Best Ayurvedic Medicine for Stress & Anxiety (15+ List)
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This is a list of Ayurvedic medicines that can be taken to deal with stress and anxiety. Before we begin, we will give an introduction to Ayurvedic medicine. Then, we will expand on various Ayurvedic herbs, oils, and capsules that one can take for these conditions.
What are the Best Ayurvedic Medicines for Stress & Anxiety?
Some of the best medicines from Ayurveda that help with stress and anxiety are:
- Bacopa monnieri
- Ashwagandha
- Vacha
- Jatamansi
- Chandanadi Thailam
- Bhringraj
- Kava
- Saraswatha
- Valerian Root
- Sumenta
- Perment
- Lemon Balm
- Manomitram
- Holy Basil
- Krishna Kamal
- Gotu Kola
Ayurvedic Medicines for Stress & Anxiety
Here, we are going to elaborate on how Ayurvedic medicines are helpful for stress and anxiety. The major chunk of this section is a list of different Ayurvedic medicines that you can try for these conditions.
Their descriptions also mention relevant research studies on their anxiolytic properties.
But first, let’s introduce readers to the concept of Ayurveda and explain how this practice works.
What is Ayurveda?
Ayurvedic medicine is an ancient holistic healing system developed in India almost 3000 years ago. The underlying belief behind this practice is that health and wellness depend on the balance between mind, body, and spirit.
These three components of a being are interconnected with each other and the universe. The universe is represented by the five elements: space, air, fire, water, and earth. An imbalance between the mind, body, or spirit and the five elements lead to illness.
The elements are believed to combine with the human body to form doshas or life forces/energies. There are three kinds of doshas, Pitta, Vata, and Kapha. Each one is linked to different bodily functions. The treatment of various ailments incorporates these beliefs into lifestyle changes, dietary practices, and medication.
How Can Ayurveda Help with Stress & Anxiety?
According to Ayurvedic principles, healing is supposed to be holistic. One must treat body, mind, and spirit together for long-lasting recovery. Based on this belief, mental health issues like stress and anxiety are also to be treated using a full-body approach. There is a growing body of knowledge regarding the use of ayurvedic treatment for psychological disorders.
However, it must be understood that ayurveda cannot cure anxiety but only treat symptoms and improve subjective experiences. For a permanent cure to anxiety, one must seek professional therapy. Having said that, ayurvedic medicines can multiply the benefits of other anti-anxiety treatments.
Below, we have listed several medicines used in Ayurveda that are beneficial to individuals dealing with stress and anxiety:
Bacopa monnieri
Bacopa monnieri or water hyssop is a creeping herb with small white flowers. It is adaptive to moist and tropical regions and is often used to decorate aquariums.
The compounds released from this plant on ingestion alter the levels of various neurotransmitters like dopamine, noradrenaline, and serotonin. These changes are suspected to lead to mood changes. A 2008 placebo-controlled trial exhibited that Bacopa monnieri has potential for safely enhancing cognitive performance in aging.
Our top 3 Bacopa monnieri Recommendations
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Vacha
The ancient herb vacha is said to stimulate intelligence and expression. In Sanskrit, ‘vacha’ means to speak clearly. This is considered a rejuvenating herb because of its positive impact on the nervous system.
Ayurvedic doctors implement vacha treatment using a brain tonic. It is said to improve digestion and prevent nausea. A 2020 publication discusses the role of vacha in neurological and metabolic disorders. Vacha supplementation can counter many of the immune suppressing effects of anxiety.
Our top 3 Vacha Recommendations
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| Vadik Herbs | x | x | x | x | x | ||
| Nirogam | x | x | x | ||||
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Jatamansi
Also called “tapaswani”, jatamansi is a popular ayurvedic herb used for its antioxidative properties. It is said to improve memory and cognitive functions as it prevents cell damage.
As an ayurvedic remedy, jatamansi is used in the treatment of epilepsy, hysteria, syncope, convulsions, and mental weakness. A 2021 study of the anxiolytic effects of this herb confirmed that jatamansi is an effective medicine.
Our top 3 Jatamansi Recommendations
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| Vadik Herbs | x | x | x | x | |||
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Chandanadi Thailam
Chandanadi Thailam is a special Ayurvedic oil from Southern India. It is a natural coolant and is used to treat inflammation, burning sensations, and dizziness. It can be applied over the head or directly on the affected area of the body.
This oil is said to have many benefits for mental health. Ayurvedic practitioners administer Chandanadi Thailam for headaches, sleep problems, irritated nerves, and other mental issues. A 2016 review reports that this herbal oil can be helpful in treating sleeplessness and nervous tension as well.
Our top 3 Chandanadi Thailam Recommendations
Bhringraj
Bhringraj oil is made from the plant Eclipta prostrata, a herb from the sunflower family. The leaves of this plant are mixed with a carrier oil and heated to create this medicine. It is generally applied on the head as a treatment or for prevention of hair loss.
Bhringraj can also be consumed but most commercially sold Bhringraj products are meant for external use. An Indian survey found that in addition to hair benefits, it can also help with anxiety, detoxification, and calming of the mind.
Our top 3 Bhringraj Recommendations
Ashwagandha
Withania somnifera, known commonly as ashwagandha, is a plant native to India and North Africa. The Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine published that ashwagandha root extract safely and effectively improves an individual’s resistance towards stress.
The 2012 study was conducted to assess the anxiolytic effects of ashwagandha. By measuring the serum cortisol levels of subjects, the authors confirmed this hypothesis.
Our top 3 Ashwagandha Recommendations
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Kava
The effect of Kava on anxiety symptoms was shown through a 2002 study. Back then, the overarching concern was on side effects from high dosage. A more recent study found Kava supplements a promising treatment.
Also called kava kava, this is a crop of the Pacific Islands and its name has Tongan and Marquesan origins. Though kava kava is used for many indegenous practices, the clinical evidence is limited.
Our top 3 Kava Recommendations
Saraswatha
Saraswatha Churna is a polyherbal formulation that contains a wide range of Ayurvedic herbs. These granules can be consumed to improve memory, cognitive functions, clarity of speech, and alertness.
It is recommended for people dealing with stress and anxiety since they are unable to use their full cognitive potential. When we are overwhelmed or afraid of a future outcome, it becomes hard to think rationally, focus, or remember things. Regular intake of Saraswatha helps prevent and improve the cognitive dysfunction caused by anxiety.
Our top 3 Saraswatha Recommendations
Valerian Root
Recently, investigators examined the effects of Valerian extracts on hospitalised patients with coronary heart disease. They used the Spielberger state-trait anxiety inventory to measure these effects. If you’re stuck in a hospital bed with an ailing heart, it’s natural to think about death.
The study compared the effects of Valerian oils with those of Oxazepam, an anti-anxiety drug. Surprisingly, valerian essence was found to be equally effective. If you’re not a fan of pharmacotherapy, valerian essential oil can be a good substitute for Oxazepam.
Our top 3 Valerian Root Recommendations
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Sumenta
Charak Sumenta ayurvedic capsules are anxiolytic, anti-stress, and adaptogenic. They also have mild tranquilising properties.
Sumenta pills can elevate mood, increase physical activity, and reduce feelings of stress. The soothing and sedating effects of Sumenta on the brain help alleviate anxiety symptoms.
Click here to buy Sumenta capsules
Perment
AVN Perment is a pack of 100 multi-functional stress capsules that help with many stress-related bodily symptoms. It acts as a stress buster, anti-aging, anti-oxidant, and anti-diabetic pill. This product is useful in the treatment of peptic ulcers and hypertension.
Click here to buy Perment capsules.
Lemon Balm
Clinicians often prescribe lemon- balm as a mild mood elevator and calming agent for patients who have anxiety. This is a perennial herb that is part of the mint family. Along with anxiety, it is believed to help with stress, insomnia, indigestion, and dementia.
Abascal and Yarnell (2004) discussed in their article that nervine herbs like lemon balm are safe and non-addictive. They suggested that these should be used instead of addictive benzodiazepines.
Our top 3 Lemon Balm Recommendations
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| Solaray | x | x | x | x | x | ||
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Manomitram
AVN Manomitram is a pack of 90 capsules that help you relax and sleep better. Ayurvedic doctors recommend this medicine for insomnia, mental stress, psychosis, depression, anxiety and epilepsy.
This product is safe to consume in pregnancy or when breastfeeding, making it a much safer alternative to prescription drugs.
Click here to buy Manomitram capsules
Holy Basil
Penny Pettman did a review of literature on the natural ways to relieve anxiety and stress. One of the methods discussed was the use of holy basil to reduce stress hormones. Anxiety is correlated with high production of cortisol and adrenaline.
Therapy for anxiety disorders primarily consists of training the client to learn how to slow down this production. Holy basil products as an adaptogen may be of assistance here.
Our top 3 Holy Basil Recommendations
| Brand | Vegan | GMO Free | Kosher | Powder | Unflavoured | Nut-Free | Gluten-Free |
| Gaia Herbs | x | x | x | x | x | ||
| Herb Pharm | x | x | x | x | |||
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Krishna Kamal (Passion Flower)
In 2019, a Japanese trial showed how effective passionflower supplements can be in reducing anxiety. The investigators also found that exposure to this natural extract and improves a person’s diurnal rhythm.
If there’s one thing all mental health professionals address with each client, it’s the possibility of establishing structure. A helpful rhythm adaptive to our circumstances in life promotes wellbeing.
The diurnal rhythm has advantages because it makes the most of daylight. Passionflower supplements will reduce anxiety as well as improve the quality of your daily life.
Our top 3 Passion Flower Recommendations
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| Solaray Passion Flower | x | x | x | x | x | ||
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Gotu Kola
Gotu Kola, or Asian pennywort, is a herbaceous, flowering, perennial. In Asia, it is popularly used as a culinary vegetable and is said to be good for high blood pressure. Gotu kola is often promoted as a remedy for skin conditions or wounds.
It is also supposed to increase mental clarity. This evaluation of the anxiolytic effects of gotu kola revealed that its methanol and ethyl acetate extracts impart this influence.
Our top 3 Gotu Kola Recommendations
| Brand | Vegan | GMO Free | Kosher | Powder | Unflavoured | Nut-Free | Gluten-Free |
| Banyan Botanicals | x | x | x | x | x | x | |
| MB Herbals | x | x | x | x | x | x | |
| Nature’s Answer | x | x | x | x |
Conclusion
This was a list of Ayurvedic medicines that can be taken to deal with stress and anxiety. Before we began, we gave an introduction to Ayurvedic medicine. Then, we expanded on various Ayurvedic herbs, oils, and capsules that one can take for these conditions.
The Ayrvedic medicines mentioned here included Bacopa monnieri, ashwagandha, vacha, jatamansi, Chandanadi Thailam, bhringraj, kava, Saraswatha, valerian root, Sumenta, Perment, lemon balm, Manomitram, holy basil, krishna kamal, and Gotu Kola.
FAQs (Best Ayurvedic Medicine for Stress & Anxiety)
Is Ayurvedic medicine effective for anxiety?
Yes, indeed! Many Ayurvedic medicines are evidence-based effective treatments for anxiety. However, it must be understood that these medicines only have a temporary effect. That’s because they treat the symptoms and not the cause. One must visit a mental health professional to effectively cure anxiety.
How can Ayurveda cure anxiety?
Ayurveda cannot cure anxiety by itself but it is very useful in treating anxiety symptoms. Ayurvedic remedies are plant-based, natural, non-addictive, and without serious side effects. They target the level of stress hormones in the body, relax muscles, and induce sleep. They are great for immediate relief but are not a permanent cure.
Which Ayurvedic medicine is good for the nervous system?
Some of the Ayurvedic medicines meant for the nervous system are:
Ashwagandha
Licorice
Bacopa monnieri
Kava
Shankhapushpi
Gotu Kola
Astragalus
Chamomile
Jatamansi
Vacha
Shatavari
Citations
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