Homeopathic Treatments In Bipolar Disorder

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By cremechese


“I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder over 15 years ago. During that time I’ve tried many different medications such as Paxil, Prozac, Wellbutrin, Depakote, Risperdal, Seroquel, Lamictal, and Lithium to name a few. All these medications either had intolerable side effects or did not work at all. All the SSRIs made me worse (emotionally) even with a mood stabilizer. Does anyone have any success stories with any new medication or treatments. I'm even willing to try homeopathic treatments, I just want relief.” -- bipolar patient.

Many bipolar patients are frustrated by the endless cycle of medication trials and failure, dosage adjustments, and doctor visits. Some may wish to try homeopathic methods of helping to control this debilitating condition.

In researching natural bipolar treatments discussed on the net, this writer wishes to expand avenues of exploration and ideas for bipolar patients, not to suggest they halt or replace their treatment. Only your health professionals know you best!

Unfortunately, there seem to be no solid studies done on the effectiveness of homeopathic remedies in bipolar disorder. Most homeopaths themselves recommend their treatment in conjunction with psychiatric or physician visits, not in place of them.

Remember, there is no generalized treatment for bipolar disorder. Whatever methods you may become interested in, the individual as a whole must be treated, and you should never experiment on your own.

Bipolar Disorder and Diet:

Even in persons without bipolar disorder, foods high in sugar and carbohydrates, fatty foods and sugar substitutes, along with caffeine, additives, and preservatives, can adversely affect mood and behavior. Then it stands to reason that in bipolar patients these effects will be even more extreme.

Our food today is much more devoid of vitamins and minerals than it used to be. This situation has given rise to a school of thought indicating that this may have caused an enormous increase in incidents of bipolar disorder, as well as other significant mood disorders.

Studies have shown that bipolar patients often are deficient in vitamins B6, B12, C and in omega-3 fatty acids. Folic acid deficiencies have also been found widely in these patients.

In the United States and Canada, studies have shown a majority of the population are not getting anywhere near the RDA nutritional levels of Vitamin C, E, A, B vitamins, zinc, magnesium, iron, copper and calcium that are necessary to maintain a balanced diet for adequate physical or mental health.

Homeopaths commonly recommend supplements of these vitamins and minerals be added to the diet of persons suffering from bipolar disorder. Many have documented progress in their patients with these treatments.

Tryptophan:

Tryptophan is the amino acid to which we in the United States usually attribute our drowsiness or lightheadedness after eating the Thanksgiving turkey.

However, this nutrient is also widely known in homeopathic circles to contribute to a general feeling of well being. This mood alteration stems from the increase of serotonin and melatonin we experience in our brains when eating some of tryptophan’s source foods: chocolate, oatmeal, bananas.

Thus tryptophan is sometimes recommended in the diet or as a prescription for bipolar patients. There are no legal supplements of tryptophan now sold over the counter.

Herbal Treatments in Bipolar Disorder:

Chamomile, St. John’s Wort and Valerian Root are the most common herbs recommended by homeopaths for natural treatment of bipolar disorder.

Other remedies have included SAM-e, Gingko-Biloba and Inositol (part of the Vitamin B-complex family, also a simple carbohydrate.)

Exercise and Activity:

Regular exercise in the sunlight is widely acknowledged to be an important factor in treatment of bipolar disorder patients. At least three sessions a week of high aerobic activity seems to be the most commonly recommended routine. This contributes to the stimulation of endorphins.

Other activities I came across when researching alternative treatments for bipolar disorder were as diverse as horseback riding and drumming. The common thread in these activities were rhythm and how it relates to dealing with the “rapid cycling” of bipolar patients and the expression of it outwards.

Let the Sunshine In!

An hour a day of exposure to direct sun in the middle of the day is seen as helpful to mental outlook, in particular for patients who suffer from seasonal depressions in the darkness of winter months. Patients should make sure of light interaction with their medications, some may cause light sensitivity. Make sure to protect your eyes and skin.

Aromatherapy:

There are many scents recommended in the treatment of the various phases of bipolar disorder, to calm during manic episodes, to relieve anxiety and depression at the opposite end of the spectrum.

These scents can be contained in candles, oils, incense, scent rings for lamps, sprays, scented baths or skin lotions. The scented herbs can be contained in soothing packs or sachets as well.

The most commonly used aromas in the treatment of bipolar patients are: lavendar, peppermint, sandalwood, sage, lemongrass, chamomile, orange, rosemary, and jasmine.

If any of these alternative treatments appeal to you in your own approach to bipolar disorder, or the treatment of a loved one, you may wish to suggest the options to your health practitioner. Again, it is not recommended to strike out experimenting on your own without professional oversight.

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bluewings profile image

bluewings  says:
3 years ago

Many alternative medications have been known to work for diseases where allopathy has failed or not given satisfactory results.Tryptophan can be used as a drug that could be used in both cases because it has an indirect effect on the neurotransmission.

In bipolar disorders,Serotonin which is actually 5hydroxy triptamine(5HT) level falls.Serotonin being a neurotransmitter,the nerve activity and communications at the synaptic junctions between the neurons decreases.As serotonin is involved in emotions ,moods,sleep et cetera ,the decrease in the amount of this neurotransmitter thus causes decreased impulses resulting in mood swings and depression.

What tryptophan does is to enhance the formation of serotonin as serotonin is a derivative of the aminoacid Tryptophan.Once the level of this neurotransmitter increases ,the stimulation is still weak ,but the number of impulses at the synaptic junctions increases thus causing improvement in regulation of mood and emotions.

Thus,both allopathy and homeopathy can use this mechanism to treat Bipolar disorders .What we have to look at here is the quickness of the delivery of the drug to the target cell.I am pretty sure that in times to come we will have better drug delivery methods so the patients can get almost instant relief.

cremechese profile image

cremechese  says:
3 years ago

Thanks, bluewings. you're the one who should have written the article!

lordwarwizard profile image

lordwarwizard  says:
3 years ago

You know what? I think I might even be suffering from this myself. But I have no guts to go see a doctor.

bluewings profile image

bluewings  says:
3 years ago

I don't know if we are allowed to post comments twice ,but I have to.Thanks so much ,Creme,lol.Just wanted to share the mechanism of action so we know why exactly both approaches work for the drug.I learnt a lot from your article,Trust me!

meemee  says:
3 years ago

I found this article VERY insight full. I was diagnosed with bipolar several years back. I had a very hard time coming to terms with a "mental illness". My meds work great but I do not have insurance and I am not able to afford them. So I have been trying to control it myself. It is a daily struggle. However I have added all the vitamins & a few of the scents to my daily life along with yoga and mediation I can tell a world of difference. Thank you for this article.

Grandma Donna profile image

Grandma Donna  says:
3 years ago

There are many people given the Bi-Polar diagnosis, having it can smack them in the face harder than if hit with a hammer; but - and this is a HUGE but....quite frequently, even more frequently than can be imagined, the people doing the actual diagnosing are intentionally giving the wrong diagnosis. This is not always done in a malicious manner, however. It could be that the patient is suffering from Severe to Major Clinical Depression, which is in itself is quite enough for one to deal with. Here though, enters the problem. If the Depression diagnosis is not enough in that person's particular state to qualify them for total Disability and the physician/psychiatrist/treatment team feel that is what the patient needs....the added diagnosis of Bi-Polar Disorder may be innocently thrown into the mix, as this will qualify the person to receive benefits. Unfortunately the patient cannot be made aware of this, thus the endless round of treatments begin; and they are endless because how are they really going to work if the disorder isn't really there to treat? It is simply another one of the bureaucratic loopholes that doctors are forced to jump through in order to treat their patients.

Not only this, but the patient ofttimes will begin to relate him/her self to the Diagnosis. They will begin calling themselves by the Diagnosis. If they are seen together in a group setting such as a Med Group (a group of people shepherded through the treating psychiatrist's office once a month, all receiving state benefits, and all having their charts and meds updated and reviewed), you can overhear them speak to each other in words such as, "I'm Bi-Polar, what are you?", "Oh, "I'm Schizophrenic.".

This kind of faulty "diagnosis thinking" can also lead the patient to short Day Programs for crisis stabilization or even institutionalization at times.

As for MeeMee, I am so happy for you to have found the combination that works for you. It is wonderful to see how you have managed to cope with this on your own in such a positive manner. Cremechese mentions in the original post omega-3 fatty acids. Without much expense at all you can incorporate this into your diet by eating tuna fish 1-2 times a week. You can also purchase fish oil capsules very inexpensively. You don't necessarily have to go for the flashy ones that say OMEGA-3.

cremechese profile image

cremechese  says:
3 years ago

Thank you very much for your feedback. I learned a lot in researching this article, as I had a friend suffering from bipolar disorder who committed suicide several years ago. At the time I had not much understanding of it at all and wish I had.

LotsofLove  says:
2 years ago

My loved one is truly suffering from Bipolar Disorder. His biological father commited suicide from this disorder and he suffers from severe mania and all that goes with it including bankrupting us twice, and then falls into a dark depression. The last one took two years to come out of. He's on so many meds now I don't know where one begins and the other stops--confusing. The depression is so difficult to live with--our teenage children are affected. How can I help him better? He's on the couch, not working again. Thanks for the responses.

Tattooingdragon  says:
2 years ago

I have a daughter that is 25 years old .She was diagnosed at 13 with bi-polar and intermittent explosive disorders. She is currently incauserated because during one of her explosive bi-polar episodes she stabed a man she believed was trying to rape her. I am trying to get her released into my home upon parole however I am looking for ways to help her get control over her conditions without using medications that don't work and making her a guinne pig once again. We have dealt with all the individual therapies drugs group therapies and group homes as well as long term hospitalizations. All of which I hope to avoid if at all possible. If anyone can help me by pointing me in a more natural treatment direction I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you in advance.

Debi  says:
2 years ago

There is a alternative for Bipolar and other Mental Disorders. It is a non profit organisation in Canada called Truehope. The product is Empower. You can check it out on Website...Good luck...Debi

BipO Lars profile image

BipO Lars  says:
2 years ago

Wow, these are some great ideas. I'm always looking for natural alternatives. I have found that good vitamin and mineral supplements are very helpful. I would also stress that adding a high-quality fish oil is also very helpful. Thanks for the well done hub!

MOmmagus  says:
2 years ago

Very Thoughtful, thank you.

Eddie of Clayton  says:
2 years ago

Here's what I found out which helps. I take purified fish oil as BAMA (Brithis Medical Jouney suggests.) I excersise and also take a multi vitamin.

I avoid at all cost soda and fast foods. I try to eat a low fat and high fiber diet.

I try to stick to a rountine.

I am very depressed at times, so I take 40 mg paxil. But i find it does give me energy rushes. If i don't excersise to get the dopamine flowing. I end up getting very anxious which can lead to trouble sleeping and the a maniac episode. So I take the paxil 30 mins before going to bed. It is important you a get a full night's sleep

HollywoodBipolar  says:
16 months ago

It's amazing to find out there are alternative [possibly effective] forms of 'controlling' Bipolar Disoder. I was recently diagnosed and feel as though my world tumbled lower than before. I want to change my life in a positive way and avoid as much contact to conspiracy trials... I mean, it WAS the US govt that introduced Syphilis and AIDS and Sickle Cell Anemia....nonetheless, I am extremely scared about these meds. I dont know what to do, where to start, who to talk to....

HELP!

akeejaho profile image

akeejaho  says:
16 months ago

As you can see from the comments on this Hub alone, there is a bunch of info on Bipolar out there.  Being new to the diagnosis, it is very hard to sort through all the mumbo jumbo out there to find info that may have some helpful hints.

Bipolar is a 24/7 condition that will not go away.  There is no cure, and affects vary for each individual, and treatment for controlling symptoms are just that.  Treatments.  Some work for certain individuals, and in some cases, do not work for others.

I treat my Bipolar with several different approaches.  Some are mentioned in this Hub, which I have to say is very well written and informative.  Thank you Cremechese for adding your slant to the bigger picture!

I use Aroma therapy, and suggest adding Frankinscense, Myrrh, and Patchulli to your scent choices.  I use lavender at night to aid in relaxation, along with a combination of ST Johns wart, Melatonin and Valerian root supplements which I ingest about an hour or so before Nite nite time.

Keep your chin up Hollywood.  It is not the end of the world, though at times it may seem that way. 

I have been dealing with this all my life, which I have talked about in some of my Hubs.  I am now, well, several years older, and a bit wiser.  I have run the gambit of medications available to Bipolars and have seen more doctors than Carter has little liver pills.  I found little or no relief untill I took matters into my own hands.

Now I write about the disease, (And it is a disease) and the various methods I use to help me control the swings, the depressions, and the manic moments we all experience.

The thing is, finding the right combo of diet, exercise, and relaxation techniques that work for you.  I have lowered the stress in my life as much as possible, and I am constantly looking for other ways to otherwise occupy my mind to help me to deal with the effects of my Bipolar.  Sometimes I am successful, and sometimes not.  But, it is important to not give up.

I do hope you find what you are looking for here.  The best thing for you to do is to read, read read.  Find out all you can about what aflicts you.  It is the first step in understanding what is happening to you.  Don't be afraid.  And welcome to the ranks of millions of others who are also Bipolar.  You are not alone, and you never will be.  We are all here, ready to help in any way we can. 

We are there for you.

I am there for you.  Just ask what you need to, and we all will try to help you.

anshi  says:
16 months ago

i am a bipolar , can it be treated through homeopathy

concernedmon  says:
12 months ago

I have a nothing less but an intelligent 7yr old who in the past year was diagnosed with bi-polar. we are now on 3 different meds and with no avail to his symptoms. I dont know if Im looking for that one pill that will make him "normal", and not normal for me, normal in the sence that society will not judge him. How do I help my child progress in a world that for him is a tug of war game. Who wins? Where do I start. does anybody know if acupuncture has any effects on moods( assist in sabilizing). Thank you

Diane  says:
11 months ago

My husband was diagnosed bi-polar about 2 years ago. After a few changes of medications he has had good luck with Lamectal and Lexapro. His brother was diagnosed about 6 months before my husband. They were about 56 and 58 at the time.

A major problem with the medication for my husband has been to "possible" side effects, regarding certain occupations. He and I have decided that, in our golden years we want to drive OTR trucks and 'see the country'. He discovered quite quickly that when he listed his medications, red flags flew. (makes you tempted to be less honest).

We have been married almost 20 years and after years of alcoholism, 2 bankrupcies, 2 suicide attempts and just the general chaos, we are now, medicated and happy. Broke...but truely enjoying life. So, I guess you can say, there is, Life after Bi-polar.

For us, as well as the medication is working, 'IT', itself is the problem. Because of all the financial loss, we are forced to continue working and looked forward to the adventure of driving truck. We will try the holistic combinations listed above starting at the beginning. Some we are very familiar with but have not taken them faithfully and not in conjunction with his bi-polar.

We would appreciate any additional comments and/or information regarding holistic and homeopathy remedies to this baffling illness.

Sincere thanks in advance,

DCL

nagaraj  says:
11 months ago

kindly give list of homeo medicines for bipolar

lisa  says:
10 months ago

hey guys. not been to the doctor yet but am positive this is my condition. All of the years of depression mixed with out of control emotions and crying jags--I am sure of it now. I want to try some natural remedies first, sleep management and stess relief before I resort to the hard meds. I am relieved I think I have figured it out, but also scared. good luck to you all.

debbie  says:
10 months ago

my daughter is 16 and has been on abilify and they added lexepro 10 mg to it. she hates the feeling of the meds. She has been doing accupunture for 3 years and it has controled her asthma. concerned mom asked if it works. It does work BUT i just toke my duaghter because she was having headaches from the lexepro, it toke away the headache BUT the accupunture may have released meds into her systom and she had a really bad reaction. she was so scared she is refusing to take the abilify and lexepro. I called her pdoc and he said to give her sam-e omega 3 and b complex. she is having withdrawls but so far not to bad and she likes the way she is feeling on the nautral stuff.

Kelly  says:
7 months ago

My friend called me last week from Florida. I had not seen or heard from her in 2 years. She told me she was in trouble… basically described how she was diagnosed as bipolar and gets lost, ended up on a plane in Mexico, and many other things. She told me she needed help and wanted her life back. She showed up here by plane (took 6 xanax she told me) to get here. She ios staying in my airstream RV in my driveway. She rocks, cried, hums, stutters….. and sleeps all day. I need some help for her. She has no insurance, no nothing. I cannot believe this is the same woman I have known for 20 years…. Any advise you can give would be grateful. I can send her back to Florida but I know she will die if she does not get help. Just found your article and am looking for help from anyone.

Thanks

Kelly

Anne  says:
6 months ago

I have bipolar, and at the moment I am stable. I take medication, but more importantly my diet is what helps me as well. I avoid meat, dairy and wheat, which increases the dopamine in my system, which I don't want - it was in a homeopathy book. Also I avoid copper,and take zinc, b vitamins, omega 3, c, I eat soy protein, soy milk, yogurt and tofu, soy cheese. I am teetotal, the seroquel i take helps me to sleep. I hope this helps anyone - Tyrosine and phenylalanine increasse dopamine levels. copper is needed to increase dopamine(by tyrosine) fresh fruit and vegetable too

anne  says:
6 months ago

Soory I meant to say that I eat fresh fruit and vegetables, they do not increase dopamine, except for bananas. You can get details of food that contain high amounts of tyrosine and phenylalanine.

Larnie  says:
5 months ago

I think my 8 year old son may be bipolar.My doctor say's he is to young to find out.But it runs in my family.He has moods i don't stand sometimes.It is hard to com him down.He has been in trouble in school on the bus.I just want my baby back he was such a good baby.Now it is hard for me sometimes.My husband is never home so i take care of it on my own.I have three boys they all may have it but in different ways.Is there anyone that may be able to help me deal with this.Larnie

sharonkende  says:
5 months ago

In reference to the antidote from the beginning of the story, visit Mark Janikula's website: www.vitalhomeopathic.com. He is an excellent, extensively trained ND (natural doctor) and has actually devised a homeopathic/natural treatment program for patients with bipolar disorder. In fact, half of his patients are people with the condition. I went to him and am very satisfied so far with the results.

sanjay Dadhania  says:
2 months ago

I have been suffering from bipolar disordes since 1993,I came across a miraculous program based on 25 years of scientific reaserch SSY(www.rsvk.org).This program gave me a miraculous recovery from endless agony.it can help all.

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