Bipolar disorder is a type of depression characterized by extreme highs and lows. According to the Mayo Clinic, bipolar disorder can cause a shift in your mood as little as a few times per year to as often as several times per day. Most physicians prescribe antidepressants to treat this type of disorder; however, certain herbs such as St. John's wort and kava kava may help reduce symptoms of bipolar disorder by enhancing your mood. Consult with your doctor before using these or any other herbs to treat bipolar disorder.
Symptoms
Each type of bipolar disorder has different symptom patterns, according to MayoClinic.com. Bipolar I disorder can cause severe mood swing that can lead to dangerous and severe manic episodes. Bipolar II disorder is the less severe of the two says the Mayo Clinic. With bipolar II disorder, you can experience mood swings and irritability; however, you can still maintain your normal daily routine without interruptions. Cyclothymia is the mildest form of bipolar. With this type, highs and lows are not as extreme as with the other two types of this condition.
St. John's Wort
St. John's wort is commonly used for treating depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder and attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder, according to MedLinePlus. Though researchers are not exactly certain how this herb works, they once believed the hypericin found in the herb was responsible for the effects on depression. However, scientists now believe it is other compounds in St. John's wort that have the beneficial effect on depression, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. The recommended dosage of this herb is 40 to 60 drops of liquid extract up to two times per day.
Kava Kava
Kava kava has been used for many years as a relaxing herb. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, studies show that kava may be helpful in treating anxiety, insomnia and other nervous disorders. In addition, kava kava contains properties that may enhance your mood and sense of well-being. This herb is a member of the pepper family and is available in the form of capsules, tincture, tablets and root. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that the standardized dose of kava for adults is 150 to 300 mg up to 3 times per day as needed.
Warnings
Combined herbal remedies for treating bipolar disorder have not been well studied; therefore, it is strongly recommended that you seek professional medical advice before using herbs as an alternative treatment for bipolar disorder, according to the Mayo Clinic. Some antidepressants may have adverse reactions if used in conjunction with certain herbs.
