Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder that typically begins as depression. Eventually, it develops into alternating phases of depression and mania or uncontrolled energy and action. About 2 percent of the U.S. population suffers from some degree of bipolar disorder, according to Phyllis Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." Herbs cannot cure bipolar disorder but may augment traditional treatment. Check with your doctor before taking herbs to address bipolar disorder. Herbs should not replace conventional treatment for this condition.
St. John's Wort
Roman healers originally used St. John's Wort as an antidote for snakebites and 16th century European herbalists recommended it as a wound healer. However, this herb may also offer antidepressant benefits. St. John's Wort contains a chemical called hypericin that mimics the activity of monoamine oxidase inhibitors, according to Michael Castleman, author of "The New Healing Herbs." This may help relieve sleep problems, lethargy and sadness associated with depressive phases of bipolar disorder. Talk to your physician before using St. John's Wort to treat bipolar disorder. In rare cases, it may cause headaches and nausea.
Kava Kava
Kava kava is an herb most closely associated with traditional and ceremonial beverages in Hawaii and Fiji. However, this herb has gained attention in the United States for its tranquilizing properties. Kava kava may calm the central nervous system, helping you control anxiety and racing thoughts that occur during manic phases of bipolar disorder, according to Balch. It may also help relieve depressive symptoms. Consult your physician if you plan to use kava kava to address bipolar symptoms because it may cause numbness, loss of appetite, daytime drowsiness and skin dehydration.
Passionflower
Passionflower, an herb native to the Peruvian Andes, was originally thought to be an aphrodisiac. Although passionflower cannot increase libido, it may offer other medicinal benefits. It has sedative and tranquilizing properties, according to Castleman. It may help relieve excitability and anxiety during manic phases of bipolar disorder. It may also help reduce the effects of insomnia during both manic and depressive phases. Check with your doctor before taking passionflower --- although side effects are rare, passionflower may cause stomach upset.
Catnip
Chinese herbalists brewed catnip tea to sooth the symptoms of colds and coughs more than 2,000 years ago. They also recommended chewing catnip leaves to reduce toothache pain. Early American herbalists recognized the mood-enhancing properties of catnip: Hangmen took it to combat job-related depression, according to Castleman. Catnip contains chemicals called nepetalactone isomers, which may have a calming effect. These chemicals may also relieve insomnia. Talk to your doctor before addressing bipolar disorder with catnip. Like passionflower, it may occasionally cause stomach upset.
References
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C. et al.; 2010
- "The New Healing Herbs"; Michael Castleman; 2010
