Natural Herbal Narcolepsy Medicine Options

Narcolepsy is a long-term neurological condition in which your brain is unable to regulate your sleep-wake cycles. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke states that if you have narcolepsy, you may experience urges to sleep that occur throughout the day. In most cases, a person with narcolepsy will fall asleep for a few seconds to a few minutes. Natural herbal medicines may be a helpful treatment option for your narcolepsy, but do not use herbs for this purpose until you talk with your health care provider.

Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder that often causes sleep attacks during the daytime, notes the National Center for Biotechnology Information. Narcolepsy is not a mental illness and is not triggered by anxiety; it is, instead, a nervous system disorder that may be caused by decreased hypocretin -- a type of protein manufactured in your brain. Narcolepsy often runs in families, notes the center. The four most common symptoms of this condition include periods of severe drowsiness, dream-like hallucinations, sleep paralysis and the sudden loss of muscle tone while awake.

Natural Herbal Medicines

Certain natural herbal medicines may help treat your narcolepsy, although more research is required to validate the efficacy of herbal remedies used in treating this condition. In her book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," certified nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch lists three herbs that may be helpful adjunct therapies in treating your narcolepsy, including gotu kola, St. John's wort and ginkgo. The first two herbs help increase your energy levels, while ginkgo improves blood flow to your brain.

A Useful Remedy

Gotu kola may be a useful remedy in treating your narcolepsy. Gotu kola, an herb that possesses antioxidant action, may boost your energy levels, reduce your fatigue and stimulate your central nervous system. This herb has historically been used in treating mild depression, sleep disorders, low appetite, and various cardiovascular and circulatory conditions. In Ayurvedic medicine, gotu kola is often used to enhance vitality, improve memory, and promote a long and healthy life. The nuts, roots and seeds of the gotu kola plant are used in natural herbal medicines.

Disclaimer

Some of the most common health complications associated with narcolepsy include injuries and accidents that occur during activities, decreased work capacity and productivity, impairment of social activities, and side effects associated with prescription drugs used in treating this condition. If you have narcolepsy, discuss the advantages and disadvantages of all treatment methods with your doctor. Do not use natural herbal medicines in treating your narcolepsy until you have discussed the health implications of herbs with your doctor.