Treatment for depression and anxiety disorder - #34721

Hie.reena ji…some contraindications for ayurvedic formulation in pregnancy:-

Please tell mi witch trimester or how many weeks(months) for your pregnancy…so I can manage ayurvedic medicines for you…

Hello Reena I understand your concern. You are 35 years old, currently under treatment for depression and anxiety disorder, and taking Kottakkal Arya Vaidyasala Manasamitra Vatakam. You want to know whether it is safe in pregnancy and lactation and which Ayurvedic medicines can be safely taken during these phases. So dont worry we are here to guide you😊

✅SAFETY OF MANASMITRA VATAKAM

👉Manasamitra Vatakam is a classical Ayurvedic formulation used for anxiety, depression, insomnia, and even epilepsy.

👉It contains many potent ingredients like Brahmi, Vacha, Jatamansi, Ashwagandha, Swarna Bhasma, Abhraka Bhasma etc.

While highly effective, because it contains metallic Bhasmas (Swarna, Abhraka, Pravala, Mukta, etc.), it is ❌NOT routinely recommended during pregnancy and lactation

👉 So, avoid self-medication with Manasamitra Vatakam during pregnancy/lactation.

✅SAFER AYURVEDIC OPTIONS

Instead of strong formulations, safer and gentle Ayurvedic herbs/medicines can be used:

🌿 Herbs & Preparations

1. Brahmi capsules 1-0-1 – calms the mind, improves focus, safe in pregnancy in mild doses.

2. Shankhapushpi syrup 10ml-0-10ml – acts as a natural anxiolytic and memory enhancer.

3. Satavari kalpa 1 tsp with warm milk once a day – balances hormones, calms nerves, also supports lactation.

4. Jatamansi capsule 1 at bed time – good for sleep & anxiety, but only in small safe doses under supervision.

✅EXTERNAL THERAPIES (Highly Important in Pregnancy)

👉Abhyanga (oil massage) - Gentle daily body massage with warm sesame or coconut oil = reduces anxiety, improves sleep, calms Vata.

👉Yoga & Breathing practices Anulom Vilom, Bhramari Pranayama, light yoga postures → safe & calming.

✅DIET MODIFICATION

Ghee, milk, soaked almonds, dates → nourish brain & reduce Vata-Pitta imbalance.

Avoid excess tea/coffee, spicy, fried, or junk food (aggravates anxiety).

Lifestyle: Maintain regular sleep, avoid overstimulation (too much screen time), spend time in fresh air and sunlight.

⚠️ Important Precaution

During pregnancy, strong Rasa aushadi medicines (with metals/minerals) should be avoided unless absolutely required.

Wishing you a good health😊

Warm Regards Dr Snehal Vidhate

There is no strong clinical evidence exists that Manasamithra Vatakam is fully safe in pregnancy. Some herbs like Ashwagandha (withaferin A content) are generally avoided in early pregnancy due to possible uterine stimulation. So, it is not considered entirely safe for self-use during pregnancy.

Not recommend during pregnancy/lactation period since it contains some metallic ingredients like Gold. So better avoid its usage during those times.

You can have 1.Bhrami capsule 1-0-1 after food 2.Ksheera bala taila- For Headmassage and Footmassage

It’s better not to continue any Internally during pregnancy as it may interfere with foetal development

Hi, reena ji Thanks for your question,

No doubt kottakal aryavaidyasala mansamithra vatakam is very effective ayurveda formulation for anxiety, depression, and mental relaxation. But due to some bhasama in its preparation it is not good to take it in pregnancy.

So advice u 1) brahmi vati 2 tab BD after food 2) shankhpushpi cap. 2 cap BD after food 3) shatavari churn 1tsf BD before food with milk

Also advice u gentle message of head with brahmi taila and meditation

Panchakarma therapies - 1) shirodhara with shankhpushpi and jatamansi kwath 2) nasya with brahmi taila 2 drops in each nostrils, when something comes in your throat just spit it and do Luke warm water gargles.

Here is a breakdown of the information regarding your current medication and general Ayurvedic principles during this time:

1. Safety of Kottakkal Aryavaidyasala Manasamithra Vatakam (or Gulika) Based on general Ayurvedic safety guidelines for this particular formulation:

It is generally NOT recommended during pregnancy or lactation.

Reasoning: Manasamithra Vatakam is a complex classical formulation containing numerous ingredients, often including purified metals (like Swarna Bhasma - Gold Calx) and minerals. Traditional Ayurvedic wisdom, as reflected by various manufacturers and practitioners, often advises against using such complex formulations during pregnancy and breastfeeding unless specifically prescribed and monitored by a qualified Ayurvedic doctor who can weigh the benefits against the potential risks.

Action Required: Do not continue this medicine now that you are considering pregnancy or if you are already pregnant,

2. General Ayurvedic Medicine for Pregnancy and Lactation Ayurveda places a strong emphasis on the safety and nourishment of both the mother and the developing fetus/infant. When treating conditions like anxiety and depression during this period, the approach is typically gentler, nourishing, and highly individualized.

1) shatavari churna- 1 tsf at bedtime with warm milk

2) ashwagnadha churna-1 tsf after food 2 times

3) brahmi tab - 1 - 2 times after food

4) brahmi only head massage 10 min

3) Ayurvedic Lifestyle Recommendations Ayurveda strongly emphasizes diet and lifestyle (known as Ahara and Vihara) as the safest foundation for mental well-being during pregnancy and lactation. Your Ayurvedic doctor is likely to recommend:

Vata-Pacifying Diet: Warm, moist, freshly cooked, and easily digestible foods enriched with ghee and milk to calm the nervous system (Vata dosha).

Gentle Routine: Maintaining a consistent daily routine (Dinacharya) with adequate rest and gentle physical activity (like prenatal yoga or walks).

Mental Calmness: Engaging in activities that bring joy, listening to soothing music, and practicing gentle meditation or Pranayama (breathing exercises).

Specialized Therapies: Non-ingested therapies like Abhyanga (medicated oil massage) or Shirodhara (oil flow on the forehead) are often recommended for calming the mind, especially after childbirth, but a pregnant woman would need a special, adapted protocol.

It is better to avoid internal medicine containing heavy metals during pregnancy.

You can start meditation and yoga.

1. Ksheerabala tailam for head massage. It will helps in induce sleep.

1. Satavari Gulam – 10 g twice daily

Benefits: Balances hormones, nourishes Shukra Dhatu, supports lactation, calms the mind

Safe in: Pregnancy & Lactation

How to Take: With warm milk

2. Brahmi Ghritam – 5 g once daily (preferably morning)

Benefits: Nootropic, anxiolytic, supports memory, reduces restlessness

Safe in: Pregnancy (in small doses under supervision)

How to Take: With warm water or milk

(Discontinue if there’s any digestive discomfort or nausea

🌿 3. Ashwagandha Lehyam / Granules – To be avoided in early pregnancy (1st trimester)

Can be introduced in second trimester or postpartum (if no complications)

Helps reduce cortisol, improve energy, reduce depression

4. Drakshadi Kashayam – 15 ml twice daily before food Benefits: Cooling, relieves anxiety, improves sleep and digestion 5. Mandukaparni (Gotu Kola) Capsules – 250 mg once daily

Safe anxiolytic herb, especially during breastfeeding

Improves mood, supports sleep

Supportive Practices (Non-Medicinal):

Nasya (Anu Tailam): 2 drops in each nostril daily — calms the mind

Abhyanga (oil massage): With Ksheerabala Tailam or Dhanwantharam Tailam – improves sleep, calms Vata

Yogasana + Pranayama: Gentle yoga, Nadi Shodhana, Bhramari (under prenatal yoga expert)

Meditation / Japa / Music therapy: Highly effective adjuncts