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.
Take manasamithra vatakam 1tab bd, shankapushi syrup 20ml bd enough
Is Manasamithravatakam safe during the pregnancy and lactation period?
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
Thank you madam.Are these medicines a cure for panic attacks during pregnancy
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.
Which medicine is safe for depression and panic attack during pregnancy and lactation time.
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
Thank you madam.Are these medicines a cure for panic attacks during pregnancy.
Please do consult a Psychiatrist directly, because these medications as I mentioned will work only upto a limit. In conditions like panic attack you need a direct consultation and evaluation Meanwhile you can use those medications which can helps your mind to relax .
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.
Thank you
Yoga acts as a powerful tool in relieving Stress, Anxiety, and Depression. It helps by enhancing the sleep quality as well as mental health in women. Yoga asanas improves the circulation and increase the levels. Beneficial yoga asanas are Shavasana, Sukhasana, Utanapadasana, Pranayama – Anuloma. Bhramari Pranayama is the one which is also helpful in treating Depression
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
Hello Rena.
Depression and other disorders related to the mind can only be treated when you make up ur mind to get rid of them.
❌ Try and avoid the trigger factors as much possible. Anxiety is a state of mind which you can surely control by altering your thoughts…
Just note the patterns n timings of the feeling and make yourself busy in that time… If you have nothing to do at that time simple do some physical activity or go for a walk or if it is possible for you concentrate on your breath(which most of the people find difficult to do)
🧘♀️ Anulomvilom and Bhramari Pranayam will help. But you have to do it early in the morning only.
❌ Donot get yourself into any addictions.
❌ Donot drink tea or coffee or aerated drinks.
❌ Reduce screen time… No screen in darkness and 1 hour before you sleep. Consume audio form of data rather than visuals before you sleep. Filter the content of data you consume… Let it be spiritual or positive…
✔️ Drink a glass of buffalo milk daily before you sleep; it will help you get a sound sleep.
✔️ 100 steps after both meals are must.
✔️ Eat only home cooked food… Avoid outside food, packed and processed food.
✔️ Prefer natural liquids like fruit juice, coconut water, lemon juice, kokum sharbat over packed ones.
💊 Medication: 💊
Panchendriya Vardhan Tailam 2 drops in each nostril early in the morning empty stomach.
Cap. Memorin(S.G.Phytopharma) 2 caps twice a day before food.
Syp. Prasham 4 tsp at bed time with lukewarm water. Tab. Manasmitra Vatak 2 tabs at bed time.
Well in case of pregnancy i would suggest you to first get completely out of anxiety and depression and than plan your pregnancy as it may cause ill effects on the new baby. Also not all drugs are safe in all months of pregnancy so you would need a monthly personal consultation during pregnancy.
Keep your yoga n pranayam on it will give you beautiful results… Than you can plan your pregnancy
Visit nearby panchkarma center for shirodhara
Hii Reena
Manasamithra Vatakam is a classical Ayurvedic formulation used for managing depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and other psychosomatic conditions. However: - During pregnancy and lactation, it is not recommended for unsupervised use. - While it contains neuroprotective herbs like Bala, Nagabala, Vacha, and Shankhapushpi, some ingredients may influence hormonal balance or uterine tone. - Overdosage risks include burning sensations or overstimulation.
Safer Ayurvedic Support Options are: Shankhapushpi syrup Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) Abhyanga with Bala or Ksheerabala oil Nasya with Anu taila Guided pranayama and mantra chanting
Warm Regards Dr.Anjali Sehrawat
HELLO REENA,
In Ayurveda, mind-body balance depends on the harmony of three mental doshas (satva, rajas, tamas) and the physical doshas (vata, pitta, kapha). -Depression= generally on excess of tamas (heaviness, dullness) and sometimes vata (instability, emptiness) -Anxiety= mostly vata aggravation- too much movement, restlessness, worry, irregular sleep and digestion -When rasa dhatu (the essence of nutrition), Ojas (vital energy), and Prana (life force) are weak, the mind loses stability and clarity
CAUSES -emotional stress, overthinking, fried, trauma, -irregular sleep, skipping meals, eating processed or leftover foods -excess stimulant tea, coffee , late nights -overuse of social media, lack of grounding contact with nature -hormonal changes (pregnancy, postpartum) that affect neurochemistry and Ojas
RESULT -vitiated vata moves irregularly in the nervous system , depletes Ojas and rasa dhatu , and creates mental fatigue, fear, insomnia, sadness, and irritability
TREATMENT GOALS -balance vata and calm mind -increase Ojas and satva -support hormone and nerve function safely during pregnancy/lactation -improve digestion and sleep -prevent relapse
INTERNAL MEDICATIONS
1) BRAHMI VATI= 1 tab twice daily after meals =calms mind, improves anxiety, enhances satva
2) SHATAVARI KALPA= 1 tsp with milk in moring =nourishing, hormone balancing, supports lactation in future
3) GUDUCHI GHAN VATI= 1 tab twice daily after meals =builds immunity, clears toxins, stabilises mind and body
4) AMLA= fresh juice or powder 5gm daily =rasayana for vitality, antioxidant, mood stabilizer
5) KALYANAKA GHRITA= 1 tsp with warm milk at bedtime =classical medhya (brain tonic), nourishing, improves mood, memory
EXTERNAL THERAPIES
1) OIL MASSAGE -daily self massage with warm sesame oil =reduces anxiety, nourishes skin and nerves, improves sleep
2) HEAD MASSSAGE= with Brahmi taila 15 min before bath =calms mind, prevents hair fall, relieves mental fatigue
3) FOOT MASSAGE= with ghee at night =promotes deep sleep, reduces fear
4) NASYA= instill 2 drops of Anu taila in each nostril daily morning empty stomach =calms prana vata, improves focus
YOGA ASANAS -tadasana= improves posture, reduces fatigue -baddha konasana= improves pelvic circulation -vrikshasana= enhances balance and confidence -marjariasana= reduces back tension, improves mood -shavasana= reduces mental stress
PRANAYAM -Nadi sodhana= balances both hemispheres, calms nerves -Bhramari= reduces anxiety, improves sleep -Deep diaphragmatic breathing several times daily
DIET -eat warm, fresh, nourishing, mildly spiced food -maintain regular meal timings, dont skip breakfast -avoid leftover, refrigerated, or very spicy foods -take meals in a peaceful environment
ADVICED -whole grains-rice, wheat , oats -milk preferably cow’s milk warm with a pinch of turmeric or cardamom -ghee= 1-2 tsp daily for Ojas -moong dal, lentil soup, light khichdi -vegetables= pumpkin, carrots, spinach, beetroot -fruits= banana, pomegranate, apple, dates (few) -nuts= soaked almonds, walnuts small amounts -herbal drinks= brahmi tea, rose petal infusion , cumin fennel cardamom water
AVOID -coffee, tea, aerated drinks -excessive spicy, sour, or fermented foods -raw salads, cold drinks -processed sugar -late night heavy meals
AROMA THERAPY = sandalwood, rose or lavender oils in diffuser
MUSIC THERAPY= soothing music or mantra chanting-
Ayurvedic healing is gradual but deep Expect improvement in mood, sleep, digestion, and energy within 4-6 weeks, with more stable emotional state by 3-6 months
DO FOLLOW
HOPE THIS MIGHT BE HELPFUL
THANK YOU
DR. MAITRI ACHARYA
Start with Brahmi vati 1-0-1 after food with water Safe one herb medicine Sy Mentat-DS 10ml. Twice daily after food with water Ashwagandha churan 0-0-1tsp at bedtime with warm milk Learn Rajyoga meditation and practice daily Do pranayam lom -vilom bhastrika bhamri 5-10mins daily twice daily Light massage on head with Brahmi oil Do Nasya with Brahmi grith 2 drops in both nostril once.
Do not take manasamitravatikam during pregnancy it’s not safe to take during pregnancy
Hi Reena, as you are planning for pregnancy. I would advise to avoid any internal medication as of now. But i will advice one Panchakarma procedure that is done externally. That is Shirodhara, in this medicated oils or decocotions are made to pour on forehead in a continuous stream for about 30-40 minutes. In your case I would suggest you to get your Serum Cortisol level checked up. It can also be one of the reason for anxiety, sleep issue. After that find a Panchakarma centre nearby and go for Shirodhara. Shirodhara would be of Takra (Buttermilk fortified with Amalaki and Jatamansi powder), also called as Takradhara. Get this treatment done for 10 days, and you are going to get significant results. It totally safe and can be continued for 15 days without any adverse effect.
Warm regards Dr Gursimran Jeet Singh MD Panchakarma
When it comes to pregnancy and lactation, extra caution should be taken with any kind of medication, including Ayurveda. Generally, it’s advisable to avoid most Ayurvedic formulations during pregnancy unless recommended by an experienced practitioner who knows your specific health profile in detail.
Regarding Manasamithra Vatakam, while it’s a commonly used formulation for mental health issues like anxiety and depression, its safety during pregnancy and lactation is not well-studied. It contains several herbs and minerals that are traditionally used in Ayurveda, but the safest course of action would be to consult your Ayurvedic physician who is familiar with your health history and current conditions. Do not self-medicate, as it could lead to unexpected side effects during pregnancy.
Some general recommendations for depression and anxiety during pregnancy using Ayurveda include lifestyle and dietary adjustments. Engage in practices like deep breathing exercises and simple yoga poses that are safe for pregnancy, such as Sukhasana (easy pose) and Baddha Konasana (bound angle pose). These can help reduce stress gently. Aim to eat a well-balanced diet focusing on natural, less processed foods and nurture your digestive fire (Agni) with warm, mildly spiced foods. Avoid very spicy, deep-fried, or overly crunchy foods, as they may imbalance Vata, which is often involved in anxiety.
Herbal teas made from chamomile or ashwagandha are typically calming, but during pregnancy, it’s essential to check for any contraindications, so consult your healthcare provider first. You should favor rest, consistent sleep schedules, and the practice of pranayama (with guidance) to bring balance to your mind and body.
Always remember that ayurveda recognizes each individual’s unique body constitution (prakriti), and this general guidance should be personalized based on your specific dosha balance. If you have pressing concerns or experience any unusual symptoms, seek guidance from a healthcare professional immediately.
Manasamithra Vatakam, often used for mental wellbeing in traditional Ayurveda, is a common formulation. During pregnancy and lactation, you should exercise precautions with any form of medication, whether Ayurvedic or otherwise. It’s crucial to consult with your healthcare provider to verify its safety in your specific case due to the delicate balance needed during these life stages. While some Ayurvedic practitioners might advise its use under close observation, it is generally wise to err on side of caution.
During pregnancy, calming the mind without adding stress to the system is essential. You can explore more dietary and lifestyle changes that align with Siddha-Ayurvedic principles. Incorporate cooling and soothing herbs like Shatavari, which balance vata and pitta doshas and are generally considered safe in pregnancy; though consult with your physician first. Lifestyle practices such as gentle pranayama (breath control) and yoga can support your mental health without potential adverse effects.
Focus on nurturing your agni with easily digestible foods, regular meals, and maintaining a calm, grounding environment to help combat anxiety and depressive symptoms. Avoid overly spicy, oily, or heavy foods that may disrupt your digestive fire.
Seek immediate counsel from your Ayurvedic or medical doctor if you notice any worrying symptoms or changes in your condition. Your primary goal is to ensure both your well-being and your child’s health during these periods. Practice their advise and avoid self-medication, even with Ayurvedic preparations, unless confirmed safe for use.
