Manic depression, commonly known as bipolar disorder, is a brain disorder that causes significant shifts in mood, energy levels and the ability to participate in daily activities, says the National Institute of Mental Health. Periods of mania alternate with periods of depression, and each can be severe. These periods can cycle rapidly, or each can last for weeks at a time. This condition is typically treated with medication, but some herbs may help reduce symptoms of mania or depression. Before using herbs as part of your treatment, consult your health-care provider.
Step 1
Take 300mg of St. John's wort three times a day with meals, which is the standard dose for mood disorders, says the University of Maryland Medical Center. The tablets should be standardized to 0.3 percent hypericin extract. You can also take 40 to 60 drops of a 1-to-1 liquid extract of the herb twice a day. This herb can help with depression but can interact with certain antidepressants. It may also trigger mania for some people, says MayoClinic.com.
Step 2
Take omega-3 fatty acids. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, although study results are mixed, omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce the amount of mood swings in some individuals with bipolar disorder. MayoClinic.com adds that bipolar disorder is less common in parts of the world where fatty fish is consumed regularly, but more research needs to be done for a definitive relationship. Ask your doctor how much you should take. Typically, you should not take more than 3g a day, says the University of Maryland.
Step 3
Consume 40 to 200mg of black cohosh tablets daily, in divided doses. MayoClinic.com states that there is no proven effective dose of this herb, but the British Herbal Compendium recommends this dosage. According to Dr. Jim Haggerty with PsychCentral.com, black cohosh has been shown to aid with sedation, which can help during manic periods.
Tips and Warnings
- The National Institute of Mental Health suggests that keeping a daily routine and getting enough sleep can help you maintain a sense of stability with bipolar disorder.
- Talk with your health-care provider or your psychiatrist before using herbs to treat manic depression to see if this is an appropriate treatment for you. Do not go off your medication without consulting with a health-care provider. It may be possible for you to add the herbs to your existing treatment. Tell your doctor about any other medication or supplements you are taking, to avoid any adverse interactions.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Bipolar Disorder: Alternative Medicine
- University of Maryland Medical Center: St. John's Wort
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- PsychCentral.com: Herbs for Bipolar Disorder
- MayoClinic.com: Black Cohosh: Dosing
- National Institute of Mental Health: Bipolar Disorder
