Herbal Remedies for Bipolar Disease

Bipolar disorder (manic depression) is a mental illness causing mood swings that range from extreme sadness to overwhelming elation. Although the disorder is typically treated with prescription medications, there are a number of natural herbal remedies that may also be effective in controlling the symptoms of mania and depression associated with the disease.

Calming Herbs

• Plant herbs that have a calming effect during manic episodes are mild and therefore generally believed to be safe to use in conjunction with psychiatric drugs. Chamomile-flavored tea and lavender, with its therapeutic aroma, have long been used to soothe the mind and promote relaxation and sleep. Valerian root also helps with sleeplessness, as well as nervousness and hysteria. Passion flower is non-addictive and works as a sedative to relieve anxiety by depressing the body's central nervous system. Kava kava, a plant native to the South Pacific, also works as a sedative and muscle relaxer to decrease stress and anxiety.

Nutritional Supplements

• Several nutritional supplements are believed to help with symptoms of depression. Vitamin C is essential for the synthesis of norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter that affects mood and is critical to brain function. Another neurotransmitter, serotonin, plays a significant role in moods and sleep. 5-HTP, derived from the amino acid L-tryptophan, is used by the body to produce serotonin. B-12, contained in meat, poultry, fish and dairy products, is needed to produce the mood-affecting substance S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe). SAMe participates in more than 40 essential biochemical reactions in the body and is believed to help with depression. Folic acid and inositol are other B vitamins that may also reduce anxiety and depression.

Omega-3

• Omega-3 is the working ingredient in fish oil and is found in smaller amounts in flax seed, pumpkin seed and walnuts. Research has found a substantial link between high fish consumption and low depression rates. Although omega-3 does not appear to help control mania, a 1999 Harvard study shows that doses of 8 to 10 grams a day helped bipolar subjects stay in remission significantly longer than subjects given a placebo. For best results, scientists recommend that omega-3 be taken with vitamins C and E.

Nervine Plant Extracts

• Nervine plant extracts are among the strongest herbs and are therefore more likely to cause serious side effects. St. John's wort is an herbal antidepressant that affects serotonin levels and should never be combined with prescription antidepressants. Damiana is an herb believed to have aphrodisiac properties and has been traditionally used for depression. Because of its energizing effects, however, it may be dangerous for bipolar patients. Ginseng and gotu kola are thought to help with anxiety, lethargy and depression. Black cohosh is an herb that depresses the nervous system and works as a natural sedative to reduce the symptoms of mania.

Homeopathy

• Homeopathy is a practice that operates on the belief that an illness can be cured by introducing substances into the body that cause similar symptoms to those of the illness. Extremely small doses are given to activate the body's self-healing properties. Gelsemium is recommended to aide in symptoms of mania, such as irritability, while natrum muriaticum and pulsatilla help with depression and anxiety.

Precautions

• While herbal remedies may alleviate some of the symptoms associated with bipolar disorder, they should not be used as a substitution for medical treatment. Consult with your physician before taking any type of supplement, especially if you are currently taking other medications.