A RANDOMIZED CONTROL TRIAL TO EVALUATE THE EFFICACY BETWEEN JATAMANSI TAILA SHIRODHARA AND BALA–SHATAVARI SIDDHA KSHEERA SHIRODHARA IN INSOMNIA (ANIDRA)

Abstract

Background: Anidra (~insomnia), is described in Ayurveda as the inability to initiate or maintain sleep, often linked to an imbalance in the Doshas—particularly Vata and Pitta. It affects both mental and physical well-being, leading to fatigue, irritability, and impaired cognitive function. Shirodhara, a classical Ayurvedic therapy is proposed as an effective treatment in Anidra, offering both symptomatic relief and improved quality of life. Aim: To evaluate the effect of Jatamansi Siddha Taila Shirodhara in the management of Anidra in comparison to Bala Shatavari Siddha Ksheera Shirodhara. Materials and methods: Study was conducted at the Panchakarma Department, Ch. Brahm Prakash Ayurved Charak Sansthan, Khera Dabar, New Delhi, under Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Delhi. Designed as a randomized controlled trial with 90 participants equally divided into two groups 45 patients each (Group A – Jatamansi Taila Shirodhara and Group B – Bala–Shatavari Siddha Ksheera Shirodhara), the study involved a 14-day intervention followed by a 28-day follow-up, with assessments at baseline, post-treatment, and follow-up). Results: The findings indicated a statistically significant decrease in Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) scores, enhancements in sleep start latency, sleep duration, and sleep efficiency in both groups, with noticeable variations in sustained effects throughout follow-up Jatamansi Taila Shirodhara exhibited more durable benefits Conclusion: The clinical trial shows an overall improvement in symptoms of Anidra in both the groups and Jatamansi Taila demonstrated sustained efficacy, favouring its use for prolonged symptom remission.