6 ways Jatamansi can calm your mind and improve nerve health

Worry too much? Use jatamansi to calm your nerves.

By: Anusuya Suresh | | Published: August 4, 2017 1:50 pm

Are you getting sleepless nights worrying about your big interview? It’s natural for anyone to turn into a bundle of nerves before a big event. Although we know that nothing can be achieved by worrying and that frequent anxiety attacks affect your well being, we can’t help entertain the nagging thoughts at the back of our mind. What you need at such times is an antidote to calm your nerves down. Jatamansi, a potent nerve-calming herb, is Ayurveda’s gift to the worrywarts who cannot stop being anxious. (Read: 10 causes of tingling or numbness) Also Read - Ashwagandha benefits: 5 reasons women should consider taking this ancient herb

Also Read - Ayurvedic remedy for COVID-19 shows better results than conventional medicines in clinical trials

The herb, known as spikenard in English, is found in the Himalayan region, which is known for its rich repository of herbs and plants. Although we speak of it is a plant, only the roots and rhizomes of the Jatamansi are used for herbal preparations in Ayurveda. The ancient system of medicine has long known the nerve-protecting qualities of Jatamansi, but science has only recently started waking up to its many benefits, especially for the nerves. Let’s take a quick look at how the herb helps you heal your mind. (Read: Yoga to relieve anxiety) Also Read - Cold feet: Causes and home remedies

Jatamansi treats epilepsy

Epilepsy seizures are known colloquially in India as “fits.” It is a neurological disorder arising from abnormal electrical activity in the brain. A 2005 study conducted by Indian scientists Rao VS et al. revealed that the ethanol content in Jatamansi helps in controlling the seizures and has nerve-protecting properties. When used in combination with other herbs, Jatamansi can also help in preventing episodes in the future. [1] (Read: 5 expert-recommended ways to handle epilepsy in children)

Jatamansi treats catalepsy

Catalepsy is a condition where the patient suddenly experiences bodily rigidity along with failure to respond to outside stimuli. Like epilepsy, catalepsy is also a neurological disorder. When scientists tested the efficiency of the herb against catalepsy induced by Reserpine, an anti-BP drug, they were pleased to see that jatamansi helped in reducing the cataleptic episodes. After discovering these results, scientists believe that the herb can be used in the treatment of dyskinesia and Parkinson’s disease. [2]

Jatamansi treats insomnia

Sleep is the first thing people lose when they face a challenging, worrisome situation. A lack of sleep can, in turn, sabotage your best-laid plans by harming your memory. Research has shown that Jatamansi , when combined with other herbs, can be a good antidote for sleeplessness. It improves the quality of your sleep and reduces episodes of insomnia.[3]

Jatamansi treats depression

Anxious people often fall into depression when they are excessively worried about an impeding event. To boost your mood and to feel better about life again, Ayurveda recommends Jatamansi. Even science states that the herb can help induce a feeling of calmness and well-being by increasing the levels of monoamines in the brain [4]. It also reduces depression by decreasing the levels of GABA, a neurotransmitter, in the brain. [5] (Read: 10 ways to treat depression using Bach flowers)

Jatamansi strengthens the nervous system

To say that the degeneration of nerves can affect the quality of your life is an understatement. Without nerves, you won’t be able to move, feel things or perform even the simplest of actions. To keep them in ship shape, a nerve tonic is what you need. Science has uncovered the various neuro-protective qualities of the antioxidants in jatamansi, making it an amazing herb to strengthen your nerves without causing any serious side effects. [6]

Jatmansi preserves memory

When you are stressed out of your wits, you often become forgetful. Stress can also impair your learning abilities. Studies have proved that jatamansi is a potent herb that boosts memory and improves your cognitive function. [7] It has also proven to be effective in treating dementia or forgetfulness in the elderly. The rich-antioxidant content in jatmansi is the star ingredient that helps in preserving memory and preventing neural degeneration.

References:

1.Rao VS, Rao A, Karanth KS. Anticonvulsant and neurotoxicity profile of Nardostachys jatamansi in rats. J Ethnopharmacol. 2005 Dec 1;102(3):351-6. Epub

2.Patil RA, Hiray YA, Kasture SB. Reversal of reserpine-induced orofacial dyskinesia and catalepsy by Nardostachys jatamansi. Indian J Pharmacol. 2012 May;44(3):340-4. doi: 10.4103/0253-7613.96307.

3.Uniyal, M. R. (1969). Commercially and traditionally important medicinal plants of Manadakini valley of Uttrakhand, Himalayas. J. Res. Indian Med., 4, 83.

4.Prabhu V, Karanth KS, Rao A. Effects of Nardostachys jatamansi on biogenic amines and inhibitory amino acids in the rat brain. Planta Med. 1994 Apr;60(2):114-7. PubMed PMID: 8202559.

5.Dhingra, D., & Goyal, P. K. (2008). Inhibition of MAO and GABA: probable mechanisms for antidepressant-like activity of Nardostachys jatamansi DC. in mice.

6.Salim, S., Ahmad, M., Zafar, K. S., Ahmad, A. S., & Islam, F. (2003). Protective effect of Nardostachys jatamansi in rat cerebral ischemia. Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior, 74(2), 481-486.

7. Joshi H, Parle M. Nardostachys jatamansi improves learning and memory in mice. J Med Food. 2006 Spring;9(1):113-8. PubMed PMID: 16579738

Image source: Shutterstock

Published : August 4, 2017 1:50 pm

Do I need to undergo cervical cancer screening even if I have been vaccinated for HPV?

5 things you must know about cervical cancer screening

About The health Site

Useful Links