Ayurvedic Herbs for Depression: How to Choose? How to Combine?

Sir which herbs are good for depression? Can ashwagandha help for both depression and anxiety or it only helps in anxiety?
Dr JV Hebbar
I am assuming this question is coming from a patient. Herb(s) for depression cannot be chosen like vegetables in a supermarket. A well crafted Ayurvedic medicine with effective herbs is more effective than experimenting with single herbs like Ashwagandha.

Aspects of Depression

Depression is a complex disease with multiple facets.
Interest in life is to be brought back
Wisdom and analytical power is to be improved
Focus and concentration on important tasks to be improved
Bodyache, heaviness of the body to be addressed
Sleep and quality of sleep need improvement
Energy, enthusiasm to be seeded back in
In case of a person taking allopathic anti depressants, the side effects of drugs are to be nullified
Main dosha(s) which are causing the depression is to be expelled out
Anxiety is to be decreased
Headache to be relieved
False assumptions are to be corrected
Speech needs to be stimulated so that the person starts sharing her feelings with others
Some bad memories are to be selectively erased
Agni – digestion strength is to be improved
Vayu – Vata dosha in the gut should move in the downward direction
Pitta is to be supported and re-ignited etc.
Brain functioning, neuro hormones to be restored to normal levels
Patient has to learn handling his emotional ups and downs with calmness (Samachittata)
Purpose of life, aims and objectives are to be set so that person prioritizes on them rather than worrying about unimportant things

Herbs for depression

To achieve all these factors and to find effective solutions, below herbs are very useful.
Brahmi
Shankhapushpi
Vacha – Acorus calamus
Guduchi
Gotu Kola
Sarpagandha
Ashwagandha – Useful to improve courage and confidence but can be anxiety producing in some patients, especially when this herb is used alone.
Jatamansi
Panchagavya
Tagara
Shilajit
Lotus Stalk (Kamala Nala)
Sandalwood
Licorice (Yashtimadhu)
Triphala
Chitraka (Leadwort)
Raisins (Draksha)
Swarna Bhasma
Rajata Bhasma
Pravala Bhasma
Usheera
Tulasi – Holy Basil
Rasna – Pluchea lanceolata
Devadaru
Bala – Sida cordifolia
Dashamoola – Group of 10 herbs etc.

Ayurvedic Medicines for Depression

These ingredients are traditionally grouped into a suitable medicine form based on specific need, such as
Brahmi ghritham,
Paishachika Ghritha,
Mahapaishachika ghrita,
Manasamitra vatakam,
Brahmi Vati,
Unmad Gaj Kesari ras etc.