Ayurvedic Management of Kaphaja Unmada (Depression): A Single Case Study

Abstract

In Ayurvedic literature, Unmada refers to a broad spectrum of mental disorders characterized by the perversion of Manas (mind), Budhi (intellect), and Smriti (memory). Different classical texts describe various treatment protocols for managing such conditions, but their efficacy requires systemic scientific validation. This is an attempt to illustrate the effective Ayurvedic management of Kaphaja Unmada (Depression) through a case study using scientific assessment parameters. This is a case report of a 20-year-old female patient with complaints of persistent sadness, reduced interest in daily activities, fatigue, sleep disturbance, anger, irritability in unusual things, social withdrawal, and refusal to attend college since one and a half months. The Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) was used as the assessment tool. The treatment approach included a combination of modalities such as Sadhyasnehana, Virechana, Hapushadi Ksheera Vasti (3 days), Mathravasthi (4 days), and Samana Nasya (7 days) with Kalyanaka Grita. Samana Aushadha comprised Kalyanaka Grita (5ml morning empty stomach for 14 days), Sankhapushpi Choorna (3g with warm water at bedtime for 14 days), and Highuvachadi Gulika, 2 tablets 500 mg each taken three times daily for 12 days. After completing the 17 day treatment the HDRS score dropped from 36 to 21 in the middle of the treatment and finally reached 3.