THE STORY
Yoga Ratnakara, c. 1700 CE
“The mind disturbed is like a lake in storm. These herbs still the waters so one may see the bottom clearly once more.”
Yoga Ratnakara, Manasdosha Chikitsa
The Yoga Ratnakara's chapter on mental afflictions (Manasdosha) prescribes Brahmi and Jatamansi as the primary pair for Chittodvega (anxiety). The later addition of Tulsi and Vetiver reflects Ayurveda's evolving understanding of the Pitta-Vata axis in stress disorders.
ORDERS LAST 7 DAYS
THE RITUAL
Heat 200 ml water to 80°C.
Add one sachet of Śamana. Steep for 8 minutes.
Inhale the vetiver-forward aroma before sipping.
Drink during afternoon dip or before a stressful event.
PHARMACOLOGICAL BENEFITS
Brahmi's bacosides upregulate serotonin transporter expression, stabilising mood without the numbing effect of SSRIs.
Tulsi normalises HPA axis function, reducing cortisol in the stressed while supporting it in the fatigued.
Vetiver root cools excess Pitta that manifests as irritability, creating a grounded sense of equanimity.
Jatamansi's jatamansone acts on the limbic system, producing a state of calm awareness without drowsiness.
EXPLORE MORE