Narcolepsy - Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment

Narcolepsy is a chronic sleep disorder characterized by overwhelming day-time drowsiness and sudden attacks of sleep, which may cause serious disruptions in daily life. Common signs and symptoms include excessive day-time sleepiness, sudden loss of muscle tone, sleep paralysis, hallucinations, automatic behaviour and restless, night-time sleep. Genetics and a disturbed immunity are the known causes for this condition.

The Ayurvedic treatment of narcolepsy is aimed at increasing night-time sleep and reducing day-time bouts of sleepiness. A combination of sedatives and stimulants are used for this purpose. Medicines like Brahmi-Vati, Saraswatarishta, Laxmi-Vilas-Ras, Maha-Laxmi-Vilas-Ras, Dashmoolarishta, Arjunarishta, Maha-Vat-Vidhwans-Ras, Makar-Dhwaj Ras, Abhrak-Bhasma, Suvarna-Bhasma and Bruhat-Vat-Chintamani are used for this purpose.

Herbal medicines which can be used in this condition are: Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi), Sarpagandha (Rauwolfia serpentina), Mandukparni (Centella asiatica), Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis), Vacha (Acorus calamus), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Tagar (Valeriana wallichii), Nirgundi (Vitex negundo), Vishwa (Zinziber officinalis), Marich (Piper nigrum), Pippali (Piper longum), Chitrak (Plumbago zeylanica), Chavya (Piper retrofractrum), Kuchla (Strychnos nuxvomica), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Rasna (Pluchea lanceolata), Erandmool (Ricinus communis), Shalparni (Desmodium gangeticum) and Prushnaparni (Uraria picta).

It is important to note that treatment has to be tailor-made for each individual patient and modifications made in therapy, after receiving feedback from the patient.

Several Panchkarma procedures can be put to good use in the treatment of narcolepsy. In the procedure called 'Snehan', the entire body is massaged with medicated oils like Mahanarayan oil, Mahamash oil, Chandan- Bala-Laxadi oil and oil of Sesame.

This is followed by 'Swedan' in which steam fomentation is given to the entire body using medicines like Dashmool-Qadha and Nirgundi-Qadha. 'Nasya' therapy can be done in this condition, which consists of instilling nasal drops like Vacha oil, Marich oil, and liquid extracts of Shigru (Moringa oleifera) and Vishwa (Zinziber officinalis).

Medicated enemas can also be given using medicines like Vishgarbha oil. The therapeutic purpose of all the above mentioned Panchkarma procedures is to reduce the 'Kapha' dosha and regulate the 'Vat' dosha; this in turn reduces excessive day-time drowsiness and sleep attacks.

With adequate medications and the appropriate lifestyle modifications, most patients of narcolepsy can suitably adapt to their condition. People affected by this condition should avoid long drives, nicotine and alcohol. They should exercise regularly, follow a fixed day-time schedule, take frequent naps, and take into confidence their friends and colleagues regarding their affliction.

Dr. A. A. Mundewadi is Chief Ayurvedic Physician at Mundewadi Ayurvedic Clinic based at Thane, Maharashtra, India. He is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at http://www.ayurvedaphysician.com

The online clinic offers Ayurvedic treatment for all chronic and refractory health problems. Dr. A. A. Mundewadi uses high quality herbal extracts in tablet form, which are easy to take, effective and safe for long-term use. Dr. A. A. Mundewadi, B.A.M.S., has clinical experience of 24 years and clinical research experience of 10 years. He has conducted extensive research in HIV infection, Schizophrenia and many other chronic diseases.

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