Bipolar disorder is an alarming condition that involves frequent mood swings. However, treatment is possible. Bipolar disorder typically responds well to natural remedies such as lavender, St. John’s Wort, fish oil, and other nutritional and herbal supplements.
Bipolar disorder, also called manic-depressive disorder, is a condition that is characterized by frequent mood changes. These changes or mood swings typically involve periods of highs or manic stages and lows or depressive syndromes. As you feel manic, you will likely feel euphoric and full of energy; however, when you become depressed, you likely feel sad and even hopeless.
The condition ranges in severity for different individuals and may include frequent mood swings that occur multiple times a day or infrequent changes such as a few times a year. In any form of bipolar, the periods of mood swings are severe enough to alter your ability to function normally.
While the exact cause of bipolar is not known, a few contributing factors have been identified. These factors seem to trigger or cause the severe changes in mood and include biological differences in the brain, imbalances in the existing neurotransmitters, imbalanced hormones, genetic predispositions, and environmental stress or abuse.
Bipolar disorder is a condition that requires lifelong treatment that should be administered by a qualified professional. Most individuals affected by the condition work with a team of trained professionals to address the issue from all sides of the condition. Components of treatment typically include counseling, support groups, medication, and cognitive behavioral therapy.
Natural supplements are also an effective component of treatment. These options help stabilize the body naturally and decrease the prevalence of mood swings. Lavender, St. John’s Wort, and fish oil are three of the most common natural remedies; however, the condition typically responds well to a host of others as well.
Lavender is a calming herb. It helps soothe your emotions and decreases your risk of emotional triggers. It also helps balance the neurotransmitters in your brain and regulate sleep.
St. John’s Wort is an herbal antidepressant. This treatment helps alleviate your symptoms of depression but should only be taken under doctor supervision as it can trigger complications when taken in conjunction with certain bipolar medications.
Fish oil is rich in omega-3 fats. These fats support the functioning of your brain and improves mood and affect. Fish oil can also help reduce the occurrence of manic episodes.
You should always consult your doctor before trying a new natural remedy for your bipolar disorder as these remedies could interfere with your current medication. Nonetheless, natural remedies are a beneficial addition to a holistic treatment approach for bipolar.
Continue reading below for more natural cure suggestions from Earth Clinic readers.
