In the line of progressive & irreversible degenerative diseases is Alzheimers, known to be affecting millions across the world, especially amongst the middle-aged and older adults. Most typical symptoms include a progressive loss of cognitive functions including short term memory loss, inability to absorb new information, forgetting very easily identifiable names and even losing belongings.
Extreme cases even involve complete loss of memory and loss of sense of time & place. Nervous system disorders like Alzheimers, called ‘VataVyadhi’ in Sanskrit, are a result of imbalances of Vata, the biological air energy that moves through the brain and the nerves. This results in weakness or disturbances of nervous system and leads to more serious complications.
Recent researches in Ayurveda have indeed shown that various medicinal plants that are commonly used in ayurvedic medicine have properties that can reverse the Alzheimer’s Disease pathology. Ashwagandha is one such herb, used in Ayurveda as a nervine tonic and has properties believed to reduce stress levels and hence can induce reversing effect as far as Alzheimer’s is concerned. A few other ayurvedic herbs that can potentially transform the way world treats Alzheimer’s are: Turmeric, Brahmi, Shankhpushpi, Gotu Kola, Jyotishmati, Jatamansi & Guggulu.
All these herbs have typically different effects on the human body but a similar trait that they carried while tests were conducted were the impact these herbs had on the cognitive systems of the human body. All these herbs were effective to a certain extent in reversing what were found to be symptoms of Alzheimer’s.
While the world grapples with expensive pharma bills, especially in the case of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimers, let us look forward to Ayurveda to provide the much needed respite.
