Anxiety and Panic Attack Management - 4

[Guest guest]

[After discussing depression in Post # 1549 in this series of

articles, we will deal with the Ayurvedic view on Anxiety and Panic Attacks

(APA)faced by most of us due to the stress and strain of modern life especially

in metropolitan and city areas. In earlier articles (#13750,13788, 13831) the

author introduced and familiarized the reader with these problems and covered

Ayurvedic views.

Diagnosis and treatment is not the main focus here; rather, the

root causes and prevention is the goal. Hence astrological

configurations pointing to the vulnerability of an individual to APA were

included.

 

This article discusses treatments and herbal approaches. Detailed

discussion on various forms of this disorder which are dominated by specific

doshas may be found in the ancient texts. While APA is the main theme here, the

information also applies to many other disorders coming under the heading of

mood and behaviour disorders. Much of this information already exists on the

internet but the author has presented it in a simplified form which may be of

interest and help to sufferers. Additional matter is included from the author's

own experience.]

 

 

 

Anxiety is more often a disease of Vata. The primary subdoshas involved are

prana and vyana. Anxiety is characterized by an invasion by Vata of the manas

(mind) and nerves. Prana Vata is what moves prana ( " life-force " ) into the

physiology of the individual, from the air, the food and the water we consume.

The prana weaves the body, mind, and spirit together. Its impairment in acute

anxiety results in a disconnected individual whose mind, senses and memory

function sub-optimally. Mental stress caused by an overuse (or misuse) of the

mind (e.g. long hours in front of the computer or the TV) can cause an imbalance

in Prana Vata. The first resulting symptom is the loss of an

ability to handle stress and as the person becomes more stressed, it impacts on

the mental functions such as dhi, (acquisition) dhriti, (retention) and smriti

(recall). The mind becomes hyperactive and yet the person loses the ability to

make clear decisions, to think positively, to feel in any way enthusiastic and

even to fall asleep at night. Software professionals who strive to meet the

project deadlines, sip a few cups of coffee a day and put whatever is available

in the stomach and at odd hours, may please note that they may be inviting

anxiety disorders if this " lack of " routine is followed for even a few years.

The same mistake is often made by patients with anxiety, who remain glued to

the computer monitor or TV screen when suffering from insomnia. Excessive

material luxury brings with it a lack of time to enjoy that luxury. Tamas is

the Guna of most of the late night TV shows.

 

The importance of breathing techniques in treating mind-body harmony disorders

may now be well understood. Swami Shivanand once

said, " in the state of self realization, one may find only oxygen in

the blood, no sugar or insulin may be needed by cells at all " . This

may be the truth but then we realise that only a very few yogis are able to

survive solely on sunlight.

 

 

Vyana Vata originates in the heart and pervades the entire body causing

energies, including nervous energies, to circulate. It governs the circulation,

nerve impulses and the sense of touch. This somatic force is stronger in ladies.

Observe carefully, how they occupy the seats in a bus, conference hall, how they

walk together, discuss or even argue. Compare how men behave in similar

situations. A person suffering from aggravated vyana vata might ostensibly seem

to be abounding in creative energy but closer observation will reveal only an

over-abundance of disorganized, inefficient vata dosha. ADD/ADHD are both

appropriate descriptions of such a state. The aggravation of Vyan vata is often

seen to cause trembling/restless leg/numbness/cramps in the extremities.

Involuntary movement of hands and fingers is a frequent symptom of APA. Observe

how people walk on a lonely road, engrossed in their own thoughts. Their

fingers signal how intense are their thought processes.

 

From the various ancient descriptions of unmada, Ayurvedic diagnosis seems to

have covered a wide range of modern-day psychotic presentations, including

bipolar mania, schizophrenia, depression with psychosis or delirium with

psychosis. Matching Ayurvedic and modern science's diagnoses on a one-to-one

basis is unlikely, as with many other diseases. Even then, the ancient texts

reveal a clear concordance between many Ayurvedic syndromes and modern day

categories of psychiatric illness. For example,Ayurvedic signs and symptoms for

chittavasada, (depression) chittodvega,(anxiety disorder) atattvabhinivesa,

(obsession) apatantraka,

(hysteria/conversion disorder) gagodvega (hypochondriasis) and madatyaya

(alcoholism) quickly strike chords of recognition in modern science.

 

According to Charaka, all of these disorders involve varying dysfunction of the

eight essential aspects of mind: emotion, reasoning,

orientation,learning/memory, attachment, habit, psychomotor function and

behavior.

 

It is interesting to note that neurological disorders such as delirium,

epilepsy, neurasthenia, Parkinson's Disease, vertigo, coma and mental

retardation are also considered part of Graha Chikitsa, the name for Ayurvedic

psychiatry. Vaidyas seemed to appreciate - thousands of years ago - the

fundamental connection between neurology and psychiatry and the fallacy of

separating " organic " from " functional " disorders. Ayurveda recognizes that for

some neuro-psychiatric conditions, dosha disturbance may begin at the mental

level but manifest more at the somatic level,(conversion disorder) while at

other times, dosha disturbance may begin at

the somatic level but manifest more at the mental level, altering

consciousness (neurological disorders). However the Vaidya does not have to

decide whether the patient's condition is somatically based or whether it is

" all in the head. " Rather, the focus is on identifying which dosha, or set of

doshas, is disturbed in the patient as evidenced by the overall pattern of

somatic and psychological symptoms. The name “Grahachikitsa” suggests the

involvement of remedies for specific dosha imbalance through appropriate

physical, psychological and spiritual remedies. That is why, the need for yoga,

meditation, pranayama etc., becomes essential in such cases. It is only after

Baba Ramdev started preaching yoga and pranayama for health, that correct and

inexpensive approaches in balancing prana vata have entered Ayurvedic practice.

The inclusion of gems and bhasmas made from minerals into Ayurvedic practice,

though relatively more recent in origin, may have been on account of the

influence of such drugs on mind-body complex, as suggested by

medico-astrological principles. The author would like to coin the term Spiritual

Ayurveda for such Ayurveda, so that the state sponsored and regulated Ayurveda

constrained by medico legal angles does not influence and interfere with this

field. Otherwise one may need a prescription to practice kapalbhatti! With CET

in Karnataka governing admissions to Yoga and naturopathy courses this year,

this is bound to happen soon enough. Were you to wish to join some spiritual

yogi as a disciple, you may possibly require a certifcate by an MD(Spiritual)!!

 

In what follows, the treatment protocol is described in general terms,

applicable to most of the disorders discussed here, the focus being on anxiety

and panic attacks.

 

According to Charaka: " The number of diseases is uncountable, but

the number of doshas is definitely three " . (Charaka Samhita, III 6.5) Thus,

Charaka contends that an astute Vaidya should feel no reluctance in treating a

novel disorder previously not described in medical texts, as each symptom of any

disorder can ultimately be identified and treated in terms of dosha imbalance.

This marvelous principle of basing the treatment regime on dosha balancing,

guides the Vaidya while using the pulse as the main diagnostic method. Another

advantage of this idea is that the Vaidya need not be constrained by rigid

protocols and criticism such as " I fear this may not work in such an acute

anxiety attack, you need to give only Valium or Xanax! " A patient who is

desperate to get few hours of sound sleep, will be tempted by such an opinion by

the uninvolved Vaidya. If a patient is already addicted to such medications,

then continuing it in parallel with Ayurvedic treatment has all the wisdom, the

success of which already posted in archives.

 

 

Ayurvedic treatment of any illness, including neuro-psychiatric illness, is

narrated by Charaka: " purify, pacify and remove the cause of disease " (Charaka

Samhita I 1.3). The first therapeutic step is to purify the body-mind complex

through cleansing procedures (panchakarma) intended to remove gross and subtle

toxins that accumulate with dosha imbalance - the longer the dosha imbalance has

been in place, the more rigorous should be the purification process. The author

found that liver detoxification is the most helpful to weed out residues of

synthetic and addictive drugs. Next the pacification of dosha imbalance may

involve nutritional therapy, yoga postures, herbal medicine and a number of

lifestyle changes designed to soothe an aggravated dosha and also to strengthen

a depleted dosha. Finally, the cause of illness is removed.

 

In Ayurveda, illness may be caused by external factors such as

pathogens, trauma and poor lifestyle choices, as well as by internal factors

such as maladaptive cognitions and affects - these etiologic factors must be

removed whenever possible so as to prevent the recurrence of illness. However,

an even deeper etiologic factor must also be addressed, in Ayurveda, the

ultimate source of all illness and suffering is one's fundamental alienation

from the cosmic consciousness (Atman) that is said to underlie the entirety of

the manifested universe. Thus, psycho-spiritual intervention through a variety

of meditative and metaphysical practices is considered to be an integral aspect

of the Vaidya's healing art (Frawley, 1997).

 

The herbal treatments for anxiety use herbs which attempt to balance the

patients' neurotransmitters. The treatment of acute anxiety is really the

treatment of Vata. These treatments always include oleation and heat, both

internal and external. External oleation should commence first in the form of

daily oil massages for fifteen to sixty minutes for five to seven days - these

massages can be given by therapists or be self-administered. Matching the moon

signs of the therapist and patient is an important step, not mentioned in any

text so far. The full importance of this has been realized by the author. The

best oils to use for this massage are: Chandan Bala oil, Dhanvantram oil or

Mahanarayana oil. Internal oleation is next. Depending on the prakriti of the

individual and the presence or absence of ama, the patient will benefit from

taking cow's ghee, sesame oil or animal fats (internal oleation). This should be

followed by a gentle purgative such as castor oil or triphala to expel the

consolidated doshas. Weak or constipated patients can be offered bastis after

swedana. Oils for basti should suit the constitution of the patient and should

suit also suit the season. As patients with anxiety also suffer from allergies,

checking these allergies by means of pulse diagnosis is a very important step.

 

Following oleation therapy, patients with acute anxiety must undergo swedana or

sweat therapy. Whereas oleation loosens and separates the doshas from the

tissues, sweating liquefies them making their exit from the body easier. The

simplest way to induce sweating is to take a hot bath for fifteen to twenty

minutes. Other methods include steam baths, hot water bottles, sunbathing,

exposure to fire, mustard plasters and various types of herbal poultices.

Patients should continue swedana for three to four days. Herbs may be given

simultaneously to further promote therapeutic sweating. These include:

punarnava, tejpatra, jayaphala , madana and kakamachi. Sweat therapy is

contraindicated in weak patients, pregnancy, anemia, dizziness, bleeding

disorders, emaciation, and fever. The Vaidya is not disheartened in such cases

as it merely requires longer and more gentle treatment, with rests from the

treatment interspersing the schedule.

 

If a patient has arrived with liver full of toxic residues left by synthetic

medicines then liver detoxifications are beneficial to remove such toxins.

During a liver detoxification, other panchkarma treatment should not be used as

it may be taxing to the prana reserves. This is the extension of Ayurveda as

expressed in ancient texts, needed in modern world full of exotoxins, the

patient virtually swimming in the chemical pool.

 

Many herbal-based preparations can be used in the treatment of anxiety. They are

most effective when preceded by the above oleation and swedan treatments, but

can also be used as an initial therapy. The patient may delay the protocol to

suit his commitments; but the herbal medicines can start, even if not indicated

under the rigid rules of state regulated Ayurveda. The Vaidya need not wait for

the treatment regime to go in a " proper " sequence, as the patient is suffering

from insomnia, palpitations etc. Ayurveda too has its quick fixes just as we

find in allopathy. No single herb is regarded as more important than any other,

in fact all of the most important medicines are in the form of ghritas, or

medicated ghees. These are fairly complex recipes. However any Vaidya having

cows can provide them. Here few are listed

below however the list is not all inclusive:

 

Hingvad Ghrita. This ghee is made from Hingu (asafoetida), rock salt,

Sunthi, (ginger powder) Maricha, (black pepper) Pippali (long pepper) and cow

urine.

 

Mahakalyanaka Ghrita. This ghee recipe includes milk from a cow who has

calved for the first time, jasmine flowers and twenty-one other herbs.

 

Mahapaisacika Ghrita., Brahmi Ghrutam. Uses brahmi, guduchi, guggul,

cardamom and satapushpa. The receipe includes milk from the Indian cow.

 

Lasunadya Ghrita. Uses garlic, cow's milk, dasamula

 

(The Author is not trying to sell cows here! Many reasons why most medicines

aimed at mental disorders are made by using Indian cow ghee are discussed by

another experienced doctor here:)

 

http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/Relevance_Of_Use_Of_Ghee-\

Clarified_Butter_In_Ayurvedic_Medicine.html

 

 

Saraswatarishta. This is named after the Goddess of knowledge and music and is

used to treat acute anxiety, depression, mental weakness, fatigue, insomnia,

partial loss of memory. Low grasping power, slurred speech etc. This medicine is

especially meant for growing children. Its ghee form is saraswata ghrutam and

tablet form is Manas Mitra Vatakam.

 

Mansyadi Kashaya: This herbal tranquiliser is made from Aswagandha and

Jatamansi with the major component being Jatamansi. Jatamansi helps to

combat the effects of day-to-day stress. It has the property of enhancing the

body's innate ability to sleep well. Many ancient texts highly recommends it for

insomnia, mental instability and to enhance memory. It promotes growth and also

maintains hair color.

 

Experienced Vaidyas can mix Medha herbs such as Ashwagandha, Brahmi, Shatawari,

Shankhpushpi, Jatamansi, Jyotishmati, Vacha, Licorice and make a patient

specific formulation in the form of powder mixtures, extracts or ghrutam.

 

Aswagandharishtam, aswagandha Lehyam, Aswagabdha Ghrutam are readily

available medicines made according to prescriptions found in ancient texts.

 

Many more formulations are described in ancient texts, many of these are now

difficult to make due to difficulties in sourcing some of the herbs. The

material medica of ayurveda consists of an extremely rich armamentarium of

natural drugs, derived from plants, minerals, animals and marine sources.

 

The most frequently used anti-anxiety herb is Ashwagandha, often called an

Indian ginseng. In a 1990 study, Ashwagandha was given to people who had been

diagnosed with anxiety disorders. These Ashwaganda treatments improved the

mental condition of most participants in only three months. Its benefits have

been validated by modern herbal research. Anxiety, depression, panic attacks,

phobia are very well supported by this herb. Its effect on anxiety and

depression is comparable to modern drugs.

 

In manic depression, alcoholic paranoia and schizophrenia, Ashwagandha

provides definite relief. It is found to be safe even at a dosage of 100 mg per

kg of body weight. Its usage in various other diseases is described at the link:

 

http://www.holistic-herbalist.com/ashwagandha-j.html

 

A Vaidya will however evaluate the individual dosage not so much in terms of

body weight but the vitality and capacity of the patient. When drugs directed at

the nervous system are used, this author prefers to gradually increase the dose

until the patient is comfortable with that dose. Now we consider widely

available herbs and their formulations.

 

Ashwagandha has attracted a maximum of scientific research and its

anxyolitic, sedative effect and ability to boost GABA activity is backed by such

research. Those with a scientific mindset should visit this institutional

scientific review of the last 40 years of research at:

 

http://www.ics.trieste.it/MAPs/MedicinalPlants_Plant.aspx?id=664 & family=0 & countr\

\

y=all

 

Aswagandha Avaleha is similar to Chyvanprasha and is a nervine and body tonic.

There are eighteen items used while preparing this Leha. It can be prepared at

home also, provided one has the energy and the patience to do so.

 

By taking 1-2 tsp of this " Leha " followed by a cup of milk, waist pain and

fatigue after the loss of dhatu during sex is reduced. As it boosts sexual

energy one should be careful when giving it to children suffering from ADHD.

 

One can prepare Aswagandha Pak also. The warming property of Ashwagandha can be

balanced by boiling it with milk. Take Indian Cow Milk, four times by weight of

the Aswgandha powder. Mix both together and bring to a slow boil while stirring

to make khoya. This khoya is mixed with cow ghee and heated until golden brown.

Add crystal sugar syrup. When growing children are fed " Pedha " made from this

Aswgandha Pak, they build up muscles proportionately together with their

strength. The intellect is also built up in the case of

teenagers, as Aswagandha is also a nervine tonic. Those who are underweight and

suffer from anxiety can use this Pak beneficially, 1 tsp morning and evening. If

you have no time for preparing Aswagandha Pak, take the Aswagandha powder

according to the dose suggested by the Vaidya simply with milk. Bedtime is the

best time to take this based on the author's experience.

 

Other than Ashwagandha many other herbs can be used. For our western members,

herbs such as Passion flower, Lavender, lemon balm and valerian appear effective

based on drug trials. The extract of passion flower has been noted to relieve

anxiety as effectively as oxazepam, a prescription anti-anxiety drug similar to

diazepam (Valium®) and alprazolam (Xanax®).[1}. Individuals withdrawing from

anxiety-reducing drugs such as benzodiazepines (e.g. Valium®, Xanax®, Ativan®),

opiates, and alcohol often experience intense anxiety, irritability,

nervousness, and restlessness, and general mental discomfort. It can also be

life threatening. Various randomized, controlled studies indicate that extract

of passion flower helps to relieve the anxiety-related symptoms of sedative and

opiate withdrawal.[2,3,4] However, herbal extracts should not be considered as

replacement for any prescription medication or a treatment for alcohol,

benzodiazepine or opiate dependence.

 

A combination of Valerian and passion flower was also noted to reduce

anxiety[5]. Theanine is an amino acid commonly found in green tea. It can cross

the blood brain barrier. It calms both mind and body. Adequate dose of

L-theanine directly stimulates the production of alpha brain waves[6], creating

a state of mental relaxation and concentration similar to that obtained by

meditation. L-theanine stimulates the release of GABA[7,8], a neurotransmitter

that reduces anxiety and provides a sense of calm and well-being. L-theanine may

relieve mental distress associated with PMS and menopause also[9] Indians love

drinking tea and coffee. The spicy tea and coffee was discussed already in

post#6683:

 

http://health.ayurveda/message/6683

 

The calming effect of green tea may seem contradictory to the stimulatory

property of tea's caffeine content but it can be explained by the action of

L-theanine. This amino acid actually acts antagonistically against the

stimulatory effects of caffeine on the nervous system.

 

Herbal remedies can be taken everyday for chronic anxiety or " as needed " for

occasional anxiety or panic attacks. Unlike many prescription drugs, herbal

remedies are not addictive or habit-forming: No dependence or experience of

nasty withdrawal symptoms occur if the patient stops taking herbal medicines. At

worst, the patient may find that the herbs may have to be taken again as anxiety

symptoms return in mild form. For neuro-psychiatric problems, the time for which

herbs need to be taken can be lengthy for effective and lasting results.

 

When breathing difficulties arise, Syrup of Garlic is an invaluable medicine for

symptoms of anxiety, asthma, hoarseness, coughs and inflammation of the throat,

chronic bronchitis, difficulty breathing and most other disorders of the lungs.

Mothers can prepare this syrup and keep it in the house as a cough syrup ready

to use. To prepare the syrup, boil cloves of Garlic in water (till garlic is

cooked) and let it stand for 12 hours. Add crystal sugar and boil to a syrup

consistency and let it cool. Add Vinegar or citric acid as a preservative, mix

well and store in bottles. Other drugless approaches for breathing difficulties

will be discussed in the next post.

 

Fennel relieves anxiety-related gastrointestinal upsets, reduces flatulence and

abdominal tension and also relaxes the large intestine. For best results take it

as a tea before or after meals.

 

The discussion on foods life style changes suitable for patients with anxiety

will be the subject matter of the next post.

 

Editing help from Jane MacRoss is gratefully acknowledged.

 

Dr Bhate.

 

 

References:

 

(1) Akhondzadeh S, Naghavi HR, Vazirian M, Shayeganpour A, Rashidi H, Khani M.

Passionflower in the treatment of generalized anxiety: a pilot double-blind

randomized controlled trial with oxazepam. J Clin Pharm Ther. 2001

Oct;26(5):363-7.

(2) Akhondzadeh S, Kashani L, Mobaseri M, Hosseini SH, Nikzad S, Khani M.

Passionflower in the treatment of opiates withdrawal: a double-blind randomized

controlled trial. J Clin Pharm Ther. 2001 Oct;26(5):369-73.

(3) Dhawan K, Dhawan S, Chhabra S. Attenuation of benzodiazepine dependence in

mice by a tri-substituted benzoflavone moiety of Passiflora incarnata Linneaus:

a non-habit forming anxiolytic. J Pharm Pharm Sci. 2003 May-Aug;6(2):215-22.

(4) Dhawan K, Kumar S, Sharma A. Suppression of alcohol-cessation-oriented

hyper-anxiety by the benzoflavone moiety of Passiflora incarnata Linneaus in

mice. J Ethnopharmacol. 2002 Jul;81(2):239-44.

(5) Brown D. Valerian root: Non-addictive alternative for insomnia and anxiety.

Quart Rev Nat Med 1994 Fall; 221-4 [review].

(6) Kobayashi K, Nagato Y, Aoi N, Juneja LR, Kim M, et al. Effects of L-theanine

on the release of a-brain waves in human volunteers. Nippon Nogeikagaku Kaishi.

1998;72:153-7.

(7) Kimura R, Murata T. Influence of alkylamides of glutamic acid and related

compounds on the central nervous system. I. Central depressant effect of

theanine. Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo). 1971;19(6):1257-61.

(8) Nathan P, Lu K, Gray M, Oliver C (2006). " The neuropharmacology of

L-theanine(N-ethyl-L-glutamine): a possible neuroprotective and cognitive

enhancing agent " . J Herb Pharmacother 6 (2): 21–30.

(9)Ueda T, Nagato Y, Tanaka Y, Okubo T, Kobayashi K, et al. Composition

comprising theanine. US Patent 6,589,566; July 8, 2003.

[Guest guest]

which brand of ashwagandha have you guys found effective in the treatment of

anxiety and depression by the way? also when you prescribe ashwagandha do it

you do it according to the weight of the individual in the treatment of

anxiety and depression.

 

sincerely,

 

 

__________

 

Raja Gursahani

(: 559.474.8576

,: rajagursahani

 

 

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

You will find the answer to this part of your question in the text

 

Jane

 

.................................................................................\

.................

also when you prescribe ashwagandha do you do it according to the weight of

the individual in the treatment of anxiety and depression.

[Guest guest]

well the brand of ashwagandha would be nice to know more importantly?

because here in the usa the quality varies based on the akaloid content.

 

 

__________

 

Raja Gursahani

(: 559.474.8576

,: rajagursahani

[Guest guest]

> which brand of ashwagandha have you guys found effective in the

treatment of

> anxiety and depression by the way? also when you prescribe

ashwagandha do it

> you do it according to the weight of the individual in the

treatment of

> anxiety and depression.

 

 

Branded herbal powders is a new concept in marketing of herbs in

ayurveda. It does not matter what brand you buy as long as you are

able to ascertain that it has a good quality in terms of medicine

content.

 

Herb strength depends on soil, farming practice, environment (amount

of rainfall, sunlight, organic manure/processing etc). Author buys

his requirement from a organic farm direct. (Patients do not question

if the powder is in a polythelene packet without any label, since

they trust. Reading labels, indications, contraindications is not a

habit of indian patient, since the foundation of ayurveda is based on

patient-vaidya relationship). But in your case, importing from India

may be impractical as your requirement may be small. It can be bought online,

and if you specifically want Indian herb one possible source is:

http://www.ayurvedicherbsdirect.com/ashwagandha-himalaya-p-80.html

 

Though allopathy bases the dose on body weight. ayurvedic texts do

not recommend such a practice, leaving the vaidya to decide based on

his experience, patients vitality, how chronic the problems are, what

other herbs/medications are combined etc. Dosages in the texts are

general guidelines only. Hence giving any specific number will be

difficult. Author's advise would be to start with a small dose (say 2

g at bedtime), check allergic reaction if any (Post#3055, 4511) and

increase it slowly till you find comfortable. Author found that the

beneficial effect of ashwagandha on nerve tesnion is felt within 15

minutes after it is taken. Change in pulse count by 3-5 units was

seen in few cases. When neuro-muscular pain was due to stress, some

relaxation felt by the patient was the indicator that dose was

adequate. after patient finds that pains have come to acceptably low

level, dose can be gradually reduced. Author did not find it addictive. As a

mild

sedative, it is best to take it at bedtime, but ashwagandha having

been used in many other conditions, taking it other times of day

(along with other herbs) is also possible.

 

It would be useful if you read a file " Using_herbs_Effectively.doc "

stored at the link

 

http://health.ayurvedaarticles/Dr.\

%20BhateFiles/

 

Dr. Bhate

[Guest guest]

thank you dr bhate, i understand that ashwagandha of course is not used

singularly now from you and furthermore thank you for emphasizing the fact

that ayurveda is based on a patient-vaidya relationship. i just wanted to

know if someone had to purchase ashwagandha in a capsulated form that is of

course not really used in normal ayurvedic protocol, which brand would you

choose? i was thinking the himalayan brand was decent prior but your

recommendation assures me that the quality is at least reputable.

 

thank you very much,

 

 

__________

 

Raja Gursahani

(: 559.474.8576

,: rajagursahani

[Guest guest]

So you wish to go for self medication.

 

Ashagandha in capsulated form is really an extract, equivalent to

about 5 to 6 times the weight of root powder.

 

Comparing the online prices, they appear about 10 times the weight

of equivalent powder. Another disadvantage of this approach is the

difficulty in regulating the dose. Ofcourse if you break open the

capsule, remove some powder and refil it, then you can soften the

dose, but after additional work. So this approach is laborious. When

a medicine directed at brain is used, one should be very careful with

the dose. If you have seen the file " Using_herbs_effectively " you can

see the flexibility that powder form affords.

 

Ordering roots/powder in a larger quantity will be more economical.

If you do not wish to grind the roots, you may order powder too.

There are many suppliers, which can be found by google. A certified

organic supplier, who is also ayurveda member(message 10973, 10994) can be

reached at aayurherb.com

 

Author has no previous experience with any medicines made by Himalayan

healthcare.

 

Dr Bhate

 

_____________________________-

if someone had to purchase ashwagandha in a capsulated form that is

of

course not really used in normal ayurvedic protocol, which brand

would you

choose

[Guest guest]

oh i am confused. you put a link for ashwagandha and it led to himalayan

brand i am not self medicating myself. i was thinking on the behalf of someone

else who can easily buy ashwagandha and wanted to know of a brand that would be

good. i very much believe in the patient-vaidya relationship. thank you for

elaborating once again.

 

sincerely,

 

 

__________

 

Raja Gursahani

(: 559.474.8576

,: rajagursahani