When we say Childhood, we start imagining the scenario of a world filled with laughter, wild curiosity , climbing trees and bruised knees , not a atmosphere of therapy sessions,inconsolable cries, tantrums or sleepless nights.
Today , many little hearts usually races with worry and anxiety. For a child, today’s modern life is fast , stimulating and many a times overwhelming.For kids, it is like riding a roller coaster ride without any seatbelt.Parents or caretakers often ask this question, Doctor, “Why is our child so restless, so anxious all the time?”
But when we start reaching for a solutions, instead of jumping straight to modern medicine, what if we can offer them something natural?
In Ayurveda, Hyperactivity or anxiety is never considered as some “ problem”, instead it is taken as an imbalance and with the help of some specific calming and nourishing herbs, the emotional imbalanaces , hyperactivity and anxiety can be managed safely and efficiently.
Let’s explore some powerful herbs and plan of actions which can help in balancing the tiny minds naturally.
Shankhapushpi( Convolvulus pluricaulis)
Shankhapushpi is the well known brain boosting herb mentioned by Acharya Charaka , which helps in enhancing intellect and memory. It also helps in calming the nervous system and improving concentration.Hence, making it the best herb for a child battling with lack of grasping power and concentration.
How to give: It is commonly available in syrups formations formulated especially for children.
Jatamansi ( Nardostachys jatamansi)
Famous for its deep relaxing effects, jatamansi is a herb which supports sound sleep, reduces emotional turbulence and balances the mood instability making it ideal for children who have trouble in unwinding or are highly sensitive.
How to give : Orally it can be given in powder for with honey or jatamansi oil can be used for massage or its essential oil can be used for aroma therapy.
Ashwagandha( Withnia sominfera)
It is a very efficient Ayurvedic herb which helps in reducing the stress by balancing the cortisol ( stress hormone in body) level, soothes the anxious ness and also enhances the energy without overstimulating it.It is beneficial in the children particularly with lot of mood swings.
How to give: It can be given as a Churna ( powder form) with warm milk or honey.
Brahmi(Bacopa monnieri)
One of the most gentle adaptogens, brahmi is a brain tonic which reduces restlessness, and helps in focusing and learning. Brahmi stimulates release of certain brain chemicals that are involved in thinking, learning and brain activity.
How to give: Orally, it can be given in the form of syrup or ghee , locally Brahmi oil can be used for oil massage.
Vacha( Achorus calamus)
This herb in Ayurveda is commonly used in the children with nervous system imbalances or kids who are suffering from delayed speech. Vacha exhibits mild sedative properties which helps to ease anxiety and hyperactivity .
How to give: Can be given as Churna with honey or a medicated ghee which consists vacha can be given to the child.
Mandukparni(Centella Asiatica)
It is also known as Gotu kola. This herb helps in improving the blood flow to the brain, so eventually it sharpens the memory and enhance the emotional stability. Thus , good for children who are very sensitive or emotionally reactive.
How to give: It can be given in a powder form with honey and can be added in some herbal formulations like ghee or syrups.
Some Ayurvedic strategies for children
In addition to the herbs, some strategic ayurvedic approach provides additional benefits. It involves:
- Abhyanga( Oil massage):- Oils like Brahmi Oil or Jatamansi oil can be used for giving massage, which can help in calming nerves, thus soothes anxiety and restlessness.
- Yoga and Pranayam: Always encourage the child to practice Breathing exercises like Anulom – vilom or gentle yoga postures like like Tadasana( Palm tree posture), vrikshasana( Tree posture),Parvatasana(Mountain posture),Simhasana( Roaring lion posture) Bhujangasana (Cobra posture)..
- Sattvic food: Always try to give home made fresh ,whole food to the children.
- Screen time limitation : Ensure that child’s screen time be it watching T.v. or online classes should be in expected limit.
- Encourage outdoor activities
Safety and Dosage tips while giving herbs
- Before starting any herb for your Child , always consult your Ayurvedic Pediatrician.
- Monitor for any allergy or any side effects , after starting a new herb.
When there comes to support a child’s mental health related concerns, it is not necessary to rely straight to modern medication. Ayurveda has many gentle, time tested remedies which works wonders on child’s body and mind.By introducing these wonderful herbs in a child’s daily lifestyle we can balance the stress and anxiety in childhood and can help in keeping the childhood – the way it should be.
