Ayurvedic Treatment for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder is a mental health condition that is triggered by a terrifying event by experiencing or witnessing it. Most of the sensitive patients who go through traumatic events may have temporary difficulty in adjusting and coping, but with time, people usually get better. Sometimes, persons need some medication to maintain healthy and peaceful life. If the symptoms get worse, last for months or even years, and interfere with day-to-day functioning, then the person may have Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

It is natural feeling to be afraid during a traumatic situation. The fight or flight response in our body is a typical reaction which is meant to protect us from harm. Mostly, the persons recover from the initial symptoms but those who continue to experience are diagnosed with this disorder.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER?

The symptoms of this disorder generally starts within one month of any traumatic event happened but in some cases symptoms may not appear until a year after the event. These symptoms may cause various problems in person's social life, relationships, working place and in day-to-day activities. This disorder can also interfere with the ability to go about the normal daily tasks.

Symptoms Are Generally Grouped Into 4 Types:

• Intrusive memories
• Negative thinking
• Changes in physical and emotional reactions
• Avoiding people, going to public places etc.

Symptoms can vary over time and vary from person to person.

Symptoms Of Intrusive Memories Type Include:

• Flashbacks: Relieving the traumatic events as if they were happening again.
• Distressing memories of the traumatic event that recur again and again.
• Severe physical reactions or emotional stress to something that reminds the person of the traumatic event.

Symptoms Of Negative Changes In Mood And Thinking Include:

• Hopelessness about the future
• Memory problems
• Negative thoughts about oneself and other people in the world
• Difficulty in maintaining relationships
• Feeling detached from family and friends
• Feeling emotionally weak

Symptoms Of Changes In Physical And Emotional Reactions Include:

• Being easily startled or frightened
• Difficulty in sleeping
• Difficulty in concentrating
• Irritability, angry outbursts or aggressive behaviour
• Always in guilt or shame
• Always being on alert for danger

Symptoms Of Avoidance Include:

• Trying to avoid thinking or talking about the traumatic event.
• Avoiding places, activities or people that remind the person about the traumatic event.

For Children Below 6 Years Old And Younger, Signs And Symptoms May Include:

• Children can re-enact the traumatic event through play.
• They may face frightening dreams that may or may not include the aspects of the traumatic event.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER?

As the name suggests, it is mainly caused by any mis-happening like serious injury, sexual assault, death of a closed one, problems in relationships, lacking a good support of family and friends, having a job that increases the risk of being exposed to the traumatic events and many other conditions.

It is probably caused by a complex mix of:

• Stressful experiences including the severity of trauma a person has gone through in his life.
• Inherited risk of family history of depression or anxiety.
• Temperament of a person which is an inherited feature of the personality.
• The way in which brain regulates and releases the chemicals and hormones in the body in response to the stress.

PREVENTION

After a traumatic event, many people with Post-traumatic stress disorder, at first, such as being unable to stop thinking about what has happened. Fear, anger, depression, guilt, anxiety – all are common reactions to the trauma. But, majority of the people exposed to trauma do not develop long-term post-traumatic stress disorder.

TREATMENT

A person may have PTSD if the symptoms as described above continued for more than one month and cause significant problems in the ability to function in social and work settings and also negatively impact relationships. The primary treatment is psychotherapy and medication.

Ayurveda is such a science that does not include only physical well-being but mental and spiritual aspects of life are also considered. Ayurveda offers various herbal remedies for the patients suffering from PTSD that are safe to use and also help in coping the symptoms by calming down the brain.

Herbal Remedies Offered By Planet Ayurveda For The Treatment Of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Are:

1. Brahmi Capsules
2. Ashwagandha Capsules
3. Stress Support Capsules
4. Arjuna Capsules

Herbal Remedies for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder

1. Brahmi Capsules (Bacopa monnieri):

Brahmi has been used since ancient times for providing strength to the brain as it is believed that it has highly beneficial effects on the brain. It has calming effects on the brain. It helps in relaxing the brain. Brahmi Capsules of Planet Ayurveda are 100% pure, safe, natural and can be used for long time as well as these capsules do not cause any side effects.

Dose: 1-2 capsules twice daily.

2. Ashwagandha Capsules (Withania somnifera):

Ashwagandha, is one of the most valuable herbs in the Ayurvedic medical system dating back more than 3,000 years. This herb is quite useful in stress, insomnia, fatigue, brain disorders, anxiety, palpitation, nervousness, nervous breakdown etc. It gives strength to the brain, heart and muscles. Regular use of Ashwagandha capsules calms the mind, relieves the system and cures insomnia as well. Dose: 1-2 capsules twice daily.

3. Stress Support Capsules

Stress Support Capsules of Planet Ayurveda are packed with wonderful ingredients that help in relaxing the mind naturally and induce good sleep as well. Therefore, Stress Support Capsules of Planet Ayurveda are very useful for the patients of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder.

Ingredients of Stress Support Capsules are:

Sr. No.	Herb used	Botanical Name	Part used	Quantity
1.	Ashwagandha	Withania somnifera	Root	200 mg
2.	Tagar	Valeriana wallichii	Root	200 mg
3.	Brahmi	Bacopa monnieri	Whole	100 mg

Dose: 1-2 capsules twice daily.

4. Arjuna Capsules (Terminalia Arjuna):

Arjuna is a very famous herb used for cardiovascular problems as it strengthens the heart muscles. It possesses anti-oxidant properties as well. It contains various tannins, polyphenols that protect the heart and keep a check on blood pressure as well. Arjuna capsules provide a great relief to the patients suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.

Dose: 1-2 capsules twice daily.

Contact my assistant to provide you the costing / ordering and delivery information at - costing.planetayurveda@gmail.com or call at +91-172-5214030

Ayurvedic Herbal Remedies for Agoraphobia Treatment

ABOUT AGORAPHOBIA

Agoraphobia is a kind of anxiety disorder in which an individual shows an extreme evasion of situations which can potentially lead to panic.

The term 'Agoraphobia' is a combination of two words --- 'Agora' which is a Greek word that refers to a place of assembly or market place; and 'phobia' which means fear. As such, the sufferers of Agoraphobia mostly have a hard time feeling safe in public places where there are large crowds.

In other words, people suffering from Agoraphobia anxiety disorder generally fear or avoid certain places and situations which they feel can trigger a panic attack. These places or situations may include use of public transportation, being in a crowded or enclosed place, being outside alone, or standing in a queue. This avoidance of situations and places by the sufferers of Agoraphobia typically results from the feeling of getting trapped or the fear of not being able to get help.

Most of the sufferers of Agoraphobia develop this disorder after suffering from one or more panic attacks in a particular situation. As such, they tend to avoid the possibility of another panic attack in the places or situations where it had previously happened; and they often need a friend, relative or any other companion to accompany them when they go to public places. The occurrence of Agoraphobia is more commonly reported in women as compared to men; with teenagers and young adults most affected by this disorder.

The treatment of Agoraphobia is usually very challenging because it mainly deals with helping the sufferers confront their fears about situations and places which can cause panic.

CAUSES OF AGORAPHOBIA

Though it is very difficult to pinpoint the exact causes which lead to the Agoraphobia anxiety disorder, some of the possible reasons for the development of this disorder include:

• Genetics
• Temperament
• Environmental stress
• Health conditions, and
• Learning experiences.

SYMPTOMS OF AGORAPHOBIA

Some of the most common indications of Agoraphobia disorder are:

• Pounding heartbeat and rapid breathing
• Feeling of getting choked or difficulty in breathing
• Nausea or dizziness
• Pain or pressure in the chest
• Numbness, trembling, or shaking
• Excessive sweating
• Upset stomach or diarrhoea
• Sudden flushing or chills
• Feeling a loss of control
• Fear of death.

RISK FACTORS FOR AGORAPHOBIA

There are certain factors which can potentially put a person at a high risk of Agoraphobia anxiety disorder. These risk factors are:

• Any other phobia or panic disorder
• Response to panic attacks with avoidance or excessive fear
• A nervous or anxious temperament
• Experiencing traumatic events in life, such as death of a parent, abuse, or attack
• Feeling of isolation
• Drug abuse or alcohol addiction
• Blood relation affected by Agoraphobia.

COMPLICATIONS LINKED TO AGORAPHOBIA

Agoraphobia is a condition which can restrict the life activities of a person to a great extent, making it difficult for him/her to undertake routine day-to-day activities like visiting friends or relatives, running errands, and going to work or school. Hence, in severe cases of Agoraphobia, the sufferer of the condition may remain homebound for years, completely dependent on others for help.

In addition, Agoraphobia can also be associated with a few other complications, including:

• Anxiety disorders or other mental health disorders
• Personality disorders
• Depression
• Alcohol or drug abuse.

TREATMENT OF AGORAPHOBIA

The line of treatment generally prescribed by doctors for treating patients of Agoraphobia chiefly includes the use of medications and psychotherapy, to help the patients deal with the symptoms of the disorder and lead an enjoyable, anxiety-free life.

Ayurveda practitioners recommend the use of some extremely beneficial herbal formulations which can be very useful for managing the symptoms of Agoraphobia. These herbal formulations are safe and chemical-free, as they are prepared from 100% pure and natural herbs. Some of the commonly recommended herbal products for Agoraphobia are:

1. Brahmi Capsules:

These capsules are prepared from the standardized extract of a very beneficial herb called ‘Brahmi’ (Bacopa monnieri), which has proven medicinal and health benefits, including rejuvenating and cooling properties. Since Brahmi is basically considered a brain and nerve tonic, the capsules prepared from this herb can effectively manage the health conditions related to anxiety, dizziness, stress, and mental fatigue. These capsules can eliminate nervous exhaustion and relax the nervous tissues; thereby inducing a sense of calmness.

The dosage of Brahmi capsules recommended for Agoraphobia patients is: 1-2 capsules two times a day, after meals, with plain water.

2. Cap. Stress Support:

Stress Support capsules are also an excellent herbal product for managing Agoraphobia, as they are helpful in maintaining the overall physical and mental health. These capsules are prepared from natural herb’s extracts– without any filler elements – which can manage disorders that are associated with anxiety and stress; and have proven anti-ageing, anti-inflammatory and healing properties. These herbs are: Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), and Tagar (Valeriana wallichii).

The recommended dosage of Stress Support capsules for Agoraphobia patients is: 1-2 capsules with plain water twice a day, after meals.

3. Ashwagandha Capsules:

Another excellent herbal formulation for managing Agoraphobia, the Ashwagandha capsules are prepared from the ‘Ashwagandha’ herbal extract (Withania somnifera). This herb is widely used by Ayurvedic experts because of its anti-oxidative, anti-ageing, immunity boosting, and anti-inflammatory properties; along with its proven effectiveness in maintaining the hormonal balance in the body. Ashwagandha capsules are a wonderful health supplement which can give a notable boost to memory power, thinking ability, awareness, and concentration.

For managing the symptoms of Agoraphobia, the recommended dosage of Ashwagandha capsules is: 1-2 capsules twice a day, with plain water, after meals.

4. Detox Tea:

Detox tea is helpful in balancing the body’s three ‘doshas’ --- Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. It is prepared from several useful herbs which support effective blood circulation in the body, assist in different metabolic processes, and have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. These herbs are: Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa), Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna), Saunf (Foeniculum vulgare), Bari Elaichi (Ammomum subulatum), Taruni (Rosa centifolia), Dalchini (Cinnamon tamala), Chhoti elaichi (Elettaria cardamom), Bhumi Amla (Phyllanthus niruri).

Recommended dosage of Detox tea for Agoraphobia is: 1 capsule, two or three times a day.

CONCLUSION

The use of herbal formulations can be very helpful in keeping Agoraphobia symptoms from getting worse. This is an extremely crucial step in managing the anxiety disorder, especially because mental health conditions can be difficult to treat if not managed in a timely manner.

Contact my assistant to provide you the costing / ordering and delivery information at - costing.planetayurveda@gmail.com or call at +91-172-5214030