Epilepsy: Ayurvedic Treatment, Causes & Natural Remedies
Apasmara
Causes: Epilepsy is defined as occasional unconsciousness with the vomiting of froth andabnormal body movements related to the distortion of memory, intellect, and other mental abilities. Four types of epilepsy exist: Vayu, Pitta, Kapha, and Tridossha. Sometimes external situations combine with inte
Last updated:
Recommended Herbs for Epilepsy
Bala Sida cordifolia Linn Bala (Sida cordifolia) is one of the most important Rasayana drugs in Ayurveda. It is a small shrub growing commonly in waste lands. The entire plant, especially the root, is used medicinally. Four types of Bala are recognized in classical texts: Bala (Sida cordifolia), Atibala (Abutilon indicum), Nagabala (Grewia hirsuta), and Mahabala. Bala is the premier Vatahara and Balya drug - it increases strength (Bala), nourishes Ojas, and acts as a powerful tonic and rejuvenative. The root decoction is used in Vata diseases, nervous debility, and as a general restorative. It contains small amounts of Ephedrine. It is sweet in taste and cold in potency, making it ideal for Pitta-Vata conditions. Used extensively in medicated oils (Bala Taila) for external application in neuromuscular disorders. Dose: root powder 1-2 masha; decoction 1-2 tola. Brahmi Bacopa monniera Brahman is the Hindu name given
to the universal consciousness and
Brahma is the divinity responsible
for all ‘creative’ forces in the world.
Brahmi literally means the energy
or shakti of Brahman (i.e. Sarasvati ).
With brahmi deriving its name
from these roots it has a lot to live
up to. And it does! Its mind
enhancing and nervous system
soothing effects are legendary. Camphor Dryobalanops camphora Colebr. (Bhimseni); Cinnamomum camphora Nees & Eberm. (Chini) Karpura (Camphor) is the first substance described in the Karpuradi Varga, the second chapter of Bhavaprakash Nighantu. Four types are described: (1) Bhimseni — the best, from Dryobalanops camphora trees in Borneo/Sumatra, naturally deposited in wood crevices; (2) Chini — from Cinnamomum camphora, obtained by distillation; (3) Pachi/Bapani — from Blumea species; (4) Synthetic — chemically prepared. Bhimseni is preferred for medicinal use. Camphor is cold in potency, aromatic, and used extensively in heart diseases, burning sensations, fevers, and eye conditions. It is a cardiac stimulant in small doses. Excessive use can reduce sexual potency. Applied externally for skin conditions and pain relief. Book reference: Karpuradi Varga, shloka 1-3. Garlic Allium sativum Linn Arteriosclerosis, asthma, blood and lymphcleanser (anti- ama ); nerve and bone tissue rasayana (rejuvenative); cholesterol, colds, colic, convulsions, cough, detoxifier, ear problems (external use), edema, flu, gas, heart disease, hemor-rhoids, hypertension, hysteria, impotence, indiges-tion, lung/bronchial antiseptic and antispasmodic,memory, paralysis, rheumatism, skin diseases, T.B., tremor, tumors, Vayu fevers, Vayu/Kapharasayana , worms (round). Used effectively on parasites in dogs. Spiritual Uses: It is tamasic , and only suggested as medicine; not as a food for thehealthy. Haritaki is its spiritual substitute.Precautions: Hyperacidity, toxic blood heat, excess Pitta, cause mental dullness, not for spiritual devo-tees except as medicine. Gold Aurum (Au) Suvarna (Gold) is the foremost among metals described in Rasa Shastra. It is described as having properties of all three doshas' pacification. Gold Bhasma (incinerated gold) is used as a powerful rejuvenative and is indicated in tuberculosis, infertility, heart diseases, mental weakness, poisoning, and chronic debilitating conditions. It enhances Ojas (vitality), Buddhi (intellect), and Bala (strength). Gold is classified into 7 types based on source and quality. It must be purified (shodhana) and incinerated (marana) before internal use. The metals are listed as: Sona (gold), Chandi (silver), Tamba (copper), Ranga (tin), Sisa (lead), and Loha (iron) — these are the 7 Dhatus. Verses: 1-8. Gotu Kola Hydrocotyle asiatica Linn Best rejuvenative herb for brain cells and nerves, intelligence. Adrenal purifier, AIDS, blood purifier, eczema, epilepsy, insanity, hypochondria, fevers (intermittent), hair loss, immune systemboost (cleansing and nourishing), liver, longevity, memory, nervous disorders, psoriasis, senility, skinconditions (chronic and obstinate), venereal dis-eases, tetanus, convulsions, rheumatism, elephan-tiasis, bowel disorders. Spiritual Uses: The most sattwic herb Hingu Ferula narthex Boiss.; Ferula foetida Regel One of the most important kitchen spices and medicines. Especially used in Vata disorders and digestive problems. Dissolved in warm oil or ghee. Two types: Hingu (stronger) and Hingupatri (milder). Indian Valerian Valeriana wallichii DC. Tagara (Valeriana wallichii DC., Fam. Valerianaceae) is Indian Valerian, a well-known sedative herb. The rhizome is the medicinal part. Found in the Himalayas at 5000-9000 feet. The plant has a characteristic strong, somewhat unpleasant odor due to isovaleric acid. It is one of the most important Ayurvedic nervine sedatives. Primarily used for insomnia, epilepsy, psychosis, and headache. Also employed as a cardiac tonic and anti-toxic agent. The root contains essential oil rich in valerenic acid and sesquiterpenes. Some confusion exists between Tagara and Nakhui (Celery seed) — they are different plants. V. hardwickii Wall. is also used in South India under the same name. Asarum europaeum (Europiyan Tagar) was historically used in European practice. Book reference: Karpuradi Varga. Katphala Myrica nagi Thumb. Tree found in Himalayas. Bark is the part used. Important in ENT disorders — headache, sinusitis, rhinitis. Used as Nasya (nasal insufflation). Long Pepper Piper longum Linn Pippali has a special property — Katu taste but Madhura Vipaka. Though pungent, it does not aggravate Pitta due to sweet post-digestive effect. One of the best Rasayana drugs when used via Vardhamana Pippali method (gradually increasing then decreasing doses). Ingredient of Trikatu. Nagdamani Artemisia vulgaris Linn. Nagdamani (Artemisia vulgaris) is found in the Himalayan region. It has aromatic silvery-green leaves. The plant is used as an anthelmintic and digestive stimulant. The whole herb is aromatic and bitter. Used in malarial fevers in some traditional systems. Onion Allium cepa Linn. Palandu (Onion) is one of the most universally used vegetables in Indian cooking. It is pungent when raw, sweet when cooked. It is heavy, oily and hot. It strengthens the body and is considered aphrodisiac. It pacifies Vata. Different varieties — white, red and pink. It is used in virtually all Indian preparations. Verse: 63.
▶ Classical Text References (1 sources)
Ayurvedic Perspective on Epilepsy
Dosha Involvement: Vata, Pitta, Kapha
Ayurvedic Therapies: First, oleation and fomentation are applied. Internally-Caused: Next, for internally-caused epilepsy, the appropriate pancha karma measures are used to cleanse and balance the heart, circulatory channels, and the mind that contain excess dosshas. -Vayu epilepsy requires medicated enemas. - Pitta calls for purgation.- Kapha needs emetics. As with all diseases, the strength of the person afflicted with the illness must be considered. Thenfoods are given, beginning with light meals, thenmoving gradually to heavier ones. Externally-Caused: For epilepsy causes associated with external situations, m
Key Herbs: Brahmi, Gotu Kola, Triphala, Guggul, Turmeric, Ginger, Garlic, Bala, Pippali, Sandalwood, Vacha, Musta
Source: The Ayurveda Encyclopedia, Chapter 20: Mental Health
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.