In the chilly winter months, many people experience low energy levels, mood swings, and even more serious conditions like Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). With less sunlight and colder temperatures, it’s easy to feel stressed, lazy, or gloomy during this time of year. Did you know that over 10 million Indians and almost 5% of the global population suffer from SAD every winter? With such a staggering number of people feeling sad and tired, especially in the colder months, no wonder this disorder is also called “Winter Blues”! However, Ayurveda offers a natural remedy called Manasmitra Vatakam to deal with seasonal blues by addressing the root cause of this issue. This potent Ayurvedic depression medicine can help balance emotions, improve mental clarity, and help treat mental concerns like stress, anxiety, and depression. Let us explore Manasmitra Vatakam’s benefits in managing the emotional effects of seasonal changes:
Winter Blues and Their Causes
Many people suffer from mental challenges like stress, anxiety, and depression all year round. However, others may occasionally feel sad, tired, lazy, and down during the colder months, bringing forth the concept of seasonal depression. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), also called Winter Blues is a type of depression that occurs with the change of seasons. It is usually seen in winter and is often associated with low sunlight. Common symptoms of winter blues are feeling sad and depressed, low energy levels, disturbed sleep, tiredness, changes in appetite, lack of interest, social withdrawal, etc. Winter Blues occur mainly due to the following reasons:1. Disturbed Circadian Rhythm and Hormone Levels:
Low temperatures and reduced sunlight disturb the body’s internal clock, decreasing the production of Serotonin which affects mood, appetite, and other functions. It also increases melatonin production which affects sleep, leading to feelings of laziness and oversleeping.2. Decreased Physical Activity:
Many people feel too lazy or cold to exercise or indulge in any physical activity in winter. This also reduces endorphins and affects energy levels.3. Increased Stress and Anxiety:
For some people, colder weather may also trigger feelings of isolation and sadness, thus increasing symptoms of depression like nervousness, stress, etc.Ayurvedic Outlook on Seasonal Depression
Ayurveda states that in winter the Vata and Kapha doshas in the body increase affecting all sensory and motor functions, emotional stability, and mental endurance. Increased Vata causes an imbalance in the mind and body, and leads to mood swings and feelings of restlessness, anxiety, and sorrow.Manasmitra Vatakam: Ayurvedic Depression Medicine
Manasmitra Vatakam is a potent brain tonic and an effective Ayurvedic depression medicine that strengthens the nervous system. It is a blend of herbs, minerals, and precious metals renowned for their Medha vardhak properties and neuroprotective effects. They help balance the Vata dosha and support brain health and cognitive function.Manasmitra Vatakam Benefits in Fighting Winter Blues
Let us look at how Manasmitra Vatakam benefits prove effective in boosting your mood and energy levels and fighting winter blues:1. Balances Vata Dosha:
Vata governs the nervous system and affects mental health. Increased Vata can cause feelings of sadness, restlessness, nervousness, etc. Manasmitra Vatakam has nootropic properties that support the nervous system. It helps balance the three doshas, especially Vata dosha.2. Regulation of Circadian Rhythms:
Ayurveda believes that a healthy lifestyle and daily practices like regular exercise, Dinacharya, etc. can help maintain the sleep-wake cycles. Manasmitra Vatakam, when used with other medicines and Ayurvedic practices, may help retain the sleep-wake cycle and regulate the circadian rhythm even in winter.3. Uplifts Mood:
Winter blues can make us sad, irritated, restless, and moody. Enriched with potent herbs like Shankhpushpi, Yashtimadhu, Bala, etc., this Ayurvedic medicine stabilizes the mood by managing emotional imbalances like irritability, nervousness, mood swings, etc.4. Reduces Stress and Anxiety:
Stress and anxiety affect mental health, making us feel lonely, worthless, and nervous. Manasmitra Vatakam is an effective Ayurvedic medicine for stress and anxiety as it calms and relaxes the mind.5. Enhances Mental Functions:
Emotional imbalances can hinder mental functions like memory formation and retention, learning, problem-solving, etc. Manasmitra Vatakam is a great brain tonic with medha vardhak ingredients like Brahmi , Vacha, and Swarna Bhasma that improve memory and focus, reduce mental fog, and bring clarity.6. Strengthens the Nerves:
Some ingredients in this formulation have great nootropic and neuroprotective properties. They help strengthen the nerves and improve their functioning.7. Improves Quality of Sleep:
Sleep is essential for maintaining emotional and mental balance. However, winter blues cause restlessness and affect the quality of sleep. Manasmitra Vatakam contains many ingredients like Shankhpushpi, Brahmi, Raupya bhasma, and Mukta Pishti that calm the nerves, soothe the mind, and improve sleep quality.8. Promotes Emotional Well-being:
Manasmitra Vatakam is useful in relaxing the mind, managing stress, and stabilizing the mood. It can improve cognitive functions and support the nervous system, promoting overall emotional and mental well-being.How to Use Manasmitra Vatakam
Manasmitra Vatakam should be taken only under medical supervision. The common recommendation is 2 tablets twice daily. It is safe to consume in the dose recommended by an experienced Ayurvedic practitioner. Do not overdose, as it may have adverse effects on the body. Possible Side Effects: Manasmitra Vatakam doesn’t have any side effects but pregnant women and those under any specific health conditions should not take this medicine.Other Tips to Fight Winter Blues
Here are some effective tips to help combat the winter blues:- Maximum exposure to sunlight in winter can boost your mood. Spend as much time as possible in natural sunlight.
- Another way to maintain good mood and high energy is to exercise regularly, do some yoga, or indulge in winter sports like skating or skiing. Pursue hobbies or activities you enjoy to help lighten your mood.
- Eating a healthy, balanced diet rich in Vitamin D, Omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin B, etc. can kindle the Agni, improve mood, and help maintain physical and mental health.
- Try Light Therapy which involves sitting in front of a light box for some time every morning. It can help stabilize the mood and reduce the effects of winter blues.
- Winter blues can make you feel isolated and lonely. Stay connected and meet your friends and family regularly.
- Follow a strict routine and a consistent sleep and wake schedule. It can really keep you active, focused, and motivated and help keep SAD at bay.
- Consider adding natural supplements like Brahmi, Ashwagandha, or Shankhpushpi for brain health. Punarvasu’s Brahmi Vati Gold or Ashwagandha Churna are good options.
