potency of a substance in Ayurveda, which can stimulate metabolism and digestion, often found in herbs like Vacha [see source text or glossary: Ushna].
28) India:
India is the origin of Ayurveda, an ancient system of medicine that uses holistic and natural approaches, including herbal remedies, to treat physical and mental disorders.
29) Tama:
Tama is one of the three Gunas in Ayurveda representing darkness, inertia, and ignorance; imbalance can lead to laziness and confusion, contributing to mental disorders.
30) Milk:
Milk in Ayurveda is considered nourishing and is often used as a base for preparing medicinal formulations like ghee for enhancing the effects of herbs [see source text or glossary: Milk].
31) Pharmacology:
Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna) studies the properties and actions of herbs and minerals used in treating various disorders [see source text or glossary: Pharmacology].
32) Vatapitta (Vata-pitta):
Vata-pitta predominant disorders in Ayurveda are conditions resulting from the imbalance of these two Doshas, leading to symptoms like ADHD [see source text or glossary: Vata-pitta].
33) Knowledge:
Knowledge (Veda) in Ayurveda refers to the comprehensive understanding of life, health, and disease, derived from ancient texts and teachings [see source text or glossary: Knowledge].
34) Tridosha (Tridosa, Tri-dosha):
Tridosha in Ayurveda refers to the three fundamental bio-elements (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) that govern all physiological and psychological functions [see source text or glossary: Tridosha].
35) Apasmara:
Apasmara in Ayurveda refers to epilepsy, characterized by seizures, and treated with herbal formulations like Vacha, Shankhapushpi, and Bramhi.
36) Sattva (Shattva):
Sattva is one of the three Gunas in Ayurveda representing purity, wisdom, and harmony, vital for mental clarity and health [see source text or glossary: Sattva].
37) Vedika:
Vedika Ade is an Ayurveda Consultant mentioned in the article, contributing to the research on Ayurvedic herbal drugs for mental illness in children [see source text or glossary: Vedika].
38) Powder:
Powdered herbs are commonly used in Ayurvedic formulations for treating various conditions, including mental disorders, mixed with other substances like honey or milk [see source text or glossary: Powder].
39) Madhu:
Madhu (honey) is used in Ayurvedic formulations for its healing properties, often mixed with herbs like Vacha for treating mental disorders like epilepsy [see source text or glossary: Madhu].
40) Sita (Shita):
Shita refers to the cold potency of a substance in Ayurveda, which is calming and suitable for balancing Pitta dosha, found in herbs like Shankhapushpi [see source text or glossary: Shita].
41) Yoga:
Yoga in Ayurveda involves physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation practices that help balance mind, body, and spirit, crucial for treating mental disorders [see source text or glossary: Yoga].
42) Saussurea lappa:
Saussurea lappa (Kustha) is an Ayurvedic herb used in formulations for treating various conditions, including mental disorders and skin diseases [see source text or glossary: Saussurea lappa].
43) Kaphavata (Kapha-vata):
Kapha-vata shamaka refers to the property of an herb or formulation in Ayurveda that balances both Kapha and Vata Doshas, useful in treating conditions like ADHD [see source text or glossary: Kapha-vata].
44) Medicine:
Medicine in Ayurveda includes natural remedies like herbs, minerals, and diet adjustments to treat and prevent various disorders by balancing Doshas [see source text or glossary: Medicine].
45) Samhita:
Samhita refers to classical Ayurvedic texts that include comprehensive knowledge of disease, treatments, and health practices [see source text or glossary: Samhita].
46) Avasada:
Avasada in Ayurveda refers to depression, a mental disorder treated through Medhya herbs and therapies to restore mental balance.
47) Tikshna (Tiksna):
Tikshna in Ayurveda refers to sharp and penetrating qualities of certain herbs, aiding in digestion and metabolism, found in herbs like Vacha [see source text or glossary: Tikshna].
48) Haridra:
Haridra (Curcuma longa) is a turmeric plant used in Ayurveda for its anti-inflammatory and healing properties, often combined with other herbs for treating mental health issues.
49) Shakti (Sakti):
Shakti in Ayurveda denotes strength or power, often enhanced through Rasayana therapies and herbs like Vacha and Kushmanda [see source text or glossary: Shakti].
50) Udvega:
Udvega in Ayurveda refers to anxiety, a mental disorder characterized by excessive fear and worry, treated with calming herbs like Jatamasi [see source text or glossary: Udvega].
51) Harsha (Harsa):
Harsha in Ayurveda refers to excitement or euphoria, which can be symptomatic of certain mental disorders that may need balancing treatments [see source text or glossary: Harsha].
52) Bhaya:
Bhaya in Ayurveda refers to fear, a psychological condition treated with calming and stabilizing herbs to reduce anxiety [see source text or glossary: Bhaya].
53) Satva (Shatva):
Satva in Ayurveda denotes mental purity and clarity, crucial for mental health and achieved through herbal treatments and mental practices.
54) Shoka (Soka):
Shoka in Ayurveda refers to grief, a mental condition treated through herbs and therapies aimed at stabilizing emotions and improving mental resilience [see source text or glossary: Shoka].
55) Krimi (Krmi):
Krimi in Ayurveda refers to parasitic infections, which can affect mental and physical health, treated through detoxifying and anthelmintic herbs like Kushmanda [see source text or glossary: Krimi].
56) Veda:
Veda in Ayurveda refers to the body of knowledge encompassing various sciences and philosophies, including health and medicine [see source text or glossary: Veda].
57) Raja:
Raja in Ayurveda is one of the three Gunas representing passion, activity, and restlessness, which needs to be balanced for mental stability.
58) Guna:
Guna in Ayurveda refers to the three fundamental qualities—Sattva, Raja, and Tama—that influence mental and physical states [see source text or glossary: Guna].
59) Food:
Food in Ayurveda is considered medicine; proper diet is essential for balancing Doshas and maintaining physical and mental health [see source text or glossary: Food].
60) Ghi (Ghee):
Ghee in Ayurveda is clarified butter, used in medicinal formulations to enhance the effects of herbs and for its own healing properties [see source text or glossary: Ghee].
61) Mud:
Mood refers to the emotional state, which in Ayurveda is influenced by the balance of Doshas and treated through herbs and lifestyle adjustments [see source text or glossary: Mood].
62) Glycyrrhiza glabra:
Glycyrrhiza glabra (Madhuyasti) is an Ayurvedic herb used in formulations for its soothing and healing properties, often combined with other herbs for treating mental health issues [see source text or glossary: Glycyrrhiza glabra].
63) Southern India:
Southern India is referred to in the context of a study where Mandukaparni showed improvement in academic performance and IQ in school children [see source text or glossary: Southern India].
64) Curcuma longa:
Curcuma longa (Haridra) is an Ayurvedic herb known for its anti-inflammatory and cognitive-enhancing properties, used in mental health treatments.
65) Mental health:
Mental health in Ayurveda involves maintaining balance in Doshas, Gunas, and mind functions through herbal remedies, diet, and lifestyle practices [see source text or glossary: Mental health].
66) Piper longum:
Piper longum (Pippali) is an Ayurvedic spice used for its digestive and cognitive-enhancing properties, often included in herbal formulations for mental health.
67) Human body:
The human body in Ayurveda is considered a complex system consisting of physical, mental, and spiritual components, balanced through holistic treatments [see source text or glossary: Human body].
68) Rock salt:
Rock salt in Ayurveda is used for its mineral content and health benefits, often included in formulations for balancing Doshas [see source text or glossary: Rock salt].
69) Benincasa hispida:
Benincasa hispida (Kushmanda) is an Ayurvedic herb used for its memory-enhancing and anti-stress properties, beneficial in treating mental disorders.
70) Acorus calamus:
Acorus calamus (Vacha) is an Ayurvedic herb known for its cognitive-enhancing and antidepressant properties, used in the treatment of attention deficit disorders and mental stagnation.
71) Tridoshahara (Tridosahara, Tridosha-hara):
Tridoshahara in Ayurveda refers to the property of an herb that balances all three Doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha), making it effective in treating various disorders.
72) Civilization:
Civilization contextually refers to modern society, where despite advancements, mental health issues like ADHD and autism are prevalent [see source text or glossary: Civilization].
73) Maharashtra (Maharastra, Maha-rashtra):
Maharashtra is referenced as the state in India where Vedika Ade, an Ayurveda Consultant mentioned in the article, practices [see source text or glossary: Maharashtra].
74) Indriyartha (Indriya-artha, Imdriyartha):
Indriyartha in Ayurveda refers to the objects of the senses, integral to the cognitive processes and mental functions [see source text or glossary: Indriyartha].
75) Kaphapitta (Kapha-pitta):
Kapha-pitta shamaka refers to the property of an herb in Ayurveda that balances both Kapha and Pitta Doshas, beneficial for treating multiple disorders [see source text or glossary: Kapha-pitta].
[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 134]
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: �Key Ayurvedic herbs for managing children's mental illness.�. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Dosha, Ayurveda, Tridosha, Mental performance, Rasayana therapy, Cognitive processes, Cognitive function, Therapeutic use, Ayurvedic pharmacology, Memory enhancing activity, Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, Mental illness, Medhya properties, Yoga and exercise, Mental Retardation, Psychological disorder, Nootropic effect, Ayurvedic Herbal Drug, Psychiatric Problems, Developmental disorder, Holistic medical system, Sensory Organ.
Concepts being referred in other categories, contexts and sources.