Herbals Used for Thookaminmai (Insomnia) in Siddha System of Medicine – A Literature Review

Abstract

Insomnia is the complaint of difficulty starting or maintaining sleep or of nonrestorative sleep (not feeling well after sleep. Sleep problems are also common in association with any medical illness that causes significant pain or discomfort or associated with metabolic disturbances. Literature review was conducted with the descriptive method from library of Government Siddha Medical College, Palayamkottai. In Siddha System of Medicine, Insomnia is called as Thookaminmai or Nithiraipankam. T.V. Sambasivam Pillai Dictionary has explained Thookaminmai as want of sleep or morbid sleeplessness. Sleep is said as one of the 14 reflexes in siddha text, which further states voluntary intact of sleep leads to hearing loss, heaviness in the head and altered speech. Siddha System of Medicine uses drugs from plants, animals, minerals and metals origin. Some herbals used in Siddha System of Medicine is used for treating Insomnia. It has to be documented so that it would be useful to everyone.