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Herbal Medicine for Bipolar Disorder

May 17, 2011 | By Alicia Miller

In light of increasing evidence regarding the potentially harmful side effects of certain types of psychotropic drugs, many people suffering from physical and mental ailments now turn to complementary and alternative forms of medicine, such as herbs, to manage symptoms of their condition. According to the Royal College of Psychiatrists, certain herbal remedies may help reduce or alleviate some of the symptoms of bipolar disorder. Always talk to your doctor before using herbal remedies to treat any medical condition.

About Bipolar Disorder and Conventional Treatments

Bipolar disorder, or manic depression, is a serious mental illness manifesting in mood swings, alternating between depression and mania. There are several subtypes of bipolar disorder, resulting in varying degrees of severity. However, all forms of bipolar disorder share similar symptoms. During depressive phases, you may feel hopeless, sad, tired, suffer from a loss of appetite or have difficulty sleeping, cry frequently for no identifiable reason, or experience suicidal thoughts, among other possible symptoms. Manic symptoms include feelings of euphoria, elation, inflated self-esteem, an inability to concentrate, racing thoughts and an increase in dangerous of careless behavior, among other symptoms. Some people with bipolar disorder also experience episodes of psychosis, manifesting in delusions or hallucinations.

Bipolar disorder is typically treated with a combination of psychotherapy and psychotropic medications such as mood stabilizers like lithium, antidepressants, anti-psychotics and anti-anxiety drugs. Additionally, some patients undergo electroconvulsive therapy or hospitalization during severe mood episodes.

History of Herbal Medicine for Bipolar Disorder

Herbs have been used for thousands of years to heal and cure a variety of mental and physical ailments. While the term bipolar disorder was not categorized as an illness until the 19th century due to the work of psychiatrist Jean-Pierre Falret, who observed manic and melancholic episodes in his patients, the symptoms of this disorder have been recognized since ancient times. According to psychiatrist David Healy in his book, "Mania:"A Short History of Bipolar Disorder," the ancient Greeks and Romans used herbs to treat the manic symptoms of this disease. In traditional Chinese medicine, bipolar disorder is treated with a combination of herbs, such as bupleurum, gardenia and others, says Dr. Bruce H. Robisonson in his book, "Biomedicine: A Textbook for Practitioners of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine."

Considerations

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, medications for bipolar disorder can cause a variety of unpleasant side effects. People who take lithium may experience loss of coordination, excessive thirst, seizures, blackouts and a host of other undesirable, serious effects. Other prescription medications can cause effects such as skin rashes, liver damage and possibly an increase in suicidal thoughts. A 2001 study published in the "Journal of Psychiatric Practice" by Richard Brown and Patricia Gerbarg suggests that complementary medicine involving the use of herbs and other supplements may be beneficial for patients who cannot tolerate the side effects of psychotropic medications.

Herbs for Bipolar Disorder

Some of the potentially beneficial herbs used to treat symptoms of bipolar disorder include St. John's wort and gingko to manage depressive symptoms, valerian to help insomnia, and kava to manage stress and anxiety, according to Dr. Candida Fink and Joe Kraynak in their book, "Bipolar Disorder for Dummies." Consult your doctor before trying herbal medications. You should never take herbs in combination with prescription medications, as this can cause a harmful drug interaction.

References

Article reviewed by Christine Brncik Last updated on: May 17, 2011

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