Subscribe To
This Site
Herbal Remedies for Bipolar DisorderBipolar Disorder: Herbal Remedies Herbs have been used since the beginning of time to treat a variety of health problems, and today many find it an amazing natural tool in treating the symptoms of bipolar disorder. Several herbal remedies have been found useful to help you manage your health condition. However, before you embark on any new regime, you should always consult with your health care practitioner to inform him of your decisions and ensure that none of the herbs you're taking will interact adversely with your current medications. Specifically, herbs that help in the treatment of neurological disorders are known as nervines. Some of these have proved to be of immense help in alleviating the symptoms of bipolar. Other herbs, though they may help ease some of the signs of this condition, could be, in the long run, hazardous. The key to understanding which herbs you should – and shouldn't use – is education. Before using any herb for bipolar disorder, you need to understand everything about the possible side effects. In fact before you enact any of the following recommendations, visit your professional herbalist. He or she can provide you with even more detailed information on these natural alternatives. The black cohosh herb, also known as Cimicifuga Racemosa or squaw root, depresses the central nervous system. Those with bipolar disorder as well as various auto-immune conditions often use this as a sedative. Black cohosh also has anti-inflammatory qualities. Researchers believe the active ingredients in this herb may bind to the estrogen receptor sites, which may stimulate hormonal activity. Another common herb for bipolar disorder is gingko biloba. The extract of the gingko tree and a supplement more routinely linked with an enhanced memory, this plant may prove useful for bipolar. This is especially true if your medications have diminished your sex drive. It seems gingko works by increasing the flow of blood to all parts of the body – including the genitals. This accounts for its effectiveness in increasing sexual desire and performance. Many individuals who suffer with this chemical imbalance turn to damiana, also called turnera aphrodisiaca to help relieve their depressive episodes. Damiana has also been used as an aphrodisiac. Take care when using this potent herb as its natural energizing quality may be dangerous for those with bipolar. Warning - one herb that sufferers of bipolar should avoid is St. John's Wort -- hypericum perforatum. While St. John's Wort is popular for it reputed ability to relieve depression, it also has the potential to interfere with some conventional medications. Some adverse reactions have been noted when St. John's Wort is used with certain classes of antidepressants, especially monoamineoxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). The use of this herb has been known to provoke manic episodes in some people with bipolar and are sensitive to light. It is best to avoid this herb entirely if conventional medication has been prescribed. As some of the herbs listed above have been found to successfully alleviate symptoms, please check with your medical practitioner and herbalist before embarking on any herbal remedies for bipolar disorder. Bipolar Disorder - Causes and Conventional Treatment Bipolar Disorder – Maintaining Healthy Lifestyle Bipolar Disorder – Nutritional Approach to Treatment Bipolar Disorder – Overview and Symptoms
Go Back from Herbal Remedies for Bipolar Disorder to Home
Articles displayed on this site are for information purposes only and may not be
|