Epilepsy is a condition with the brain that causes the neurons inside of the brain to misfire and send the wrong signs, ultimately categorized by the seizures they cause. Seizures can differ between short losses of consciousness, to loss of motor control, to mood swings, but these indications of epilepsy are fundamentally the consequence of those brain signals being misfired. Analysis is generally done after brain scans, and the majority of people wait until after that analysis is done before they try any natural remedies for epilepsy.
Seizures (also referred to as convulsions) happen to be the biggest symptoms of epilepsy, but they are not the same thing as epilepsy. Epilepsy is a neurological condition in which the mind is predisposed to unexpected changes in electrical activity, which can cause a seizure. Seizures, though, can and do happen to people that aren’t epileptic.
Alternative remedies, although not a replacement for normal treatment, can help to relieve convulsions without the typical side effects that are connected with an anti-epileptic drug. You should consult with a health care professional before commencing any natural remedy for epilepsy.
Seven Herbal Remedies for Epilepsy
1) False Pepper
False pepper is a vine with tiny flowers that are yellow-green in color, and they are typically found throughout India. Alternative medicine makes use of the bark, leaves and fresh fruit to handle a variety of problems. These problems include parasites, rheumatism, stomach difficulties, skin diseases, tumors, psychological problems, and convulsions. The active component in the plant is embelin, and it has antifertility, anti-inflammatory, antitumor and anti-oxidant properties. Embelin is a member of a chemical class called benzoquinone, and derivatives of quinone have anticonvulsant properties.
2) Bo Tree
The bo tree is a big fig tree that usually grows in the southern parts of Asia. The tree is holy to Buddhists, and can be used ritually and medicinally. Throughout history, distinct Ficus species all over the world have been utilized to treat epilepsy. Research seen in the June 2009 issue of the Journal of Ethnopharmacology said that the bo tree’s figs comprise the greatest number of serotonin when compared to all other figs from any kind of Ficus. The research discovered that it was able to significantly inhibit seizures by growing the amount of serotonin that nerve cells transmit.
3) Violet Tree
The violet tree is a little tree with fragrant purple flowers indigenous to the more tropical parts of Africa. Alternative medicine practitioners use the roots to handle a variety of physical and psychological problems such as discomfort, irritation, nervousness, head ache and epilepsy. In the May 2010 issue of the Journal of Ethnopharmacology there was research that compared the extract of the root of the violet tree to phenobarbitone, which is an anti-convulsant drug. This research confirmed the conventional usage of the violet tree as one a natural treatment for epilepsy. More studies are necessary to support these results.
Kava might have a sedative effect, and thus might be advantageous for individuals with epilepsy, says the University of Maryland Medical Center. Additionally, articles printed in Epilepsy and Behaviour’s December 2001 issue says that kava may actually heighten the results of anti-epilepsy medications. Kava is sometimes linked with severe unwanted effects, though, including liver and hepatitis failure. It has also been noted that this herb might trigger unusual muscle spasms. It might also interact with other medicines, such as Parkinson’s disease medications. Don’t start to take kava without first speaking with your primary healthcare provider.
Valerian is yet another herb that should be considered in one’s search for natural remedies for epilepsy since it might have anti-convulsive effects. Articles printed in Epilepsia’s November 2004 issue also recognizes valerian’s anti-convulsive effects, but provides that its uncertain chemical structure indicates that common use might be unsuitable. Using valerian in the short term is probably safe, notes MedlinePlus. Nevertheless, it might cause such unwanted effects as head ache, uneasiness and sleeplessness. This herb has the possibility of interacting with numerous medications, and as such you should ask your physician whether it’s safe for you to utilize valerian.
Magnesium is a critical element of helping people with epilepsy, and several think that a magnesium deficiency is the main trigger of epileptic seizures in certain individuals. Many individuals decide to supplement with magnesium by making use of magnesium sulphate. Some businesses focus on selling entirely pure ‘food grade’ Epsom salt, which contains magnesium sulphate. We can’t attest to the quality and truthfulness of these businesses, though. The best amount to take is about a tsp every morning, should you decide to use Epsom salt.
Otherwise, you can buy magnesium supplements at wellness food shops, or improve your nutritional consumption through almonds, cashews, and spinach. Studies have confirmed the link between epilepsy and magnesium deficiency. Excessive amounts of magnesium from supplements can cause other vital minerals to flush from your body, paradoxically creating more dietary deficiencies. Therefore, the wisest strategy should be to repair the issues with one’s diet.
The herb called passionflower might help avoid seizures, notes the UMMC (University of Maryland Medical Center). However, MedlinePlus notes that that there currently isn’t enough proof to demonstrate this. Passionflower is occasionally mixed with other relaxing herbs including valerian, and is probably safe if employed medicinally for short amounts of time. However, side effects can include confusion, dizziness and drowsiness. If you’re pregnant don’t take this herb. Passionflower will likely also interact with medications and decrease their usefulness, so speak to a healthcare professional before making use of it.