Neurological Disorders - How Ayurveda Can Assist?

Neurological disorders are the diseases of the brain and spine, and the nerves which connect the brain and spine.

Some of the most common types of Neurological disorders are:

• Alzheimer’s Disease (AD)

• Multiple Sclerosis

• Epilepsy

• Migraines

• Parkinson’s Disease

Ayurvedic Approach of Neurological Disorders

Ayurveda is an ancient system of medicine which originated in India, having a holistic approach to focus on treating the entire being. Ayurveda treatments are based on vata, pitta, and kapha doshas, whose balance leads to harmony and whose imbalance leads to toxic accumulations inside the body. Ayurveda aims to maintain an equilibrium among the three. It has effective solutions for a number of Neurological Disorders, also called ‘Vatavyadhi’.

Eighty types of Vatavyadhi are described in Ayurvedic texts which can be placed under four categories: Kevala vata (Vata alone), Samsarga (Vata in association with Pitta and Kapha), Avarana (due to entrapment by other Dosha/Dhatu/Mala), and Dhatu Kshaya Janya (neurodegenerative). 

Ayurvedic Treatment

Ayurveda is plant-based systems of medicine. Because of being natural and harmless, it is very popular in treating various diseases. Several herbs have excellent properties to treat panic and anxiety affecting the central nervous system. Nature’s gift of herbs and minerals not only alleviates symptoms but ensures cure by regulating neural biokinesis, thus preventing recurrence, relapse, and adversity.

Ayurveda can cure a number of Neurological Disorders like migraine, sinus, Parkinson’s disease, anxiety, stress, insomnia, epilepsy, hysteria, cerebral palsy, stroke, etc. For treating these Neurological Disorders Panchakarma therapy is adopted which focuses on holistic treatment for long-lasting results.

Some of the common remedies under Panchakarma therapy are:

• Chamomile tea, roots of kava, passion flower, ginseng, Cannabis sativa are all prescribed for anxiety.

• Valerian is used as a natural sedative and for treating insomnia and panic attacks.

• Ginkgo biloba and Hypericum perforatum have neuroprotective properties and are useful in treating learning dysfunction and improving memory.

• Inhaling powder of seeds of Achyranthes aspera or Prickly chaff flower relieves from stiffness and migraine.

• Bark powder of Acorus calamus or Sweet flag root enhances memory by curing forgetfulness. When consumed with honey, it is beneficial for anxiety and epilepsy. Equal weights of this powder with ginger powder is recommended for facial paralysis.

• Powder of Malabar nut with honey cures epilepsy.

• Seed powder of Siris tree is used for treating insanity, psychosis, anxiety, and hysteria.

• Coriander extract relieves vertigo and headache.

• Juice of Dodder plant or Amarbel is taken in water to improve brain disorders.

• Extract of branches of peepal tree cures madness.

• Decoction of roots of drumstick plant is given for epilepsy and hysteria.

• Velvet bean is effective in treating Parkinson’s disease.

• Poppy is beneficial in sleeplessness, delirium, convulsion, etc.

• Decoction of leaves of guava is used to cure physical and mental deformities.

• Leaves of pomegranate, when concentrated in boiling water and given in warm milk, cures fatigue and insomnia.

• Leaves of pomegranate and rose petals when concentrated in boiling water and given in ghee, cure madness.

• Cloves paste in water is applied on earlobes to cure migraine.

• Almonds improve memory, especially when taken at an early age.

• Yoga and meditation help in improving mental health by incorporating discipline and relaxation.

Take Away

For reliable cure with minimal side effects, Ayurveda is very well developed for treating many brain-related disorders with an approach of maintaining equilibrium among the three doshas and towards holistic, long-term treatment.