Faculties of Mind and Ayurvedic Neuroprotective herbs
Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, is not only the oldest healthcare science but also boasts an elaborate mental healthcare system. This holistic approach covers everything from the prevention of mental health issues to the management of serious mental disorders such as mania (Unmada) and epilepsy (Apasmara). One of the most profound aspects of Ayurveda is its definition of health, or “swasthya,” which underscores the importance of comprehensive mental health in achieving overall well-being.
The Essence of Swasthya: A Holistic Approach to Health
According to the Sushrut Samhita, a classical Ayurvedic text, true health is defined as:
“Sama dosha sama agnischa sama dhatu mala kriyaaha| Prasanna atma indriya manaha swasthya iti abhidheeyate”
This translates to: “The one with a balanced dosha (biophysical forces), ignited agni (digestive system), balanced dhatu (body tissues), and excretory system; and endowed with a cheerful soul, senses, and mind only can be truly called healthy!”
This definition highlights Ayurveda’s deep psychosomatic approach towards health, predating other medical systems by centuries. Ayurveda offers an extensive preventive mental healthcare system that primarily includes “satvavjay” (victory over the mind) or Ayurvedic psychotherapy. This treatment comprises several modalities such as counseling (ashwasana chikitsa), the use of specific herbs, meditation (dhyana), music therapy (sangeet), and arts therapy (kala). Additionally, emergency management of mental health issues may include procedures like shock therapy (Tadan).
Ayurvedic Mental Therapies: Revival and Scientific Validation
Most Ayurvedic mental therapies are being revived and scientifically validated based on ancient texts and folk practices. Today, the easiest and safest preventive measures for mental disorders lie in the proper usage of Ayurvedic herbs. Numerous Ayurvedic herbs like Brahmi, Jatamansi, Shankhapushpi, Mandukaparni, Vacha, Jyotishmati, and Ashwagandha are scientifically proven to have tremendous neuroprotective effects.
Mental Faculties in Ayurveda and Siddha Perspectives
In Ayurveda, the mind is known as “Manas,” and mental faculties are considered essential aspects of an individual’s overall health. Ayurveda identifies three primary mental faculties:
- Dhi (Intelligence): The capacity for understanding, reasoning, and discerning truth from falsehood. It governs learning, decision-making, and comprehension.
- Dhrti (Willpower): The ability to maintain control, perseverance, and discipline. It involves focus, commitment, and the power to restrain desires and impulses.
- Smriti (Memory): The faculty of recollection and retention of experiences and knowledge. It encompasses short-term and long-term memory functions.
Similarly, the Siddha system, another ancient Indian tradition of medicine, also emphasizes mental faculties as part of holistic health. Siddha medicine identifies three key aspects of the mind:
- Mei (Truth/Consciousness): Reflects the ultimate reality and awareness. It is the foundation of consciousness and self-awareness.
- Unarvu (Sensation/Perception): Relates to sensory experiences and the processing of sensory information. It includes the faculties of seeing, hearing, tasting, touching, and smelling.
- Arivu (Intelligence/Understanding): Concerns cognitive functions, reasoning, and intellectual processes. It is the analytical and logical aspect of the mind.
Neuroprotective Herbs in Ayurveda
One of Ayurveda’s greatest gifts is the concept of adaptogens, known as Rasayana in Ayurvedic terms. These herbs, after decades of scientific research, have been recognized for their healing potential and classified as adaptogens. Adaptogens help normalize the entire body’s metabolism, providing relief in multiple health conditions without any side effects.
Ayurveda also categorizes a sub-group of Rasayana called medhya (cognitive enhancers), recognized for their excellent effect on overall brain functions. Let’s explore some notable Ayurvedic cognitive enhancers:
Brahmi: The Guardian of Nervous Health
Brahmi is scientifically proven to contain powerful antioxidants that prevent early neurodegeneration and enhance overall nervous health. It helps reduce chronic inflammation and is immensely effective in preventing severe mental disorders like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and dementia. Brahmi’s related species, Mandukaparni and Endri, offer similar neuroprotective benefits.
Ashwagandha: The Stress Reliever
Ashwagandha’s neuroprotective function is particularly evident in cases of stress, depression, and anxiety. It helps lower cortisol, the stress hormone, and protects hormonal balance in the body. This way, Ashwagandha shields not only the nervous system but also the entire body from the degenerative effects of stress. It is also highly effective in sustainably and long-term improving concentration and memory, without any side effects.
Shankhapushpi: The Brain Tonic
Shankhapushpi, also known as Sarasvati (goddess of wisdom), highlights its capacity to improve concentration and memory. It is a complete brain tonic that protects neurons and enhances overall brain functioning. By working on the parasympathetic system, Shankhapushpi brings a natural anti-stress effect to the body, promoting relaxation and effective concentration improvement. Its cognitive-enhancing impact is beneficial in preventing mental disorders like dementia, anxiety, chronic stress, PTSD, insomnia, and other stress-related disorders.
Jatamansi: The Natural Sedative
Jatamansi is distinguished by its natural sedative action, setting it apart from other neuroprotective herbs. Its deep neuro-relaxing effect helps shift the body from an emergency (sympathetic nervous response) mode to a repair and rejuvenate (parasympathetic nervous response) mode. Jatamansi is not habit-forming and is free from harmful side effects and addiction tendencies common to synthetic sedatives. Additionally, it offers multiple side benefits, such as liver and digestive detox, enhanced cardiac function, improved appetite, and relief from skin disorders.
Jyotishmati: The Cognitive Enhancer
Jyotishmati, meaning “the one that brings the light of wisdom,” accentuates its efficacy as a natural cognitive enhancer. Multiple scientific studies have proven Jyotishmati’s excellent antioxidant and anti-nociceptive effects. Its antioxidant properties protect neurons from chronic inflammation and early death, while its anti-nociceptive action prevents nervous hyperactivity. Jyotishmati also serves as a natural analgesic, aiding in pain relief.
The Importance of Ayurvedic Prevention for Mental Disorders
Modern medicines available for mental disorders like depression, anxiety, and dementia often have habit-forming effects and do not provide permanent relief. Instead, they alleviate immediate symptoms temporarily, leading to increased dependency on these medications. Over time, these medications can have serious side effects, which may even turn fatal in cases of overdose.
With the rapidly growing incidence of mental health disorders, it is crucial to find a side-effect-free and permanent solution for effective mental healthcare. Ayurveda offers a perfect preventive option for almost all kinds of mental disorders safely and effectively.
Holistic Approach
Ayurveda is the oldest healthcare system to practice the concept of holistic mental treatment. All Ayurvedic herbs or herbal combinations have a unique blend that balances all metabolic functions without creating side effects. This holistic approach ensures that the body and mind are treated as a whole, promoting overall well-being.
Personalized Approach
Ayurvedic mental treatment is not standardized for all. Instead, Ayurveda cures disorders based on individual body and mind types (shariric and manas prakrati). This personalized focus ensures that treatment is tailored to the specific needs and constitution of each individual, enhancing its effectiveness.
Conclusion
Ayurvedic neuroprotective herbs play a significant preventive role in mental healthcare. Their side-effect-free and non-addictive impact on the body makes them a safe and practical option for preventing even severe mental disorders like dementia, anxiety, chronic stress, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s. Ayurveda’s holistic and personalized approach to mental health offers a promising path to achieving and maintaining mental well-being. By embracing the wisdom of Ayurveda, we can harness the power of nature to protect and enhance our mental health, paving the way for a healthier and more balanced life.