Bipolar disorder is a serious mental illness. It is known by both names: manic depression and manic depressive disorder. This disease should be treated well because it can be the reason for bad behavior, unstable relationship, and career, and in some cases, there can be suicidal tendencies. Bipolar disorder is a condition when the mood changes a lot, from mania to depression.
In some cases, there can be normal moods, but they last a bit. Depression is a condition when people affected with this disease feel sad, cry a lot, have low self-esteem, do not sleep well, not having the energy to finish their tasks, and not enjoying anything they do. While manic is a condition when people are talkative, restless, energetic, powerful, and reckless and have a euphoric period.
At some points, this high mood can pass into a darker mood-anger, confusion, irritation, and feeling trapped. Because there are two types of moods for this disease, it is very hard for doctors to diagnose it.
In some cases, those symptoms (of depression) can last for a few weeks, and in other cases, they can last for months. While the manic symptoms are high, people affected by it feel that they can do everything. But serious problems happen when the mania starts to grow. This change can be serious for people with bipolar disorder because it can lead to suicidal thoughts. There are many medicines and natural remedies for this disease. We recommend you try natural cures for it.
16 Bipolar Disorder Home Remedies and Natural cures
Brahmi
Bacopa or Brahmi is used to treat bipolar disorder because it functions as a sedative and mild stimulant. It relieves mental nervousness and also helps to enhance memory. If you want good results from this plant, you should drink a few teaspoons of Brahmi extract from the leaves daily for several weeks.
You should consume Brahmi ghee if you do not want to drink Brahmi extract. Also, you can find Brahmi as a supplement. Before using this supplement, you should consult your doctor for the recommended intake amount. Also, you can massage your head with Brahmi oil which will help you to relax your brain. [1,2]
Valerian root
Valerian root has strong sedative properties. These properties help to calm the nervous system. This herb is used as an alternative medicine for sleep problems, mood disorders, and anxiety. It relieves nervousness, tension, stress, anxiety, and moderate mood changes. You can find it in all stores around the world. It can be in many shapes, such as capsules, liquid extract, dried valerian root, and tea bags. [1]
Magnesium
This element has similar effects as lithium but is having less health risks. It reduces the symptoms of mania. Also, it works as a mood balancer. Magnesium promotes good and quality sleep. If you have magnesium deficiency in your body, then you can have increased chances of anxiety and insomnia [3].
When you have periods of stress and hard work, the magnesium levels are naturally depleted during these periods. You should take oral magnesium supplements. The better way to include magnesium in your diet is to take food rich in magnesium, such as soybeans, sunflower seeds, cashews, black beans, spinach, pumpkin seeds, and Swiss chard.
Fish oil
Fish oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for bipolar disorder treatment. EPA and DHA, which are contained in fish oil, are essential for hormone production and nerve health. It can improve the function of the brain. Also, it can reduce depression [4]. You should take fish oil supplements. You should consult with your doctor about the amount that you should intake. Also, you should eat fish that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, tuna, herring, trout, and mackerel.
Ashwagandha
This herb works as a nerving tonic. It improves the symptoms of bipolar disorder. Sensorial, a compound found in the Ashwagandha, can improve 3 separate functions of the nerve system [5]. Also, it can help with the social environment, audio and video working memory, and reaction time. You should take 500 mg of Ashwagandha leaves extract daily for several weeks.
Passionflower
This herb has sedative properties. It can reduce anxiety and nervousness during manic episodes of bipolar disorder [6]. This flower has no side effects. But in some cases, it can cause an upset stomach. But before you start using this flower, you should consult your doctor about the amount you should take. You can make tea from this flower. Add one teaspoon of passionflower to a cup of hot water. Let this herb too steep for 10 to 15 minutes. Strain and drink this tea from passionflowers a few times a day.
St. John’s Wort
This is a popular herb that is used as an antidepressant and helps with depression. It is also good to help with brain chemicals. Sometimes this herb can have side effects, so you should consult your doctor before using it. It interacts with many prescription medications.
B Vitamins
B Vitamins should be used as a treatment for people suffering from bipolar disorder. Vitamins B1, B6, B9, and B12 are very important for the organism because they can reduce depression, anxiety, mood swings, irritability, and fatigue.
- Vitamin B1 improves circulation in the brain;
- Vitamin B6 reduces irritability;
- Vitamin B9 is effective for the brain to have its effective functions and affects brain chemicals;
- Vitamin B12 is effective for neurotransmitters.
If you have a deficiency of this vitamin, then you can have depression, fatigue, mania, irritability, and psychosis. The B Vitamins are working all together. If you want better results, you should take B-complex, which contains all of the B vitamins. Also, it will be good for your health to eat food that is rich in these vitamins, such as eggs, milk, whole grains, leafy greens, soy products, and fortified cereals. [7]
Licorice root
This herb also can help people who are suffering from bipolar disorder. It acts as an antidepressant. Also, it can help with hormone production. If you have bipolar disorder, you should drink this plant’s tea. You should put one teaspoon of dried licorice root in a cup of hot water. Let it steep for 10 minutes. Strain this mixture. Now your tea is ready, and you can drink it.
S-adenosyl-L-methionine
This supplement reduces brain depression. You should consult with your doctor before using it.
Herbal combinations
This is a mixture of many different Chinese herbs which can help you to win against this disease.
This extract is produced by the ginkgo tree. This helps in improving memory. Also, it improves the blood flow in your brain and helps you improve the brain’s function. This is one of the most used home remedies for bipolar disorder and other mental diseases. Ginkgo Biloba is also antioxidant. If you are suffering from depression, you can take this herb. Also, it improves mood. If you want positive mood changes, you should consume this herb for at least 8-12 weeks.
Gotu Kola
This herb reduces depression and anxiety in many people. But it is important to know that if you have diabetes or cholesterol problems, you should not take it. Consult with your doctor before you start using it. If you take this herb regularly, it will reduce the anxiety and depression from bipolar disorder. [8]
Ginseng
Ginseng is also one of the most used herbs for bipolar disorder. It will increase your memory function. Also, it will improve your concentration. People who are suffering from depression in bipolar disorder should always take it. Also, it has helped many people suffering from fatigue and lethargy due to bipolar disorder. You should always talk with your doctor about the amount you should take and the time before you start using it. [9]
Lithium
Lithium is also one of the best home remedies for treating bipolar disorder. It is recommended to be used by many medical experts around the world. It helps people who are suffering from mania in bipolar disorder.
Black Snakeroot
This herb works as an antidepressant for people affected by bipolar disorder. It is also used as a sedative to reduce bipolar symptoms. This herb should be used with the root to have effective results. You should not use this herb as a long-term herb because it can damage your liver.
References
[1] Baek JH, Nierenberg AA, Kinrys G. Clinical applications of herbal medicines for anxiety and insomnia; targeting patients with bipolar disorder. Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry. 2014;48(8):705-15.
[2] Tiwari RP, Dwivedi SR, Khodre SK, et al. Mental/ psychological disorders in children
and their therapy as per Ayurveda. International Archives of Integrated Medicine. 2014;1(4):96-9.
[3] Boyle NB, Lawton C, Dye L. The effects of magnesium supplementation on subjective anxiety and stress – A systematic review. Nutrients. 2017;9(5):429.
[4] Burhani MD, Rasenick MM. Fish oil and depression: The skinny on fats. Journal of Integrative Neuroscience. 2017;16(Suppl1):S115–S124.
[5] Singh N, Bhalla M, de Jager P, Gilca M. An overview on ashwagandha: A rasayana (rejuvenator) of Ayurveda. African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines. 2011;8(Suppl5):208–213.
[6] Sarris J. Herbal medicines in the treatment of psychiatric disorders: a systematic review. Phytotherapy Research. 2007;21(8):703-16.
[7] Orygen, the National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health. B-group vitamins can improve concentration among people with first episode psychosis. Science Daily. 2019.
[8] Bradwejn J, Zhou Y, Koszycki D, Shlik J. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study on the effects of Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) on acoustic startle response in healthy subjects. Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology. 2000;20(6):680-4.
[9] Oliynyk S, Oh S. Actoprotective effect of ginseng: improving mental and physical performance. Journal of Ginseng Research. 2013;37(2):144–66.
