Bipolar Herbal Treatments

Bipolar herbal treatments may be used as an alternative to traditional medications, or (under a doctor's care) used in conjunction with bipolar medications. Bipolar is a serious disorder that when diagnosed should be treated by a psychiatrist or physician. Herbal treatments may be effective at treating some symptoms of bipolar, but people who have been diagnosed should always consult with their doctors before relying on herbs or supplements.

Types

• According to MedlinePlus, a joint service from the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health, the following herbal treatments may be useful in treating bipolar: St. John's wort, creatine and omega-3 fatty acids (in the form of fish oil or alpha-linolenic acid).

Benefits

• The benefits of these three herbal supplements are not fully understood. St. John's wort may ease the depressive symptoms of bipolar. Creatine and omega-3 fatty acids may ease mania associated with bipolar, but MedlinePlus reports that clinical studies are inconclusive.

Function

• St. John's wort is primarily used for the treatment of depression. Creatine is often used by athletes because it is thought to improve athletic performance. Omega-3 fatty acids, in the form of fish oil, lowers triglycerides and lowers blood pressure.

Considerations

• According to MedlinePlus, the following doses have been used in clinical trials of St. John's wort: 900-1,800mg of St. John's wort extract daily. Creatine studies have used up to 25 grams per day. MedlinePlus declines to state safe doses of fish oil, because excessive use can cause internal bleeding. Always talk with a health care professional before beginning any type of herbal supplement therapy.

Warning

• People should not take St. John's wort with prescription medications. People with asthma should not take creatine. People with fish allergies should not take fish oil.