Ayurveda for Stress and Anxiety — Natural Solutions

Anxiety is a Vata-Pitta-Manas disturbance. Modern SSRIs work but have side effects + dependence concerns. Ayurveda offers complementary herbal + procedural support.

**Cornerstone herbs.** Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) — clinically proven anxiolytic + cognitive enhancer. Ashwagandha — adaptogen, 27.9% cortisol reduction in RCT (Chandrasekhar 2012). Jatamansi — calming for severe anxiety. Tagara — Indian Valerian for sleep-onset anxiety.

**Classical formulations.** Saraswatarishta (twice daily). Manasamithra Vatakam (severe Manasika disorders). Brahmi Ghrita (1 tsp bedtime).

**Procedural.** Shirodhara — most documented procedure for anxiety + insomnia. 7-14 sessions can replace benzodiazepine dependence.

**Lifestyle.** Daily 10-min Anuloma-Viloma + Bhramari pranayama. 30-min walking outdoors. No caffeine after 2pm. Screen-free 60 min before sleep.

**Diet.** Eliminate Vata aggravators: cold/raw food, irregular meal timing, excess coffee + alcohol. Add Brahmi tea, Tulsi tea, almond milk with cardamom.

**Realistic timeline.** Symptom reduction in 2-4 weeks. Sustained improvement requires 3-6 months of disciplined practice.

**Critical.** If on SSRIs, do not stop suddenly. Ayurveda + modern psychiatric care together is the right model.

--- _AI-generated educational content — pending medical review. For diagnosis and personalised treatment, consult a verified BAMS / MD-Ayurveda doctor. Find one at https://ayurconnect.com/doctors._ _Author: AyurConnect Editorial._