Many successful herbal remedies for bipolar disorder can complement traditional therapies, providing alternative options for those suffering from this condition.
Consult Your Physician First
Bipolar disorder is a complex condition and when looking into herbal remedies and alternative therapies it is important to discuss these options with your physician or medical practitioner. Some herbal remedies contain the same types of chemicals as some prescription medications. If you are currently taking prescription medications to help control bipolar disorder, it is important that you do not stop taking your medications. Instead, speak to your doctor about the remedies you are considering.
Stress Reduction
Stress can aggravate the symptoms of this disorder. One of the ways to use herbal remedies for bipolar conditions safely is stress reduction through aromatherapy. By employing cognitive behavioral therapy with aromatherapy using herbal essentials oils and a warming pot, you can learn to eliminate tension and stress producing a mental balance that can stabilize some of the highs and lows associated with bipolar disorder.
Aromatherapy Oils
Aromatherapy essential oils that can be used include:
Lavender, which has a calming effect, may be added to warm bath water providing muscle tension release.
Chamomile with Peppermint or Spearmint combined provides an aromatic blend that calms and opens nasal passages allowing better oxygenation. A healthy body is a well-oxygenated one and the mints are very good at opening constricted nasal passages.
Citrus smells including Mandarin Orange, Lemon and Geranium may also provide aromatic herbal remedies for bipolar conditions that are aggravated by stress.
Insomnia
Insomnia is common with those with bipolar disorder. A warm bath with one of these essential oils, plus a capsule of Valerian combined with Skullcap may provide a restful sleep. Like prescription medications, taking Valerian and Skullcap for long periods of time is not recommended. Using these muscle relaxing, mild sedative herbs should be limited to seven to ten days with a break of at least seven days in-between. By using these herbs occasionally, the body does not build up a tolerance allowing them to be effective.
Balancing Mood Swings
Essential oils that contain thujone, including Cedar, Hyssop and Tea Tree may provide another herbal aromatic remedy that may help balance mood swings. Placing a few drops of essential oil on a cloth, in a small dish or oil warmer will fill the air with the strong scent of these types of plant oils. Rosemary is another herb that may help reduce irritability.
Herb Teas
Rose water, Rose Hip and Marjoram tea may provide additional herbal remedies for bipolar disorders when replacing coffee with a non-caffeinated beverage. Caffeine has been shown to aggravate some people’s bipolar conditions and replacing caffeine with an herbal tea may help reduce the severity of this frustrating condition. Yogi Tea, a commercial blend of tea that often contains the herb Cardamom may also help balance the serotonin levels in people with bipolar disorder.
St. John’s Wort
St. John’s Wort, Hypericum perforatum, is being studied for use as an alternative for prescription medications to treat bipolar disorders. Since this plant contains many of the same chemical compounds as many of the prescription drugs used to control and balance serotonin levels, St. John’s Wort is often used as an alternative to other medications that have multiple side effects. Herbal remedies have side effects just like prescription medications; however, herbal remedies tend to have less potent and addictive side effects than standard, synthesized chemical medications.
Other Natural Treatments
Exercise, a good diet and learning how to meditate are also good alternative therapies for people who have a bipolar disorder. Proper nutrition allows the body to regenerate and control excess production of all types of chemical compounds including serotonins. Caffeine, alcohol and the lack of exercise can interfere with the body’s natural processes allowing the chemical balance to become unstable resulting in di-ease.
Proper diet and nutrition, learning to reduce stress and finding herbal remedies for bipolar disorders that your physician approves may allow you to lead a less complicated and richer life.
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