Top 12 Natural Cures For Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder patients experience frequent mood swings that vary from high to low extreme. It is also termed as manic depression. The disease can cause problem not only for the patient who is suffering from it but also for the person who lives along with him or her. It can affect both women and men. Causes of bipolar disorder include genetics, physical changes in brain, imbalance of hormones and stress.

Bipolar disorder is of four types viz. bipolar I, bipolar II, rapid cycling and slow cycling. Symptoms of bipolar disorder can be categorized in manic symptoms and depression symptoms that include restlessness, elation, aggressiveness and lethargy. Symptoms can differ in men and women. It takes a lot of time to treat this disease. Natural cures can be used for the treatment of bipolar disorder.

Top Natural Cures For Bipolar Disorder

Flaxseed Oil

Flaxseed oil is beneficial for the patients suffering from bipolar disorder. It contains omega 3 fatty acids that have medicinal effects. This natural remedy helps in curing bipolar depression.

It can also be used along with other medications. Those patients who are suffering from anxiety due to bipolar disorder should not use this remedy.

---

Valerian Root

Root of valerian herb has been found to be beneficial in the treatment of bipolar disorder. It has sedative properties that are helpful for the nervous system. This remedy has been found to be very helpful for treating mental problems as well as bipolar disorder.

Consumption of this herb on a regular basis is beneficial for reducing nervous tension, anxiety and stress. It can be taken in the form of tablet, capsule, liquid extract and tea.

---

Gotu Kola

Gotu Kola is helpful for the treatment of bipolar disorder. This medicinal herb helps in reducing anxiety and depression associated with bipolar disorder.

Consumption of gotu kola on a regular basis would help in reducing the symptoms of mental disorders. The patients who are taking cholesterol lowering drugs as well as medicines related to diabetes should not consume this herb.

---

Fish Oil

Fish oil is useful in the treatment of bipolar disorder. Similar to flaxseed oil, it also contains omega 3 fatty acids that are helpful for the patients suffering from bipolar disorder.

Especially the patients who are suffering from bipolar depression should consume fish oil on a daily basis. It is found to be effective in reducing depression as well as improving the functions of brain. Consumption of four to six grams of fish oil on a daily basis is recommended.

---

Gingko Biloba

Gingko biloba is helpful for the patients suffering from bipolar disorder. Extract prepared from this medicinal herb helps in improving the memory. It acts as an antioxidant and helps in the blood flow inside brain.

This natural cure is helpful in reducing the symptoms associated with bipolar disorder. It is also found to be effective in acting as a mood enhancer. Consumption of gingko biloba on a regular basis is recommended. Continue using this herb for at least eight to twelve weeks.

---

Licorice

Licorice is a traditional herb helpful for the treatment of bipolar disorder. It is helpful in reducing the symptoms associated with bipolar disorder. The herb helps in promoting the production of hormones. Tea prepared from licorice has also been found to be beneficial. Consumption of licorice tea on a daily basis is recommended.

To prepare this remedy, take a teaspoon of powdered form of licorice and soak it in hot water for around ten minutes. Straining it and then drinking it would be beneficial for the patients. It is an effective herb in treating depression which is one of the symptoms associated with bipolar disorder.

---

Black Cohosh

Black cohosh is useful for the patients suffering from bipolar disorder. It has sedative properties and helps in improving the nervous system.

The herb has anti-inflammatory properties that are helpful for the treatment of bipolar disorder. It has been found to reduce the symptoms of bipolar disorder effectively. Make sure not to use this herb for long time as it may cause liver damage.

---

Passionflower & Ginseng

Passionflower is beneficial for the treatment of bipolar disorder. The herb is helpful in balancing the neurotransmitters inside the brain. It has sedative and tranquilizing properties that are beneficial for reducing anxiety which is one of the symptoms associated with bipolar disorder.

Ginseng is helpful for the patients suffering from bipolar disorder. It is useful in improving the functions of brain. If lethargy and fatigue are the symptoms associated with bipolar disorder, this herb can be helpful in the treatment.

---

Exercise

Exercise is helpful for the patients of bipolar disorder. Doing exercise on a regular basis would help in improving the mood. Exercise releases chemicals in the brain that have a number of benefits. One should consult the doctor before starting exercise.

Especially the patients who take lithium should consume it only after consulting the doctor. Three sessions of aerobic activities on a weekly basis is recommended. Exercise in the sunlight on a regular basis is beneficial.

---

Take Rest and Sleep

Taking rest is beneficial for the patients suffering from bipolar disorder. Taking a good sleep would be recommended. It would help in recovering from the disease soon.

Irregular sleep can increase the symptoms of depression. Taking sleep for long would also affect the health adversely. One can keep an alarm to get up on time to avoid long hour sleep.

---

Avoid Alcohol

Consumption of alcohol would be harmful for the patients suffering from bipolar disorder. It can worsen their condition. It can lead to changes in mood as well as disturbance in sleep. It makes the cognitive function poor and lowers the chances of recovery. Some people think that drinking alcohol would help in providing relief from depression for a while but it actually makes it worse.

---

Reduce Extra Weight

Losing some extra weight would be helpful for the patients suffering from bipolar disorder. Certain medications can also lead to some weight gain in the patients.

One should check the weight on a regular basis and should inform about the same to the doctor if changes occur during medications. Having a balanced diet and exercising on a regular basis is also beneficial.