Hysteria is a mental and nervous disorder or an emotional reaction triggered by intense anxiety. It is characterized by a lack of control over acts and emotions and by sudden emotional outbursts or seizures. Hysteria generally is a result of repressed mental conflict manifesting as dramatic and exaggerated reactions. They are intended to attract the attention of the people around them and thus gain sympathy.
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Ayurvedic Approach to Hysteria
Hysteria is also termed Unmada in Ayurvedic terminology. The other name of this disorder is Yosha Apasmara.
Symptoms of Hysteria
The affected person may be suffering from ulcers, indigestion, heartburn or hyper-acidity. The patient may also suffer from acute constipation.
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Hysteria Causes
In some chronic and extreme cases, the causes can be emotional and neurotic factors. The symptoms differ according to the response of the sufferer to different situations. The mental disturbance is found to be a predominating cause of hysteria. Diarrhea is also seen in some cases.
Ayurvedic Treatments For Hysteria
The Ayurvedic treatments include Ashvagandharishta along with medications namely Shankhpushpi, Vacha, Brahmi, and Sarpagandha. These drugs work well for the treatment of patients of all types of hysteria. They effectively control the emotional and neurotic conditions and the symptoms subside within a short period.
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Patients with chronic colitis are given Jatiphaladi Churna to relieve mental tension. A teaspoonful of Jatiphaladi Churna mixed with a cup of buttermilk should be taken thrice daily.
Ashvagandharishta Therapy induces sound sleep in those suffering from insomnia. Six teaspoonfuls of mixed with equal quantity should be taken twice a day after food.
Alternatively, the patient can be given Shankhapushpi, Vacha, and Brahmi, one gram of which should be mixed with a cup of milk and taken 3 times a day.
Malakangani is a nerve tonic that is beneficial in gout, mental illness, rheumatism, and stress relief.
Jal Brahmi and Jatamansi are used as brain stimulants. Keshar, Kawanchl, Kutaki are other herbs that are effective in treating hysteria patients.
Tagar is used as a sedative to patients with psychic conditions and nervous debility.
Malakangani is a nerve tonic, for gout, rheumatism, mental illness, as an anti-stress agent and to promote memory. It stimulates the intellect. It is used in the form of oil.
Shilajit, Tripahala, Sonth, Vadarikand, and Tulsi are other herbs that are prescribed according to the need of the hysteria patient.
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Diet Recommendation For Hysteria
A well-balanced diet consisting of lots of fruits is recommended. A daily intake of Almond at bedtime is beneficial. Hot, oily, and spicy food should be avoided.
Other Recommendation For Hysteria
Meditation and Pranayama breathing exercises can help in calming the mind of hysteria patients. Morning walks in the fresh air also help. The patients of hysteria should be kept away from emotionally taxing situations and they should have sound sleep during the night.