Ayurvedic Medicine for Anxiety and Panic Attacks: Can It Help Without Side Effects? - #1362

I hear ya, anxiety and panic attacks can be really tough to deal with, especially when they pop up at night. You're right, Ayurveda can definitely offer some natural relief without the usual side effects. First off, regarding herbs like Ashwagandha, Brahmi, and Jatamansi, these are quite effective for anxiety if used correctly. They're not just for general anxiety, they can also help smoothen those panic attack bouts—also pretty safe for long-term use. You can start with Ashwagandha, which is an adaptogen, means it helps your body adjust to stress. Take 1 capsule or 1 tsp of Ashwagandha powder twice daily, after meals, with warm water or milk. Brahmi works great for calming the mind; a 500 mg Brahmi tablet or powder before bed could help. And Jatamansi is almost like a natural tranquilizer but without the heavy drowsiness. It's good to take after dinner, like a tsp of powder with honey. As for your diet, focus on making it Pitta and Vata balancing, as anxiety often links with these doshas. Favor cooling foods like fresh fruits, leafy greens, cucumbers and spices like turmeric, coriander, and fennel. Try to cut down on caffeine and overly spicy foods which can hype up anxiety. And yeah, definitely consider Shirodhara, where a gentle stream of warm oil is poured over your forehead. It's very soothing for the nervous system, often providing deep relaxation even for chronic anxiety cases. Also, don't underestimate the power of regular Abhyanga, a self-massage. Doing it with sesame or coconut oil can ground Vata energy. Remember to hydrate well, sleep enough, and get some sunshine every day. It's not just one remedy, but a combination of lifestyle changes and herbal supports that help retrain your system towards a calmer baseline. If things are severe, do chat with an Ayurvedic doctor to tailor it all more precisely to your unique prakriti! Bringing balance is key.