Herbal Pills For Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a chronic condition that requires psychoactive medication. Treatment is required even when there are few symptoms to prevent a relapse. According to MayoClinic.com, antipsychotics are the most frequencly prescribed medication for schizophrenic patients. Medication often causes unpleasant side effects; researchers and patients look into herbal pill supplements to improve the effects of medication and reduce its side effects. Theanine, gingko and Chinese herbs are among the herbal supplements reviewed. Consult a doctor before using herbal pills to treat your symptoms.

Chinese Herbal Medicine

Chinese herbal medicine was the primary treatment remedy in China for mental illness before the development of anti-psychotics for treatment of schizophrenia. In 2007, "British Journal of Psychiatry" published a systematic review trials of Chinese herbal medicine for schizophrenia patients led by author John Rathbone. Rathbone discovered that patients who used xiao yao san or dang gui cheng qi tang with antipsychotic medication were more likely to improve, or at least not see their symptoms worsen, than those who used antipsychotics alone.

Theanine

Theanine is an amino acid found in green tea. It is available as an herbal pill supplement and controlled studies have been performed to find its effectiveness in relieving schizophrenia symptoms. The "Journal of Clinical Psychiatry" published in 2011 aims to evaluate the effectiveness and tolerance of theanine with antipsychotic medication in schizophrenic patients. Professor Michael Ritsner and colleagues report that a small study of 40 people showed that theanine results in a reduction of anxiety symptoms in schizophrenic patients.

Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo biloba is one of the oldest tree species and has been studied extensively as an herbal supplement. Marcello Spinella author of "Concise Book of Psychoactive Herbs" says schizophrenic patients who took gingko with an antipsychotic drug experienced some relief of symptoms. These results are only preliminary and further research is required to evaluate gingko's full effectiveness.

Serpentwood

Spinella says a herb called serpentwood can help reduce the brain's amount of dopamine, a hormone to which schizophrenics are oversensitive. Due to serpentwood's numerous side effects, including high blood pressure, Spinella does not recommend that it replace standard antipsychotic medication. There is no evidence suggesting serpentwood works effectively with antipsychotic medication.

Considerations

Drug interactions and adverse effects are always a possibility; consult a doctor before using herbal supplements to help treat symptoms. Healthy living, psychotherapy and support also help schizophrenic patients lead a structured life.