Are you using Brahmi-Shankhpushpi for your Autistic Child?
Ayurveda recommends “Medhya Dravyas” to enhance mental faculty and most of the parents think that these herbs are beneficial for their autistic kids. Because most of the time- autism is considered as- “low mental capability”. But it is not so. Besides this, these so called brain tonics are not that beneficial as you feel most of the times.
Medhya Dravyas like Brahmi, Shankhpushpi, Jyotishmati, Mandukaparni, etc., are often glorified for brain health. But when it comes to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), blind or premature use of these herbs—without proper Ama-pachana and Vata-balancing—can lead to worsening of symptoms rather than improvement.
Let’s clinically decode why these “brain tonics” often fail or misfire in children with ASD:
Why Medhya Rasayanas Don’t Work in Autism (Initially)
Ayurveda is a complete science. And when it is science, it is with proper logic and understanding.
1. Most ASD Kids Are in a Sama Vata State
As we discussed earlier, Ama + Vata is the primary pathology in ASD.
Medhya herbs work only when:
- Srotas are open,
- Agni is functioning, and
- Manas is receptive.
Giving Medhya herbs when Ama is present is like pouring ghee into a wet, damp fire—it smokes, sputters, and makes the room toxic. Similarly:
Medhya + Ama = Blocked mind, worsening hyperactivity, irritability, sleep issues.
2. Medhya Herbs are Not Ama-Pachaka by Nature
Let’s understand the pharmacodynamics:
| Herb | Rasa-Veerya-Vipaka | Primary Action |
|---|---|---|
| Brahmi | Tikta, Kashaya – Sheeta – Madhura Vipaka | Nidrajanana, Smriti vardhaka |
| Shankhpushpi | Tikta, Kashaya – Sheeta – Madhura | Anxiolytic, calming |
| Mandukaparni | Tikta, Kashaya – Sheeta – Katu | Cognitive enhancement |
These herbs are:
- Sheeta in Veerya (cold in potency),
- Tikta-Kashaya (which can be Vata-aggravating),
- Not Deepana-Pachana, nor Ama-hara.
Hence, they may suppress Agni further if given too early.
3. They Act at the Dhatu Level, Not at the Koshta
Most children with ASD have underlying Mala-sanchaya, Mandagni, constipation, gut dysbiosis—indicating disturbed Koshta and Rasa Dhatu.
Medhya Rasayanas work primarily at the level of Majja and Manas, which can be accessed only when:
- Koshta is clear,
- Vata is anulomita,
- Agni is normalized.
Thus, giving Rasayana in a toxic terrain is counterproductive.
4. Risk of Overstimulation
Many Medhya herbs also mildly stimulate mental faculties. In children with already heightened sensory processing (Prakopa of Prana Vata), this can:
- Increase restlessness,
- Induce insomnia,
- Exacerbate repetitive behaviors or aggression.
A child already over-stimulated doesn’t need Buddhi-vardhaka—they need Prana-vata shamana and grounding.
When and How Medhya Dravyas Can Be Used in ASD
✅ Only after:
- Proper Ama Nirharana (Deepana, Pachana, Swedana),
- Basic Srotoshodhana is done (like Mridu Virechana or Basti),
- Child’s Agni is stable, bowel habits are clear, behavior is settled.
✅ Then, Medhya herbs can be:
- Titrated slowly,
- Combined with Anupana like warm ghrita or milk,
- And monitored closely.
Best outcomes are seen when:
- Medhya Rasayanas are given as part of a Rasayana karma (not just in capsule/syrup form).
- Orally only after Koshta shuddhi and Ojas improvement.
Medhya Rasayanas are powerful, but they’re not first-aid tools.
They are the finishing touches in chikitsa, not the starting point.
In ASD, they must be viewed as “Shodhit-Buddhi-Balakas”—used after cleansing and calming.
