Abstract

A SINGLE CASE STUDY ON KSHEER BALA TAILA NASYA AND BRAHMI VATI IN THE MANAGEMENT OF ANIDRA (INSOMNIA)

Dr. Neelam Prakash Dubey*, Dr. Maheshchandra Bhojraj Khandate

Abstract

Background: Anidra (insomnia) is a pervasive sleep disorder characterized by difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep, leading to significant daytime impairment. In Ayurveda, Nidra (sleep) is considered one of the three Upastambhas (sub-pillars) of life, essential for health and wellbeing. Anidra is primarily attributed to vitiation of Vata Dosha affecting Manovaha Srotas (mind channels). Contemporary management with hypnotics and sedatives often carries adverse effects and dependency risks. Ayurvedic interventions including Nasya (nasal drug administration) and oral Vati (tablets) offer a holistic, side-effect-free approach. Case Presentation: A 45-year-old female software professional presented with a six-month history of delayed sleep onset (>90 minutes), frequent nocturnal awakenings, early morning awakening, and significant daytime fatigue, irritability, and impaired concentration. She had been using over-the-counter sedatives intermittently. She was diagnosed with Vata-Pitta predominant Anidra. A 21-day integrated treatment protocol was instituted comprising Ksheer Bala Taila Nasya (8 drops each nostril, evening, for 14 days) and Brahmi Vati (500 mg twice daily with warm water for 21 days), supplemented with Nidana Parivarjana (avoidance of causative factors) and Satvavajaya Chikitsa (mind calming measures). Results: Marked improvement was observed across all parameters. Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) score reduced from 17 to 6. Sleep latency decreased from 90 to 20 minutes; total sleep duration increased from 4.5 to 7 hours; daytime symptoms resolved significantly. The patient discontinued sedative use by day 14. Conclusion: The synergistic action of Ksheer Bala Taila Nasya—pacifying Vata through the nasal route—and Brahmi Vati—providing Medhya (nootropic) and Tranquilizing effects—demonstrated significant efficacy in managing Anidra. This case underscores Ayurveda's potential as a safe, effective, and sustainable approach to insomnia management, addressing both Dosha pathology and psychological components.

Keywords: Anidra, Insomnia, Ksheer Bala Taila, Nasya, Bhramit Vati, Panchakarma, Ayurveda.