BHU Research Brings Forward Herbs For Reducing Stress Before Surgery

March 4, 2010- A research study by the Ayurveda experts of Banaras Hindu University (BHU) have highlighted the qualities of certain herbs that can act as premedicant to anesthesia apart from bringing down the anxiety and apprehension levels that are characteristics of pre surgery conditions. This reasearch study on herbs was presented at the 13th national conference of Association of Anesthesiologists in Indian Medicine (AAIM) organized by a section of Sangyaharan, Department of Shalya Tantra, BHU.

Dr DN Pande of the section of Sangyaharan, department of Shalya Tantra, BHU said that a number of herbs including Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) and Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) contain therapeutic values as premedicant for anesthesia and surgeries. Oral administration of 500mg of Brahmi or Jalanimb bhasm could prove to be effective premedicant in ether anesthesia. Ashwagandha too has shown positive results as premedicant in epidural anesthesia.

According to Dr Pande, Purva karma procedures have been found to be beneficial in Sangyaharan practice that aims at reducing pain, anxiety and apprehension before surgery. He also said, "there are a number of other herbs including Mandukaparni (Centella asiatica), Shankhapushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis) and Vacha (Acorus calamus) that can be also used as premedicant with combination and studies have shown that they can provide painless and smooth recovery after surgery."

News Source- Times of India