World Mental Health Day 2024: Best Ayurvedic remedies with Indian herbs to soothe your mind

Benefits of ahwagandha: Known as a “stress buster”, this adaptogenic herb helps reduce cortisol levels, the hormone responsible for stress (Image: Canva)

As we observe World Mental Health Day, it is important to remember that mental well-being is just as important as physical health. Stress and anxiety have become common, leading many people to seek natural remedies for emotional stability and mental clarity. In traditional remedies herbs have served as a foundation in healing practices, offering a gentle yet effective approach to various ailments.

Ayurveda stresses on the use of herbs not only for their therapeutic properties but also for their ability to harmonise the body and mind, says Dr Monica B. Sood, CEO of Navjivan Health Services. "You can harness the power of specific herbs that can foster calmness and focus, guiding you towards a more balanced state of mind," she adds.

Dr Sood suggests using the following herbs to maintain a calm, focused and stable mind:

• Ashwagandha: It is an adaptogenic herb known as the “stress buster” that helps reduce cortisol levels, which is the hormone responsible for stress. When consumed in powder form with warm milk before bed, it can calm the mind and improve sleep quality.

• Brahmi: This herb is highly regarded for its ability to enhance concentration, memory, and mental clarity. It soothes the nervous system and can be used in oil form for head massage to relax the mind or consumed in capsules. It supports mental fatigue, stress, and insomnia.

• Shankhapushpi: This excellent herb calms the mind and reduces anxiety. It is used in Ayurvedic remedies to improve mental function and promote calmness. You can use Shankhapushpi powder to make tea and consume it when feeling stressed or before meditation.

• Jatamansi: Known for its ability to ground and stabilize emotions, this herb is used to combat depression and anxiety. You can use its oil for aromatherapy or massage to calm the nerves and induce a sense of peace and relaxation after a long, stressful day.

• Tulsi: While we are aware of many benefits of Tulsi, it’s also important to note that this herb helps balance stress hormones, supports cognitive function, and elevates mood. Consuming Tulsi tea in the morning promotes mental clarity and emotional resilience throughout the day.

• Vacha: This lesser-known herb is remarkable for improving concentration, speech, and cognitive function. You can consume a pinch of Vacha powder with honey to boost focus, especially during mentally demanding tasks.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.