Epilepsy is a disorder of the nervous system that causes seizures that may range from mild to severe. If you have epilepsy, there are herbal medications may help to reduce the frequency of your seizures. Little scientific research has been performed on these herbs for their effectiveness in treating epilepsy, but many of them are safe to take with prescription anticonvulsive medications. Always consult your doctor before taking any herbal remedy to discuss proper dosage and any potential negative interactions with the medications you're already taking.
Chinese Herbal Formulas
Taking certain Chinese herbal formulas may help to treat epilepsy, especially when you combine the formula with traditional anticonvulsant medications for controlling seizures. Preliminary clinical trials have found that the two Chinese herbal formulas, saiko-keishi-to and sho-saiko-to, are effective in treating epilepsy, according to the University of Michigan Health System. These two similar herbal formulas contain bupleurum, ginger root, peony root, pinellia root, cassia bark, jujube fruit, licorice root, Asian skullcap root and Asian ginseng root, notes the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. In the medical studies, people with epilepsy took 2 ½ grams of the herbal formula three times daily and experienced improvements without any negative interactions with anti-seizure medications.
Bacopa
Taking bacopa extract may help to decrease the frequency of your epilepsy-related seizures. A clinical trial conducted in India and published in 1968 found that bacopa extract reduced epileptic seizures, says the University of Michigan Health System. Current research is lacking--no high-quality modern medical studies have proven that bacopa can effectively treat epilepsy, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Passionflower
Taking the herb passionflower may help to relax your nerves and ease epileptic seizures, reports the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Taking 45 to 60 drops of passionflower liquid extract each day might help to prevent seizures. You can also make a tea by steeping 2 grams of passionflower in 1 cup of boiling water and drink it three times daily to treat epilepsy, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Kava
Like passionflower, kava is a "nervine" herb, meaning that it helps to relax your nervous system, explains the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. In traditional medicine, kava is a common herbal remedy to treat seizure disorders due to its sedative effects, says the University of Maryland Medical Center. But kava has the potential to cause liver damage and should be taken it with caution.
Valerian & Lemon Balm
Other "nervine" herbs, such as valerian and lemon balm, are sedatives that may also help to reduce seizures. You can take 120 mg of valerian extract three times daily for its anticonvulsive effects and combine it with lemon balm for added effectiveness, says the University of Maryland Medical Center.
