Epilepsy

Most people with epilepsy need to take antiepileptic medication to control their seizures and Ayurvedic therapies and herbal remedies are more often complementary. Usually Patients opt for alternative therapies because they may be dissatisfied with antiepileptic drugs due to side effects or failure to achieve control of seizures. Ayurvedic therapies along with Yogic support relax the body and mind, reduce stress, improve seizure control, and also improve quality of life.

Neurocognitive impairment is frequent in epilepsy patients. Causes are multiple, and may be influenced by several factors including the epilepsy syndrome. Most cognitive complaints in adult patients are mental slowness, memory difficulties and attention deficits. Ayurvedic nootropics (Medhya Rasayana group of herbs) have multi-fold benefits, specifically to improve memory and intellect. Several herbal nootropics such as Centella asiatica Linn, Glycirrhiza glabra Linn, Tinospora cordifolia, and Convolvulus pleuricaulis are efficient in the long term management of epilepsy. Other herbs such as Bacopa monnieri, Celastrus panniculata, Acorus calamus, and Nardostachys jatamamsi are also useful as adjuvant therapy.

Many Ayurvedic herbs are administered as processed oil and Ghee. Nootropic herbs are cooked with Ghee (purified butter) or oil for administration through mouth or nose.