Saraswath - Arishtam

BASIC INFO

Saraswatharishtam

Saraswatharishtam is a Nervine Tonic.

Saraswatharishtam is a traditional nerve tonic that contains ingredients known to help in the Ayurvedic treatment of neurological and psychological problems. 

 

Saraswatharishtam benefits

Saraswatharishtam uses key ingredients that can help support the treatment of nerve and psychiatric disorders. These ingredients are stated by the ancient Ayurvedic texts to be good for reducing mental stress, depression, and also enhancing learning through increasing attention span and intelligence. In addition to this, it is also prescribed in Ayurveda to improve the quality of sleep and reduce restlessness. Saraswatharishtam with gold is the traditional formulation but it is available without gold to make it more affordable. 

 

Ingredient list

The Saraswatharishtam consists of many herbs that make it an overall tonic that helps prevent various types of mental disorders. It can be used for children and adults to treat existing disorders and prevent the occurrence of new disorders as well. Saraswatharishtam can be used as a complementary medicine too. Here are the three ingredients of Saraswatharishtam.

Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri)

• Ayurvedic neuroprotective brain tonic for memory, intellect, and the ability to recollect
• It is used in Ayurveda to open and clear the mind, boost attentiveness, alertness, focus, and concentration. Ayurveda states that it has anxiety-relieving properties and helps balance emotions and treat other neurological disorders. It is said to reduce stress by regulating the stress hormones and decreasing cortisol levels.

Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus)

• It is called the queen of herbs
• It is useful in Ayurveda as a nutritive tonic, rejuvenative, antioxidant, anti-depressant, adaptogenic, and immunomodulator

Vidari (Pueraria tuberose) 

• It is a traditional strengthening tonic that also improves body mass, virility, and strength

Haritaki (Terminalia chebula)

• Is used to balance all three Doshas

Usira (Vettiveria zizanioides)

• It pacifies Vata and Pitta Doshas
• It is used as a detoxifier - Removes Ama

Sunthi (Zingiber officinale) 

• Ginger supports the digestive fire Agni
• It calms the Vata Dosha and balances Kapha Dosha.

Saunf (Foeniculum vulgare)

• It is traditionally taken after a meal to soothe the stomach and aid digestion
• It balances Vata and Kapha Doshas

Madhu (Honey)

• Balances Kapha and Pitta Doshas
• It is an Ayurvedic catalyst that helps the medicines penetrate better

Sarkara (Sugar) 

• Balances the Vata and Pitta Doshas
• It is used in Ayurveda as a blood purifier

Dhataki (Woodfordia fruticosa)

• It is an immunomodulator in traditional medicine  

Nirgundi (Vitex negundo)

• Balances Vata and Kapha Dosha
• Helps in Ayurvedic medicine to heal wounds

Pippali (Piper longum)

• Pacifies Vata and Kapha Doshas
• Improves metabolism according to Ayurveda

Trivrit (Operculina turpenthum)

• It balances Pitta and Kapha Doshas. It increases Vata Dosha.

Lavanga (Syzygium aromaticum)

• It is used in Ayurvedic medicine as a carminative, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial

Vacha (Acorus calamus)

• Balances Kapha and Vata Doshas and relieves Ama
• According to Ayurvedic texts, it is said to improve intelligence, support digestion, relieve bloating, improve voice, help in psychological disorders, neuralgia

Kushta (Saussurea lappa)

• It pacifies Vata and Kapha diseases

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

• It has excellent anti-anxiety and anti-stress properties as per Ayurveda
• Helps reduce the effects of tiredness and fatigue

Bibhitaki (Terminalia belerica)

• One of the famous Triphala herbs
• Its name is derived from the word Vibhitaki which means to be without the fear of disease

Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia)

• It is used as an Ayurvedic adaptogen and for anti-stress
• It pacifies all the three Doshas
• This herb is an excellent detoxifier to remove the Ama from the body. This helps to treat the cause of a disease or problem at the root

Ela (Elettaria cardamomum) 

• Cardamom
• It balances Kapha and Vata Doshas
• It is used in Ayurveda as an antioxidant in treating indigestion

Vidanga (Embelia ribes)

• Wound healing properties in Ayurveda
• Balances Vata Dosha

Dalchini (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) 

• Is used in traditional medicine as a carminative, haemostatic, antiseptic, astringent, antispasmodic

 

Dosage

Children 3 to 12 ml  and adults 12 to 24 ml

Mental Health Disorders and Ayurveda

Mental health disorders are common but are often difficult to diagnose. There are various types of psychological and neurological disorders that can affect people in different ways. Some people may develop high levels of stress while others may develop difficulty in recalling things. Mental disorders can affect the way people think, their mood, the way they learn, and the way they react to situations. Mental disorders can be caused due to a range of factors and it is important to treat them to ensure you are able to live life in a productive way. 

 

Causes of psychological and neurological disorders 

There are several causes of psychological and neurological disorders and some of the most common causes are as follows.

• Nutritional deficiencies can lead to various mental disorders. For example, if a pregnant woman doesn’t get sufficient nutrition during her pregnancy, then the child can be born with a lesser number of brain cells.
• Perinatal asphyxia can lead to problems with the child’s intellect. It is caused due to hypoxia which is a lack of oxygen in the blood. Lack of oxygen may lead to multiple disorders in babies.
• Congenital factors such as metabolic disorders, chromosome abnormalities, gene abnormalities, and change in chromosome number can cause neurological disorders. The congenital malformation is another cause of psychological and neurological disorders.
• Immune disorders may cause psychological and neurological disorders. For example, autoimmune encephalitis may lead to emotional problems and abnormal movements. It might take months for the symptoms to show.
• Injuries to the spinal cord or brain may lead to psychological and neurological disorders. Traumatic brain injuries can be of three types; open wounds, closed head injuries and crushing injuries. Spinal cord injuries can be due to falls or car accidents.
• Toxins can lead to neurological and psychological disorders. These can be from the environment in the form of chemicals and children may get affected by these toxins. When this happens, children may get affected that leads to neurological disorders.
• Postnatal infections can be caused due to meningitis and encephalitis. Encephalitis can cause changes in behaviour, epilepsy, speech problems, and problems in memory. Meningitis can lead to problems in memory, learning difficulties, and balance problems.

 

Psychological and Neurological disorders - Overview 

Mental health is one of the major components of Ayurveda according to the Ayurvedic texts. While Ayurveda is considered as a complementary stream of medicine, its significance can’t be ignored. In fact, recent studies have shown the effectiveness of Ayurveda treatments on children and adults. Ayurveda does not view mental health or physical health individually. Instead, Ayurveda views them as interrelated to each other. When the mind is not balanced then there is an imbalance in the body and this may lead to illnesses and disorders. Depending on the type of dosha and the severity, different problems may surface. 

Ayurveda classifies the brain, spinal cord and bone marrow as Majja Dhatu for which metabolism is governed by the Majja Agni. A Vata imbalance affects this Agni and causes problems making it variable, Pitta makes it low and Kapha makes it sluggish and finally blocks the impulses or Prana entirely. So, Dosha balance should be restored and metabolic waste avoided to make sure that the tissues of this Dhatu are optimal. Ayurvedic brain tonics directly nourish this tissue and balance the Doshas. 

As Ayurveda takes a holistic approach, there are various aspects that must be considered when mental health is in question. That is, instead of focusing on one aspect, Ayurveda treatment for mental disorders focuses on various aspects. These include exercise, diet, and lifestyle. Ayurveda is not about solving a mental or physical problem. It ensures that the problem is solved and it is prevented from occurring again in the future. Therefore, you can say that Ayurveda takes an approach that is fool-proof because it focuses on the present and the future. This enables solving the problem at the base.

There are some ways to become mentally strong. Hatha yoga is an effective method that can be used since it can be used for improving mental health. Breathing exercises can help improve mental health. Meditation can help improve mental disorders and can help improve its health as well. Establishing a daily routine and having set times to eat, sleep, study, and adopting hobbies is a great first step to ensure mental health balance. There are certain types of exercises that can prove to be beneficial to help heal disorders related to the brain. Depending on the type of imbalance, the proper exercise approach can be found.

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