Tag: Depression

August 12, 2023

Herbal Treatment for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Abstract

Post-traumatic stress disorder is a mental health condition or psychiatric disorder which may occur when people witness such trauma or shock. A mental disorder is a change in behavioral patterns which causes impairment in personal functioning. A mental disorder is a psychological syndrome which is associated with a disability which increases the risk of death and a certain loss of autonomy. Trauma is a deeply distressing and disturbing situation that affects humans diminishes their sense of self and runs high in emotions. This trauma affects the normal life of a person with an altered mood which she/he used to be in the past. The traumatized person feels permanently damaged if the trauma is gone they don’t feel or believe in this situation. They lead to loss of self-esteem, emptiness and sometimes depression. In this article, we shall see the details of this disorder and management and the traditional view.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Introduction

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is a psychiatric disorder in which one witnesses a traumatic event once in a lifetime. It is known as shell shock and battle fatigue syndrome which develops when one experienced terrifying events such as sexual assault, traffic collisions and child abuse. People with PTSD have disturbing thoughts and feelings which are related to experience even though the trauma has ended. There are four types of post-traumatic stress disorder – intrusive memories, avoidance, negative thinking and mood, and various changes in a physical and emotional state. It occurs at any age, in every person of every nationality. Women are more prone than men to getting this disease. PTSD (Post-traumatic stress disorder is a lasting consequence of trauma which causes fear, helplessness, and horror. Those who suffer prolonged trauma and abuse may develop complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD).

Causes

  • Stressful experience
  • Inherited mental health risk which includes anxiety and depression
  • Domestic violence
  • Child abuse
  • History of drug abuse and alcohol
  • War-related trauma
  • Pregnancy-related trauma
  • Death-related trauma

Signs and Symptoms

These symptoms can be classified into 4 types

1. Intrusive Memories

  • Upsetting dreams and nightmares
  • Unwanted distressing memories of the traumatic event
  • Emotional distress and physical reactions which lead to trauma

2. Avoidance

  • Trying to avoid thinking
  • Avoiding places and activities which cause trauma

3. Negative Changes in Thinking and Mood

  • Emotionally disturbed
  • Feeling detached from everyone
  • Lack of interest in activities
  • Memory loss

4. Changes in Physical and Emotional Reactions

  • Trouble sleeping
  • Angry outbursts
  • Guilt and shame

5. Negative Cognitions and Mood

6. Temper Tantrums

7. Use of Alcohol

Pathophysiology

It is divided into two parts

1. Neuroendocrinology

This may be a result of a traumatic injury which causes a reactive adrenaline response which creates various neurological patterns in the brain. During traumatic experience there is a high level of stress hormones which are secreted and suppress hypothalamic activity, causing biochemical changes in the brain and body. It causes low levels of serotonin.

2. Neuroanatomy

Reduced total brain volume and intracranial volume, but with a patient of PTSD have decreased activity. In reports of PTSD, there is a large degree of social anxiety disorder.

Diagnosis

  • Physical examination
  • Screening and assessment

Differential Diagnosis

  • Adjustment disorder
  • Acute stress disorder
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder
  • Complex post-traumatic stress disorder

Treatment

1. Counseling

This includes psychotherapy which is used in the treatment of Post-traumatic stress disorders

  • Cognitive therapy
  • Exposure therapy
  • EMDR (Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing)

2. Medication involves

  • Antidepressants
  • Anti-anxiety medications
  • Prazosin

Complication

  • Depression and anxiety
  • Eating disorders
  • Suicidal thoughts and actions

Ayurvedic Management

  • Post-traumatic stress disorder is a serious disorder which occurs due to various life happenings such as physical assault, roadside traffic accidents and away from loved ones. This includes various signs and symptoms which include anxiety, hallucinations and headache.
  • In ayurveda post-traumatic stress disorder is correlated with the Aggravation of Vata doshas.
  • It includes Vata doshas which further includes majja dhatu and manovaha srotas, manovaha vikara arises because of fear and grief which leads to vitiation of Vata doshas and the mind is the abode of disease which causes physical ailment. The mind works as a dual organ which has extraordinary sense organs. Manas is said to be present throughout the body except for nails, hair and other structures, hence it is the seat of all sense organs.

Treatment

  • Virechana (purgation therapy)
  • Basti (enema)
  • Nasya
  • Abhyanga- daily massage which is helpful in Vata imbalance.
  • Shirodhara- it is treated by pouring buttermilk on the forehead, it helps to balance Vata doshas and clear the srotas and helps to eliminate the sensory overload.
  • Use of ghrita such as panchagavya ghrita, kalyanka ghrita which are helpful in post-traumatic stress disorder used as nasal drops.
  • And ayurveda recommends three types of chikitsa

1. Daivavyapasraya chikitsa (Spiritual therapy)

It refers to the mantra, ausadhi and magala and homa which helps with mental disorders and is helpful in all manas vikara.

2. Yuktivyapasraya chikitsa (rational therapy)

It refers to the use of diet (ahara) and aushadh (drugs). It helps to eliminate the doshas and toxins from the body.

3. Satvavajaya Chikitsa (psychobehavioral therapy)

It helps to restrain the mind from desires from unwholesome objects. It helps to increase the sattva guna by exaggerating the tamas and rajas guna. In this dincharya (daily regimen), ritucharya (seasonal regimen), sadvritta(code of conduct) and achar rasayan are very beneficial.

Herbs Useful in PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)

Mandukparni

Mandukparni (Centella Asiatica) is an ayurvedic medicinal herb which is helpful in liver protective properties, has anti-oxidant properties, and helps to stimulate the immune system. Helps in cell regeneration and promotes skin thickening and in the wound healing process. Mandukhparni helps to increase the level of dopamine in the brain which helps to deal with depression.

Yashtimadhu

Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra) helps to cure infertility and has hepatoprotective properties and antioxidant properties. Helps in promoting and improving the skin complexion. In the healing process and provides immunity and is a good hair tonic. Promotes the longevity of life and relieves dysuria and is used in blood disorders.

Brahmi

Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) is a famous ayurvedic herb which helps to improve intelligence and memory and has antioxidant properties. It is useful for high BP and helps to cure anxiety and stress, and is a good antioxidant. Helps to improve psychiatric disorders and improves bronchial disorders. Brahmi improves the quality of life and acts as a cardiac tonic.

Guduchi

Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) is a famous ayurvedic herb which is helpful in cardiac disorders and is well known as an immune modulator which helps to improve immunity. Helps to relieve constipation and balances the tridoshas of the body. Guduchi is helpful in eye disorders and acts as a rejuvenative.

Herbal Remedies for PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) by Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda is an eminent ISO 9001:2015, GMP certified, and US- FDA registered ayurvedic company which adheres to the objectives of manufacturing quality Ayurvedic products as mentioned in the number of ancient textbooks. These formulations are free from any preservatives and any other kinds of chemicals which have many side effects on the body. Products manufactured at Planet Ayurveda are pure and devoid of any kind of adulteration. These products are purely organic and gluten-free. Planet Ayurveda formulated many herbal remedies for PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) which are helpful in managing the disease without causing any side effects.

Products List

  1. Neurogenie Capsules
  2. Stress Support
  3. Mahakalyanaka Ghrit
  4. Arjun Tea

Herbal Remedies for Post traumatic stress disorder Herbal Supplements for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Products Description

1. Neurogenie Capsules

Neurogenie Capsules are polyherbal capsules made by planet ayurveda using various ingredients such as Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) and Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). It is helpful in the treatment of insomnia and improves memory and mental power. Neurogenie Capsules are helpful in nourishing nerves and improving muscular strength, controlling the Vata doshas and stimulating the organs to function properly.

Dosage- 2 capsules twice daily with plain water after meals.

2. Stress Support

Stress support capsules are polyherbal capsules made by planet ayurveda using products such as Tagar (Valeriana wallichii), Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) and Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). It is helpful in balancing the tridoshas of the body and is beneficial for the nervous system. Helps to relieve stress and anxiety, and fight against depression.

Dosage- 1 capsule twice daily with plain water after meals.

3. Mahakalyanaka Ghrit

Mahakalyanaka Ghrit is a classical ayurvedic formulation which is made by planet ayurveda using ingredients such as Haridra (Curcuma longa), Shalparni (Desmodium gangeticum), Brihati (Solanum indicum) and many more. It is helpful in infertility, anemia and in memory loss problems. Mahakalyanaka ghrit helps to cope with stress disorders as it helps to relax the mind and manage the symptoms.

Dosage- 1 tsp twice daily with warm water.

4. Arjun Tea

Arjun Tea is a herbal tea formulation made by planet ayurveda using ingredients such as Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna), Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa), Chhoti elaichi (Elettaria cardamomum). It is helpful in problems such as hypertension, blocked coronary arteries and in conditions with high cholesterol. Helps to strengthen the heart muscles and arterial system and has the property of antioxidants.

Dosage- 1 cup twice daily.

Contact Planet Ayurveda Support Team to provide you the costing / ordering and delivery information at – costing.planetayurveda@gmail.com or Call at 0172-521-4040 (India), +91-172-521-4040 (Outside India) or Whatsapp at (+91) 9915-593-604

Conclusion

Post-traumatic stress disorder is a mental health condition or psychiatric disorder which may occur when people witness such trauma or shock. It is known as shell shock and battle fatigue syndrome which develops when one experienced terrifying events such as sexual assault, traffic collisions and child abuse. People with PTSD have disturbing thoughts and feelings which are related to experience even though the trauma has ended. In ayurveda post-traumatic stress disorder is correlated with the Aggravation of Vata doshas. It includes Vata doshas which further includes majja dhatu and manovaha srotas, manovaha vikara arises because of fear and grief which leads to vitiation of Vata doshas and the mind is the abode of disease which causes physical ailment. In this article, we discussed the herbal remedies by planet Ayurveda which are beneficial in this.

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January 14, 2019

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Vitamin D Deficiency?

Introduction

Vitamin D has some vital roles to play that keeps the whole body functioning normally. Not like what happens to other vitamins, every cell of the body is  a receptor to it. It functions like hormones. Your body makes it from cholesterol when the body is exposed to the sunlight. It can also be traced in many foods like fatty fish and fortified dairy products, whereas it is difficult to get it alone from our diet. Its deficiency is a common problem. It is estimated that nearly 1 billion people on this globe is facing vitamin D deficiency in their blood.

Signs and Symptoms of Vitamin D Deficiency?

Let us explain the most usual risk factors for vitamin D deficiency:

  • Having dark skin.
  • Being overweight or obese.
  • Living far from the equator where there is little sun year-round.
  • Being elderly.
  • Not eating much fish or dairy.
  • Always using sunscreen when going out.
  • Staying indoors.

Signs and Symptoms of Vitamin D Deficiency?

People who live near the equator usually get exposed to sunlight, in their case the vitamin deficiency is rarely found. Their skin produces enough vitamin D that their bodies require.

Most of them don’t realize that they’re deficient, as symptoms are usually mild. You might not be able to recognize them easily, even if they’re having a vital negative effect on the quality of your life.

Falling Sick too Often:

  • One of its important jobs is to keep your immune system in a strong position so that it is able to fight off many bacteria and viruses, which cause sickness. It gets in touch with cells that are responsible for fighting infection. It can be a major reason when you keep getting cold or fever quite frequently. Many massive studies have shown that the deficiency of vitamin D has the respiratory tract infections that cause colds, pneumonia and bronchitis.
  • After a brief research it is was found that by having the dosage of 4000iu daily may lower the risk of getting respiratory tract infections. In the case of chronic lung disorder (COPD), only those who lacked vitamin D severely showed a remarkable progress after taking a high dose supplement for the whole year.

Back Pain:-

  • Vitamin D helps to develop bone health in many ways. It enhances the body in absorbing the calcium. Its inadequate level might cause the lower back & bone pain. Studies have found a connection between the chronic lower back pain and its deficiency.
  • Research was done on vitamin D’s deficiency and it was found that people who lacked vitamin D had severe back pain that restricted their daily activities. Vitamin D deficiency were doubled to feel the pain in their ribs, joints and legs when compared with those who had a normal level.

Depression:-

  • Vitamin D deficiency can cause a depressed mood, particularly in the old adults. In a research it was found that 65% of people complain about a low blood pressure. The dosage of vitamin D is often very low. Most of the studies conducted showed no results on mood. The dosage of vitamin D to the depressed people showed some effect, including the seasonal depression that happens during the colder months.

Tiredness and fatigue:

  • Vitamin D deficiency can lead to fatigue. Most of the times it is ignored. In many cases it is seen that the blood level gets low and has a negative effect on the quality of life. Once a lady complained about daytime fatigue and headaches.
  • When tested her vitamin D level was just 5.9ng/ml. It was extremely low, anything below 20ng/ml is considered low. Then she took some supplements of food that was rich in vitamin D and her tiredness and headache vanished. A diagnoses was done on the effect of lack of vitamin D on a young lady.

Wounds healing slows down:

  • When the wounds take time to heal, a clear indication that you lack vitamin D. Vitamin D enhances the production of compounds that are required for forming new skin in the wound healing process. A study found out that dental surgery healing was compromised by deficiency of vitamin D.
  • It was reported that vitamin D has a role in controlling inflammation and fighting infections that healed the wounds.  People who lacked vitamin D had higher level of inflammation that jeopardized healing. Patients of leg ulcers who lacked vitamin D, when vitamin D is provided to them their ulcer size reduced by 28%.

Bone loss:

  • Lots of older people who lost bones believed that they lacked calcium, but lack of vitamin D was also found. Low bone mineral density means that your bones have lost their minerals and calcium. It means that the older adults, especially the females have a risk of frequent fractures. In a study carried on 1100 ladies, who were middle aged, it was found that most of them lacked vitamin D, so they all had a low bone density and low bone minerals.
  • The ladies who had low vitamin D, when fed with foods rich in vitamin D showed no improvement in bone density, however their blood level improved. Adequate intake of vitamin D maintains the blood level and is seen as a good strategy for protecting bone mass and reducing risk of frequent fractures.

Hair Loss:

  • Autoimmune disease characterized by severe hair loss from the head and other parts of the body, when you get infected by Alopecia areata. Rickets happen that causes soft bones as in children due to lack of vitamin D.
  • When vitamin D is so low then you run the risk of acquiring alopecia areata and it may develop this disease further. So low level of vitamin D is associated with severe hair loss.
  •   Many other foods affect the health of your hair. If you don’t want a hair loss there are 14 best foods to avoid it.
  • These are the major factors that are responsible if your body lacks vitamin D. You tend to acquire any of the above mentioned diseases, if deficiency of vitamin D in your body. So the importance of vitamin D is necessary to mobilize your body normally.
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