Sumatriptan for Migraine: Brahmi, Best Substitute in Ayurveda
Abstract
Migraine is a common neurological disorder affecting the maximum population all around the world. According to the reviews, migraines are controlled by modern modes of medicine like various analgesics, Triptans, and steroids. These steroids no doubt suppress the symptoms temporarily and can be preferred in emergency cases. Similarly, Sumatriptan is also used for migraine but does not manage its symptoms permanently and also causes many side effects.But Ayurvedic medicine will eliminate the root cause naturally and that too without side effects.
Introduction to Migraine
Migraines are a condition that is associated with pulsing sensation on either side of the head. Migraine attacks start suddenly with severe pain accompanied by other symptoms as well. The prevalence of the disease is more in women than men and about 14 out of 100 women get affected globally every year. (3)
Symptoms
Migraines are usually characterized by severe episodes of Headaches, Nausea, Vomiting, Dizziness, Mental confusion, Weakness, difficulty in speaking, Constipation, Depression, Stiffness, sensitivity to light and mood swings.
Causes
Some of the reasons that trigger the onset and symptoms of migraine can be as follows-
- Indigestion
- Vitiated Tridosha i.e. Pitta, Vata, and Kapha
- Increased uptake of dry, salty and spicy food
- Intake of unhygienic food
- Stress, anger, and negative thoughts, etc.
- Hormonal changes
- Intake of alcohol, caffeinated beverages, etc.
- Eating Salty, cheesy, processed food items, etc.
- Environmental factors
- Sedentary lifestyle
Diagnosis
Some of the physical and clinical assessment involved in the confirmation of migraine are as follows-
- Magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)
- Computerized tomography (CT) Scan
- Blood tests
Sumatriptan Use in Migraine
Mostly pain relievers are recommended for reducing symptoms of Migraine and enhances serotonin levels. Sumatriptan belongs to a class of triptans and helps in relieving headaches, pain, nausea, vomiting, etc. This can give instant relief from symptoms but can have certain severe side effects such as-
- Dizziness
- Fluctuations in blood pressure
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Stroke
- Itching
- Serious allergic reactions
- Chest pain
- Hallucinations
Ayurvedic Aspect for Migraine
According to the Ayurvedic point of view, migraines are considered “Sooryavarta”. The term Soorya means Sun and avarta means blockage and pain in migraines gets worse during sunrise and peak hours in the noon. We need to balance three energies in the body by following a proper diet and a sedentary lifestyle. Ayurveda provide the various herbs for migraine such as Brahmi, Ashwagandha.
Brahmi as the Best Substitute to Sumatriptan
Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) is an amazing Indian traditional Ayurvedic herb which is considered as a “Medhya Rasayana” which means it sharpens the mind and intellect. This herb is beneficial in treating various conditions like memory loss, poor concentration, and anxiety. Brahmi is packed with amazing chemical and phytochemical composition bacosides, alkaloids (Brahmine, Herpestine, and Nicotine), mannitol and saponins, etc. These all properties make it beneficial in neuro-generative disorders like Parkinson’s disease, prevents strokes, depression, etc. (1). This herb is enriched with anti-depressant, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, adaptogenic, anti-neoplastic and immune-stimulatory properties. (2)
Ayurvedic Properties of Brahmi
- Rasa (Taste)- Astringent and bitter
- Virya (Potency)- Cold
- Vipaka (Metabolic property)- Sweet
- Guna (Physical property)- Light
Best Herbal Alternative to Sumatriptan by Planet Ayurveda
Planet Ayurveda has formulated safe and effective herbal remedies like Ashwagandha capsules, Pitta balance, Medhya churna, Brahmi capsules and Arogyavardhini Vati in Migraine care pack. All these products are 100% pure, vegetarian and natural. These are formulated under the strict supervision of MD Ayurveda experts in proper sterile conditions. The products manufactured here are free from chemicals, preservatives, additives, colors, fillers, binders, etc.
Product Description
1. Ashwagandha Capsules
Planet Ayurveda’s Ashwagandha capsules contain a standardized extract of high-quality herbs of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). Ashwagandha is considered as a Rasayana in Indian Ayurvedic medicine system. This herb holds a prominent place in promoting mental and physical health as it is an adaptogen or anti-stress agent. It contains anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatory properties which effectively reduces anxiety, stress, and symptoms of migraines.
Dosage– 1 capsules two times a day with plain water
2. Arogyavardhini Vati
This amazing herbal product has been formulated from enormous traditional herbs like Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica), Chitrakmool (Plumbago zeylanica), Kutki (Picrorhiza kurroa), Shuddh Guggulu (Commiphora mukul) and Shuddh Shilajit (Asphaltum). These herbs work synergistically in boosting immunity, detoxification and improve metabolic activity. Arogyavardhini Vati works significantly in balancing Tridosha i.e. Pitta, Kapha and Vata, thus strengthens the body.
Dosage– 2 tablets two times a day after meals with plain water
3. Pitta Balance Capsules
Pitta balance capsules are herbal supplement which contains Praval Pishti (Coral), Giloy satva (Tinospora cordifolia), Mukta Pishti, Jawar Mohra Pishti, Kamdhudha Ras and Akik pishti (Agate). This herbal remedy from Planet Ayurveda helps in balancing vitiated Pitta Dosha which is the main cause that triggers the ailment. These capsules are very beneficial in balancing and restoring fire energy in the body.
Dosage– 1 capsule two times a day with plain water after meals
4. Brahmi Capsules
Brahmi capsules have been formulated from pure extracts of Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) which is considered as a natural brain tonic and works effectively in treating neurological disorders. This product reduces various symptoms like severe pain, nausea, vomiting and improves blurred vision. These capsules significantly manage symptoms of migraines by nourishing neurons and improving retention ability.
Dosage– 2 capsules two times a day with plain water
5. Medhya Churna
Medhya churna is a wonderful herbal blend containing enormous traditional herbs like Krishna Jeerak (Carumcarvi), Patha (Cissampelos pareira), Pipali (Piper longum), Ajmoda (Carum roxburghianum), Sonth (Zingiber officinale), Marich (Piper nigrum), Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) and Brahmi (Bacopa monnierri) and Shwetjeera (Cuminum cyminum). This formulation is packed with amazing medicinal properties that effectively manage Vata Dosha and symptoms of migraine. This blend strengthens the nervous system by maintaining Ojas (energy).
Dosage– 1 pinch of powder two times a day or 1gm two times daily.
Conclusion
Hence it can conclude that changing diet, lifestyle, and mode of treatment will manage the symptoms more appropriately and naturally. Migraine attacks can be prevented effectively by Ayurvedic treatment that will not cause any kind of side effects.