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Background: Depression is a leading cause of disability worldwide. Many patients do not respond adequately to first-line antidepressants, and many in India seek Ayurvedic care. Charaka described Vishada (despondency) as the foremost factor that aggravates disease, and Ayurvedic texts describe related states under Kaphaja Unmada, Chinta and Shoka. Objective: To review the Ayurvedic understanding of Vishada and the evidence for herbal and Panchakarma interventions in depression. Methods: Narrative review of classical texts and of clinical and preclinical literature from PubMed, Google Scholar, DOAJ and Ayurveda journals, with priority to randomised controlled trials and meta-analyses. Results: Vishada is understood as a condition of Tamas and Kapha predominance with Vata involvement, characterised by low mood, loss of enthusiasm, fatigue and withdrawal. Among Ayurvedic and related herbs, saffron (Kumkuma) and curcumin (from Haridra) have the most consistent clinical evidence from meta-analyses of randomised trials. Ashwagandha and Brahmi show antidepressant-like effects in animal models and some supportive human data. A randomised study of a Virechana-based Panchakarma module followed by an Ayurvedic formulation reported improvement in depression scores, heart rate variability and cortisol, but lacked a placebo or standard-treatment control. Yoga, including Sudarshan Kriya Yoga, has supportive trial evidence. Conclusion: Ayurveda offers a plausible framework and several promising interventions for depression. The evidence is strongest for saffron, curcumin and yoga, and weakest for Panchakarma and classical polyherbal formulations. A formal systematic review and adequately controlled trials are needed.Keywords: Vishada; depression; Ayurveda; Panchakarma; Virechana; saffron; curcumin; Ashwagandha; yoga