In the Natural Remedy for Hysteria, the treatment is directed toward both the body and the mind since the causes of hysteria are both physical and mental. The measures on the physical side should include a well ordered hygienic style of living, a nourishing and balanced diet, sufficient mental and physical rest, daily exercise , agreeable, occupation, fresh air, normal hours of eating and sleeping, regulation of the bowels and wholesome companionship with others. On the mental plane, the patient should be taught self-control and educated in optimistic thinking.
In the majority cases of hysteria, it is desirable for the patient to start treatment by adopting an all fruit diet for a number of days. She should have fresh juicy fruits such as orange, grapefruit, apple, grapes, papaya and pineapple during this period. The all-fruit diet should be followed by an exclusive milk diet for about a month. Most hysteria patients are significantly run down and the milk diet will help build better blood and nourish the nerves. If the full milk diet is not suitable, a diet of milk and fruits may be adopted. The patient, may, therefore, steadily embark upon a well balanced diet of seeds, nuts and grains. The patient should avoid alcohol, tobacco, tea, coffee, white sugar and white flour and products made from them.
Jambul fruit, known as jamun in the vernacular, is considered a useful home medication for hysteria. Women suffering from hysteria should take three hundred grams of this fruit on an empty stomach. This treatment should be continued for two weeks. Honey is regarded as another effective remedy for hysteria. Two of the main causes of hysteria are irregularity of the menstrual cycle and insanity.
Honey is very useful for both these conditions. It causes good bleeding during the cycle, cleans the uterus, tones up the brain and the uterine musculature and keeps the body temperature at a normal level. It is prudent to use honey on a regular basis and increase the quantity after the first start. It will bring down body temperature thus preventing further fits.
Exercise and outdoor games are essential in the prevention and cure of hysteria. They take the mind away from one`s self and stimulate cheerfulness. Yoga asanas which are useful in hysteria are matsyasana, sarvangasana, dhanurasana, halasana, bhujangasana, salabhasana, paschimotanasana, yogamudra and shavasana. Weak patients, who are not able to take much active exercise, may be given massage three or four times a week. Other measures functional in the treatment of hysteria are air and sun baths. They are calming and at the same time invigorating to the nerves. Daily cool baths are also an outstanding tonic. Suitable physical activity must be balanced with sufficient rest and sleep.
In a genuine hysterical attack, the most successful means of interrupting the paroxysm is the application of cold water in some form to the head and spine. Either the cold water may be poured or cold pack or ice pack may be applied to the hand and back of the neck. If this cannot be done, cold water may be splashed on the face. The patient should be provided with abundance of fresh air and some of her clothing should be removed to assist easy breathing and to expose the skin to fresh air. In a violent seizure of hysteria, pressure on the ovaries often checks the attack. Following an attack the patient should have rest, tranquility, darkness and if possible, sleep until the lost energy has been progressively recovered.
