Anxiety disorders represent one of the most common and debilitating mental health challenges globally, often requiring long-term treatment and posing risks of dependency with conventional pharmacological interventions. Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, provides a holistic and individualized approach to mental health that integrates physical, psychological, and spiritual well-being. This review explores the Ayurvedic understanding and management of anxiety disorders, drawing from classical texts and contemporary evidence. The concepts of Manas doshas (Rajas and Tamas), Chittodvega (excited state of mind), and their correlations with modern psychiatric diagnoses are examined. Various therapeutic strategies - including herbal medications such as Brahmi and Ashwagandha, Panchakarma therapies like Nasya and Shirodhara, and psychotherapeutic methods like Satvavajaya Chikitsa - are evaluated through case studies and literature-based evidence. Additionally, the review discusses public health implications and the potential for integrating Ayurveda with mainstream mental healthcare. Findings suggest that Ayurvedic interventions offer promising, safe, and cost-effective alternatives for managing anxiety, though further clinical validation is necessary.
Mahajan et al. (Tue,) studied this question.