Natural Medicines for Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder, commonly known as manic depression, is a very serious mood disorder. It is typical for the condition to manifest in periods of mania (an extreme form of elevated mood) and then depression. These periods have no fixed length and can range from mere hours to months. There can also be periods of essentially normal mood patterns. It can be dangerous to leave the condition untreated and there is a high risk of suicide. There are some natural medicines that may be of use in managing the condition.

St. John's Wort

• St. John's Wort is an herb that is believed to elevate the levels of serotonin, a powerful mood-altering chemical in the brain. It is typically taken in capsule form.

Valerian

• Valerian root exerts a sedative effect on the nervous system and may be helpful in regulating mania. It is typically taken in capsule form.

Melatonin

• Melatonin is hormone that exerts a regulatory effect on circadian rhythms. It can be helpful in minimizing the sleep loss in the manic phase of bipolar disorder.

B Vitamins

• B vitamins play a key role in energy production in the body. There is evidence to suggest that B vitamin deficiency plays a role in depression. Supplementation may help to offset the fatigue common in depressive states.

Siberian Ginseng

• Siberian Ginseng is a root that can help to regulate neurotransmitters as well as increase energy production. It may assist in moderating some of the effects of bipolar disorder, particularly the low energy of the depressive phase. It is typically taken in a capsule form.