Ayurvedic Treatment of Tourette Syndrome
About Tourette Syndrome
Tourette’s syndrome is a complex neurological disorder that causes affected person to make sudden repetitive movements or undesirable sounds, called tics that can’t be controlled. Begins between the ages of 2 and 21, and lasts throughout life. It has also been found that Tourette’s syndrome is more common in boys than in girls by a ratio of five to one.
It is not degenerative and people with TS can expect to live a normal life span.
Persons with Tourette syndrome do not have much control over the unusual movements or sounds (‘tics’) that they make. They consist of abrupt recurrent twitches of a group of muscles. Characterized by blinking, sniffing, grimacing, shoulder movements and head movements. The exact cause of this disorder is unknown.
Causes of Tourette Syndrome
The causes of Tourette is exactly not known. It is likely to be caused by a combination of inherited (genetic) and environmental factors.
- Tourette has been linked to an abnormality that may exist in the basal ganglia, the part of the brain that helps to control motor movements. Chemicals in the brain, dopamine and serotonin and norepinephrine that transmit nerve impulses (neurotransmitters) could be responsible.
- Genetics seem like to play a part in some cases of Tourette’s syndrome, with it appearing to run in families. People belonging to family members with Tourette’s are more predisposed to get it themselves. But people in the same family may have different symptoms.
- Environmental factors possibly play a role in the development of TS (for example, stress or infection), but these causes are not well defined.
- Emotional and mental stress and distress may also worsen the tics.
Ayurveda View of Tourette syndrome
According to Ayurveda Tourette syndrome is due to the aggravation Vata Dosha. A sub type of vata- prana vata is mainly responsible for this syndrome.
Symptoms and Signs of Tourette Syndrome
Symptoms of TS can vary from one individual to another. The hallmark symptom of TS is tics. For tics to be defined as Tourette’s syndrome, that must be present for at least a year and comprises of at least one vocal tic.
Tics are involuntary and usually sudden, rapid and repetitive muscle movements and vocal sounds that some people make, without being aware of it. People with Tourette syndrome do not characterize same symptoms.
Tics worsen with stress, anxiety, excitement, anger or fatigue and can get better during absorbing activities or sleep. The more severe ones can be embarrassing and can affect your social life or work.
Types of Tics:
1. Tics can be:
- Vocal (Sounds)– Like Grunting, Coughing Or Shouting Out Words
- Physical (Movements)– Like jerking of the head or jumping up and down
2. Tics can also be:
- Simple – These sudden, brief and repetitive tics include a limited number of muscle groups.
- Complex– These distinct, coordinated patterns of movements involve several muscle groups.
Simple motor tics include:
- Eyes Blinking
- Shoulder rotation or elevation,
- Head and arm jerking,
- Lip contractions
- Closing of the eyes,
- Eyes rolling in the orbits.
- Turning the neck to one side (torticollis)
- Opening And Closing Of The Mouth,
- Contractions of abdomen
- Stretching of arms and legs.
Complex motor tics include:
- Jumping
- Kicking
- Touching Objects
- Retching
- Bending Or Rotation Trunk,
- Burping
- Socially Inappropriate Movements,
- Obscene Gestures
Simple phonic tics include:-
Complex phonic tics include:-
- Complex and Loud Sounds,
- Phrases Out of Context,
- Phrases With Obscenities,
- Cursing,
- Repetition of Other Person’s Phrases.
Associated conditions have been reported in half of the children with Tourette’s syndrome. The most common are attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
Herbal Remedies for Tourette Syndrome by Planet Ayurveda
Planet Ayurveda is a globally recognized, GMP-certified herbal manufacturing company. The company follows the principles of Ayurveda to produce pure, vegetarian, and natural supplements free from chemicals, preservatives, and additives. With ISO, US-FDA, USDA Organic, EU Organic, and other international certifications, Planet Ayurveda ensures the highest quality standards. Its product range includes over 300 classical and proprietary formulations catering to diverse health needs. The herbs are sourced from organic fields and processed using ancient Ayurvedic methods blended with modern technology. For Tourette Syndrome, Planet Ayurveda has various formulations out of which some are listed below:
1. Neurogenie Capsules
Neurogenie capsules come in the form of vegetarian capsules enriched with potent Ayurvedic herbs like Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri). These herbs are revered in Ayurveda as Medhya Rasayana (nervine tonics) that strengthen the brain, calm excessive movements, and stabilize Vata imbalance. In Tourette syndrome, where tics arise due to aggravated Vata and disturbed Mano-vaha srotas (mind channels), these capsules support relaxation, improve focus, and enhance overall neurological balance.
Dosage: 1 capsule twice daily with plain water after meals.
2. Medhya Churna
Medhya Churna is an Ayurvedic powder formulation containing Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis), Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) and many other herbs. Traditionally known as intellect-promoting herbs, they act on the higher mental faculties and help restore Dhi, Dhriti, and Smriti (intellect, patience, and memory). In cases of Tourette syndrome, this powder helps pacify deranged Vata, nourish the brain, and reduce nervous irritability while enhancing calmness and concentration.
Dosage: ½ tsp twice daily with warm milk or to be scrubbed over the tongue.
3. Neuroplan Syrup
Neuroplan is a herbal syrup containing extracts of Mandukaparni (Centella asiatica), Jyotishmati (Celastrus paniculatus), and Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis). Being in liquid form, it is quickly absorbed and soothing for children or adults with difficulty swallowing tablets. Ayurveda describes these herbs as strengthening Majja Dhatu (nervous tissue) and promoting smooth coordination of mind and body. In Tourette syndrome, Neuroplan syrup aids in reducing hyperactivity, calming involuntary vocal and motor tics, and nurturing overall cognitive functions.
Dosage: 2 tsp twice daily with plain water after meals.
4. Brahmi Ghrit
Brahmi Ghrit is a classical ghee-based preparation infused with Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis), and other medhya herbs processed in clarified butter. As per Ayurveda, ghee acts as a yogavahi (excellent carrier) that penetrates deep into the tissues and nourishes the nervous system. Brahmi Ghrit is highly recommended for neuropsychiatric disorders like epilepsy, tremors, and tics. In Tourette syndrome, it soothes excessive Vata activity, supports memory and intellect, and provides stability to mind and speech when taken with warm water.
Dosage: 1 tsp twice daily with warm water after meals.
5. Stress Support Capsules
Stress Support capsules are a synergistic blend of ingredients like Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Tagar (Valeriana wallichii), and Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri). This capsule formulation is designed to balance stress hormones, reduce anxiety, and strengthen the nervous system. Ayurveda considers chronic stress as a trigger for Vata aggravation, which worsens neurological conditions like Tourette syndrome. By calming the mind, reducing hyper-excitability, and nourishing brain tissues, Stress Support aids in controlling involuntary expressions and maintaining emotional stability.
Dosage: 1 capsule twice daily with plain water after meals.
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