HomeAnswersAyurveda SpecialistdepressionDoes Shankhpushpi help to tackle depression?

Can I start taking Shankhpushpi for depression?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Answered by

Dr. Alka

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At May 5, 2017
Reviewed AtJune 1, 2023

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I have been taking allopathic antidepressants since two years now, and I want to try ayurvedic medications for the same. How can I change it? I want to take Shankhpushpi now. Can I take only ayurvedic medicine, or should I take both?

Answered by Dr. Alka

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

As you have been taking medications for depression from past two years, it is not advisable to quit medicine immediately or shift from allopathic to ayurvedic. Instead, start Ayurvedic medicine along with allopathic medication. After some time, when you start getting results, then with the help of your physician, start tapering the allopathic medicine slowly. This way you will get multiple benefits as you will not get any adverse withdrawal effects of antidepressants, your body will get adapted to ayurvedic medicine till then, and it will not lead to a reoccurrence of the disease again.

You asked about Shankhpushpi. It has very good results in depression. I suggest the following. Consult your specialist doctor, discuss with him or her and start taking the medicines after their consent.

  1. Capsule Shankhpushpi, (Shankhapushpi powder) two capsules twice a day with water, for four to six weeks regularly.
  2. Ashwagandharishta (Manjistha, Haritaki, Haridra) one tablespoon with equal amounts of water, twice a day for four to six weeks.
  3. Take Brahmi oil (Brahmi, Amalaki, Tila taila) and do a gentle massage of your head and body, two to three times a week, and after 30 minutes of massage take a bath with lukewarm water.
  4. Do Pranayama, meditation, and walk daily. These things will help you a lot in the improvement.
  5. Add fresh fruits and vegetables to the diet. Add more colored fruits to your diet like different berries. These fruits will help a lot in improving the psychological condition.
  6. Avoid caffeinated drinks, smoking, or alcohol, if you do.
  7. Sleep adequately at least for 6 to 8 hours a day. Go to bed before midnight, and try to go to bed every day at the same time. Avoid TV, mobile, and laptop, an hour before sleeping, as they will hinder the normal sleep pattern.

I hope you are satisfied with my answer.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Alka
Dr. Alka

Ayurveda Specialist

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