Bulimia, a mental illness characterized by binging, purging and obsession with food and weight. It is treated through psychotherapy and medications. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, a variety of alternative, or complementary, medicine treatments are available that may help treat the disorder.
Herbal Teas
Herbs may help improve organs that have been damaged due to bulimic behaviors. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests 2 to 4 cups of herbal tea, generally prepared by seeping 1 teaspoon of dried herb extracts, such as holy basil, milk thistle, grape seed, catnip or ashwagandha, in hot water for 5 to 10 minutes prior to drinking. Herbal roots and pre-made teas may provide similar benefits. Because herbs and extracts vary in potency, check package labels when possible and seek guidance from a trusted, qualified health care professional for specific instructions.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture professionals insert needles into particular points on the body as to produce therapeutic benefits. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests that though scientific findings regarding acupuncture's effect on bulimia are inconclusive, the procedure may improve overall health. In research published in the Journal of Neuropsychiatry Clinical Neuroscience in February of 2004, acupuncture was shown to reduce insomnia and anxiety, two common symptoms experienced by patients with bulimia. If you are considering acupuncture as a means of therapy or supplemenary treatment for symptoms of bulimia, seek guidance from a qualified professional.
St. John's Wort
St. John's wort is a plant that has been used for centuries to treat conditions such as anxiety and depression, which are common symptoms of bulimia. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCA), research indicates that St. John's wort offers minimal assistance in reducing symptoms of mild, moderate or severe or "major" depression. The NCCA warns that St. John's wort may cause interactions with other medications and it has not been approved as treatment for depression. If you are considering St. John's wort as a supplementary form of treatment for symptoms of bulimia, seek approval and guidance from your doctor for safest results. Keep in mind that bulimia and depression are intense, complicated disorders that may require an array of combined treatment measures.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Centier: Bulimia Nervosa Overview and Alternative Treatments
- Journal of Neuropsychiatry Clinical Neuroscience: Acupuncture Increases Nocturnal Melatonin Secretion and Reduces Insomnia and Anxiety: A Preliminary Report, Feb 2004
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: St. John's Wort and Depression
Member Comments