Healing Herbs for Manic Depression

Some patients with manic depression, also called bipolar disorder, find that certain herbs are an effective supplement to prescription medication. Although none of the herbs described below constitutes a stand-alone treatment for manic depression, they may help relieve common symptoms of manic depression, such as insomnia and anxiety. Patients should always check with a doctor before embarking on any course of herbal supplements.

Kava Kava May Help Insomnia In Manic Depression

• Kava kava is most commonly known as the ingredient in the ceremonial drink of the South Pacific. It is a member of the pepper family.

  Kava is a mild sedative that can also cause slight tingling or numbing of the lips. Some people with manic depression find it effective for insomnia and anxiety. Because of its sedative effects, anyone who drinks or ingests kava should avoid driving or handling dangerous machinery. Patients should also be aware that daily kava use carries a potential risk of liver problems, especially for people with pre-existing liver conditions.

Valerian's Sedative Properties May Be Useful In Bipolar Disorder

• Valerian is an herb that grows wild in Europe and Asia, where it is native, and in North America, where it has become naturalized. The roots of the plant are used in herbal medicine.

  Valerian root was first prescribed 2nd century as a treatment for insomnia. By the 16th century, valerian was being used for everything from nervousness to headaches. People with bipolar disorder may find valerian useful as a mild sedative to help with insomnia and racing thoughts. Valerian is most easily enjoyed as a tea but can also be obtained in tablet and tincture form.

Skullcap for Manic Depression

• Skullcap is a perennial herb native to North America, and it is now also cultivated in Europe. It used to be called "mad dog weed" because people considered its relaxing effects a good cure for rabies. It is a member of the mint family.

  Most bipolar patients who use skullcap use it for anxiety and nervous tension. Skullcap is also sometimes used as an anticonvulsant, and to treat conditions ranging from anorexia to Tourette's syndrome. Some bipolar patients find that skullcap has a calming effect and helps with sleep. You can find skullcap in powder, tea or in an extract form in specialty herb shops.

St. John's Wort May Alleviate Mild Depression

• St. John's Wort is a yellow-flowered plant found in North America and Europe.

  Although it has been touted as a wonder cure for depression, a study by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that St. John's Wort was ineffective at treating moderately severe major depression. However, it has been found effective for milder forms of depression when used for at least six weeks. St. John's Wort is available in tea, capsule or extract form at most health food stores.

St. John's Wort Warnings

• The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine warns that taking St. John's Wort may make certain prescription drugs less effective, including some birth control pills, antidepressants, and anticoagulants. Like other antidepressants, there is also some risk that St. John's Wort may exacerbate manic and hypomanic symptoms in bipolar patients.