Eclipta alba (Bhringaraj/Maka)

Eclipta alba, also known as Bhringaraj, is traditionally indicated for various kinds of 'energy excess’. Eclipta alba lowers the threshold of pain and inhibits inflammation. In a laboratory study, this herb was shown to protect the liver from the effects of the types of drugs commonly used for headache relief.

Emblica officinalis (Amla / Amalaki / Indian Gooseberry)

Emblica officinalis, known in Ayurveda as Amla, provides antioxidants that prevent stress-induced changes in the brain. Amla also supports digestive imbalances and is a potent source of Vitamin C. No medicinal herb, apart from Ginger, is used more often in Ayurvedic formulas than Amla.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale / Shunthi / Adraka)

In ‘Axantrin’, Ginger supports digestive balance by preventing nausea and is synergistic when taken with Amla. Herbal practitioners often recommend Ginger for migraine headaches, since it has no known side effects. Ginger is especially helpful when symptoms are triggered by circular motion that can cause sea or car sickness.

Respecting the Ayurvedic perspective, these herbs were chosen for their traditional use in supporting the body to prevent headaches, and offer a tri-dosha (according to Ayurveda, whatever we eat is converted into life giving particles. These are then further converted into three elements known as Vata, Pitta and Kapha. When these three elements are not in balance it is known as Tri-dosha) balancing effect. Eclipta alba regulates Vata and Kapha, Amla regulates Pitta and Ginger regulates Kapha.

Capsule Composition
Each vege capsule contains:
• Amalaki Ghan (Fruit) Emblica officinalis 150 mg
• Bhringaraj Ghan (Leaf) Eclipta alba 90 mg
• Shunthi (Rhizome Powder) Zingiber officinale 20 mg
• Excipients q.s
Each pack contains 30 vege capsules.

Dosage

‘Axantrin’ is best taken daily for those prone to headaches. Take one capsule with breakfast or lunch and a second capsule with your second meal of the day, with a full glass of water.

An aching head can be the result of many factors. The most common form is the tension headache… using a computer for a long stretch, overexertion, sleeping in an awkward position; generally all the activities which mean you keep your head in the same position would cause this type of a headache. Excess intake of junk food and missing meals, not getting enough sleep, anger, anxiety, nervous tension, consistent consumption of alcohol or drugs, stressed lifestyles, indigestion, constipation, colds and flu, poor posture, suppression of urges to pass gas, urine, or stool etc. can all make you more susceptible to headaches. Headaches caused due to migraines are severe and recurrent, generally beginning on one side of the head. Migraines can be triggered by foods such as aged cheeses, red wine, and even chocolates.

Symptoms of Headaches
A throbbing head is not just pesky but can totally disrupt normal activities. A headache can involve intense pain in your head, blurred vision, feeling nauseated or having vomiting sensations. Other symptoms include loss of hearing, irritability, confusion or just a general feeling of discomfort. Tension headaches are indicated by a tightening around the head and neck accompanied by a dull ache. Common symptoms for migraines include aversion to light, sound, and movement as well as visual disturbances or nausea. Women can experience headaches during specific times in their menstrual cycles. Use of oral contraceptives or hormone replacement medication after menopause can also cause headaches.

Almost all of us have at some point or the other suffered from a headache, some unlucky ones have also had to go through the pain of a migraine. Some headaches can be cured only by making the necessary changes in life style and food habits. But for those other persistent headaches & migraines, our product ‘Axantrin’ offers an effective solution. It provides headache and migraine relief, reducing the throbbing pain considerably. ‘Axantrin’ by supporting metabolic balance and reducing mental stress, supports the body’s own ability to resolve the problem without the side effects caused by many prescription drugs.

A clinical study involving 13 volunteers found that a 1,000 mg dose of dried Ginger (providing a little less of the active ingredient Gingerol than the 16 mg of supercritical extract in Axantrin) prevented unbalanced rhythms in the stomach and stopped motion sickness.

Ayurveda has long believed that all headaches are not created equal. It says that headaches occur mainly due to Vata, Pitta and Kapha. The changes in lifestyle to overcome recurrent headaches, however, are different for each of the three types.

For people who suffer from Vata or tension headaches, simple diet modifications can go a long way in relieving these headaches. The often-recommended eight glasses of water a day is the most helpful modification of the diet, especially when the headache is paired with ‘dry’ symptoms, such as itching of the body, redness in the face or prickly heat. Taking time for a non-stressful, relaxed lunch can be as important as eating the right foods. Beneficial foods include sweet and sour fruits (provided you are not allergic to them), such as apples, berries, cherries; and citrus and juicy vegetables, such as cucumbers and sweet peas. Avoid cheese, chocolate, and spicy foods. 

 Pitta or ‘hot’ headaches are accompanied by symptoms of toxicity. Ayurveda teaches that the ‘energy’ of toxicity is pulled out of foods that are not completely metabolized. Eating too fast, eating too much, eating on an irregular schedule, and overeating when coming off a diet can aggravate existing ‘hot’ symptoms. Ancient Ayurveda believes that ‘hot’ symptoms are counterbalanced with ‘calm’ activities and ‘cool’ foods. Avoid hot showers, hot tubs, and working outdoors in afternoon heat. Eat foods flavored with cooling spices such as basil, cilantro, dill, and fennel. Dairy can be part of the diet, although pasteurized dairy products are less likely to aggravate symptoms than raw dairy products. For dessert, eat fruits, especially sticky, sweet fruits such as figs, plums, and prunes. Choose poultry if you must eat meat.

Various folk traditions in Asian herbal medicine use the metaphor of ‘congealing’ to describe the underlying causes of Kapha headache. Weeks, months or years of stress ‘congeal’ into symptoms.  ‘Cold’ headaches occur most often when there is a nasal allergy or upper respiratory infection, associated with ‘heaviness’ in the head and sinuses.  Cold headaches result when the body is worn down by stress.
Ayurveda treats ‘cold’ conditions with ‘warm’ interventions. Mild exercise, sunbathing (after applying sunscreen), soaking in a hot tub or taking a hot shower will support balance. Ayurveda also teaches that people who have ‘cold’ headaches should eat barley, buckwheat, corn, or rice rather than wheat, oats, or rye. Almost all vegetables are helpful in the diet, except cucumbers and cooked tomatoes (raw tomatoes in salads are fine). Legumes except mung beans and tofu also help, but it is best to avoid nuts, especially Brazil nuts. Eat dairy, eggs, meat, and fish sparingly.