Herbal Teas for Vata-Type Depression

The following home remedies will help dissolve a mild vata depression: • Drink dashamoola tea. Steep 1 teaspoon of the herb dashamoola in 1 cup of hot water, and drink. Take twice a day. • Make a tea from equal proportions of ashwagandha and brahmi (about ⅓ to ½ teaspoon each), steep in a cup of water for about 10 minutes, and drink 2 or 3 times a day.

• Another domestic remedy for depression is a tea made of holy basil (tulsi) and sage. Use ¼ teaspoon tulsi and ½ teaspoon of sage per cup of hot water; drink twice a day. • Nose drops of warm sesame oil (3 to 5 drops in each nostril) are effective for relieving depression (see appendix 3). Do this nasya procedure morning and evening on an empty stomach.

• Rubbing the top of the head and the soles of the feet with sesame oil is quite soothing to vata and healing for vata depression. • Psychologically, one factor that sustains vata depression is loneliness. Try to spend more time relating to people; it will help lift the depression. PITTA DEPRESSION Pitta-type depression is generally associated with anger, or with fear of failure, of losing control, or of making mistakes; it often involves thoughts of committing suicide.

It is serious; you should consult your doctor. Of course it is possible to have a mild pitta depression, caused by failing an examination, not getting a promotion at work, or some such thing. A pitta person can be quite addicted to success and, when he or she doesn’t succeed, can easily become upset and depressed. This type of depression may not last long or be too severe.

Pittas are most vulnerable to SAD, seasonal affective disorder, a fairly mild form of depression that usually occurs in the winter. For all types of pitta depression, use the following simple but effective remedies: • Rub some coconut oil or sunflower oil onto your scalp and the soles of your feet at bedtime. • Drink gotu kola or brahmi tea or ginkgo tea 2 or 3 times a day. Use ½ teaspoon of herbs in a cup of hot water.