| Mental Retardation (MR) is a neuro-developmental | | | | (Acorus calamas), Mandukparni (Centella asiatica), |
| disability which originates during the developmental | | | | Jyotishmati (Celastrus panniculatus), Kushmand |
| period, that is, from conception up to the age of | | | | (Benincasa hispida), Ustukhudoos (Lavandula |
| 18 years; and results in significantly sub-average | | | | stoechas), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), |
| general intellectual function, with concurrent | | | | Yashtimadhuk (Glycerrhiza glabra), Chitrak |
| deficits in functional life skills. The diagnosis of MR | | | | (Plumbago zeylanica), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), |
| requires an intelligence quotient (IQ) score of less | | | | Amalaki (Emblica officinalis) and Shatavari |
| than 70 and equivalent deficits in at least two | | | | (Asparagus racemosus). Medicines which act on |
| areas of functional life skills. MR can be | | | | the 'Majja" dhatu (tissue) are also very useful in |
| categorized as syndromic or non-syndromic, with | | | | this condition, and include Guduchi, Amalaki and |
| at least 800 recognized syndromes being | | | | Musta (Cyperus rotundus). |
| associated with MR. For the vast majority of | | | | Medicines which act on the nerves, muscles and |
| individuals with MR, there is no identifiable cause. | | | | neuromuscular junctions are also useful in this |
| Prenatal exposure to toxins, prenatal thyroid | | | | condition. These medicines include Yograj-Guggulu, |
| dysfunction, and postnatal exposure to lead and | | | | Kaishor-Guggulu, Trayo-Dashang-Guggulu, |
| other toxins are some of the causes of MR. | | | | Panch-Tikta-Ghrut-Guggulu, Vat-Gajankush-Ras, |
| Children with MR are more likely to be born into | | | | Maha-Vat-Vidhwans-Ras, Ekang-Veer-Ras, |
| families of low socio-economic status, low IQ and | | | | Tapyadi-Loh, Agnitundi-Vati, Vish-Tinduk-Vati, |
| little education. Symptoms of MR include: | | | | Suvarna-Malini-Vasant, Abhrak-Bhasma, |
| behavioral disturbances; language delay; fine | | | | Trivang-Bhasma and Suvarna-Bhasma. |
| movement and adaptive movement delay; gross | | | | Regular massage of the entire body is also |
| movement delay; and neurological and physical | | | | believed to help in neuro-muscular development |
| abnormalities. | | | | and coordination. Medicated oils are used for this |
| The Ayurvedic treatment of MR is aimed at | | | | purpose, which include Mahanarayan oil, Mahamash |
| attempting to reduce or reverse identifiable | | | | oil, and Mahasaindhav oil. Known causes of MR, if |
| causative factors or apparent brain damage, and | | | | present, can be treated concurrently. |
| improving cognitive function. Medicines from the | | | | It is important to note that treatment needs to |
| 'Medhya' category are very useful in this condition. | | | | be given for prolonged periods ranging from |
| These include Brahmi (Bacopa monneiri), | | | | several months to several years in order to get |
| Shankhapushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis), Vacha | | | | noticeable improvement. |