Schizophrenia is a chronic mental disorder. The word Schizophrenia means split mind. This disease is marked by the considerable disturbances in thoughts which affects perceptual, emotional and social processes. The patient is detached from the real world and lives in his own imaginary world. It mostly arises in the first half of life and the progression of the disease may be sudden or gradual.
Patients may develop symptoms either acutely or insidiously. The progressive decline in performance is associated with overt behaviour that disturbs the thoughts and perception. These patients are socially less sensitive and social cognition deficit negatively influences the functioning.
Some of the symptoms of Schizophrenia are:
- Strange suspiciousness
- Forgetfulness
- Depression
- Unnecessary hostility
- Excessive sleep or insomnia
The ancient Indian system of medicine Ayurveda is a compendium of various health related practices and explained the abnormal state of mind, i.e., psychopathology in various contexts.
Ayurveda is not merely herbal tradition but it is a science with a comprehensive approach to lifelong fundamental principles of diagnosis and treatment.
Concept of Mind (Manas) in Ayurveda:
According to Master Charak, manas (mind) is the entity responsible for thinking and observation. The mind is achetan (inactive) by itself but gets activated by the atman or atma (soul). Although beyond sensory perception, it is dravya (matter), since it has guna (quality) and karm (action).
Schizophrenia according to Ayurveda:
According to Sushrut Samhita, sadhak pitta (one of the 5 types of Pitta dosha) is responsible for the higher faculties and emotional states. Sadhak Pitta is located in Hridya and is responsible for the feelings such as shourya (valor), bhaya (fear), medha (intelligence), harsha (happiness), swabhimaan (self – esteem), krodha (anger) etc.
Sadhak Pitta performs its functions by dispelling the Kapha which is responsible for dullness and tamas (ignorance) of the heart and thus enables the mind to perceive things clearly.
What is the treatment of Schizophrenia according to Ayurveda?
Our ancient Indian medical system of medicine emphasized on the unity of both body and mind and explained how to deal with mental health problems by psychosomatic approach.
Ayurvedic treatment of Schizophrenia by Yamuna Pharmacy:
- Sery Capsule
- Sery Oil
- Brahmi Capsule
- Ashwagandha Capsule
- Sery Capsule: Sery Capsule manufactured by Yamuna Pharmacy is a proprietary Ayurvedic medicine that contains the goodness of herbs useful that are extremely beneficial for schizophrenia.
- It is a polyherbal formulation that helps in stabilizing the mind, improving concentration and alertness, promoting good sleep by calming the brain and nerves.
- Sery capsule contains powders and extracts of Brahmi, Tagar, Jatamansi and Ashwagandha.
- These capsules are also free from artificial colours, flavours, starch, yeast and chemicals.
Dosage: Take 1-2 capsules twice a day or as directed by the physician.
- Sery Oil: Sery Oil by Yamuna Pharmacy is an Ayurvedic formulation which is extremely beneficial for brain and nervous system as it contains herbs that work in a synergistic manner to calm the brain and improve brain functioning and relieve stress, anxiety, insomnia associated with schizophrenia.
Composition of Sery Oil:
Each 10 ml contains:
| Sr. No. | Herb | Botanical Name | Quantity |
| 1. | Brahmi | Bacopa monnieri | 1250 mg |
| 2. | Jatamansi | Nardostachys jatamansi | 625 mg |
| 3. | Tagar | Valeriana wallichli | 625 mg |
| 4. | Ashwagandha | Withania somnifera | 625 mg |
| 5. | Til tel | Sesamum indicum | 5 ml |
| 6. | Ksheerbala Tel | Classical Ayur. Med. | 5 ml |
Mode of Use: For external application only.
Apply 2-5 ml on the forehead and scalp and massage till absorption.
- Brahmi Capsule: Brahmi Capsule by Yamuna Pharmacy is prepared from Bacopa monnieri
- Brahmi is a nervine and rejuvenating herb that quiets the nervous excitement.
- It has been described as tridoshanashaka (suppressing excess of all the three doshas: Vata, Pitta and Kapha), especially Vata and Pitta abating attributes.
- Brahmi Capsule by Yamuna Pharmacy is useful in managing symptoms such as agitation, anxiety and depression associated with schizophrenia.
Dose: Take 1-2 capsules twice a day or as directed by the physician.
- Capsule Ashwagandha: Capsule Ashwagandha by Yamuna Pharmacy contains the standardized extract of the herb Withania somnifera.
- Ashwagandha is one of the Rasayana herbs mentioned in Ayurveda.
- It enhances the function of brain and nervous system and improves memory as well.
- Being a powerful adaptogen, it enhances the body’s resilience to stress and normalizes the physiological functions of the endocrine system.
Dosage: Take 1-2 capsules twice a day or as directed by the physician.
Diet and Lifestyle:
- Take vegetarian and freshly prepared food.
- Take proper rest and avoid keeping awake at night.
- Do physical exercises such as yoga, pranayama or walking on regular basis.
- Avoid eating non-vegetarian food and consumption of tea and coffee.
- Whole body massage is recommended.