9 Natural Remedies For Bipolar Depression

Natural remedies for bipolar depression do not take the place of prescription medication.  When combined with prescription drugs, natural remedies can be helpful in managing symptoms of bipolar depression.  Talk with your physician regarding the natural treatments listed below before you start taking them.

1. Rhodiola

Officially called Rhodiola Rosea, this herb has been used for a long time to help handle anxiety.  It has also shown positive impacts on individuals struggling with depression.

2. SAMe

SAMe should be used with caution on people with bipolar disorder that suffer from depression because it can bring on mania, as stated by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH).  It should be used only under a physician’s supervision.  Clinical trials are underway to find out the best approach to utilize SAMe in people with bipolar disorder.

3. St. John’s wort 

This herb, which is frequently used in Europe for mood control, is among those better known as an all-natural mood enhancer.  The NCCIH claims that St. John’s wort can help with depression but can also trigger psychosis. The center also cautions that it might interact with other bipolar depression drugs.  St John’s wort has been shown to have similar negative effects as antidepressant drugs since it seems to impact the entire body in a similar manner.

4. Meditation

Individuals who meditate have a cognitive treatment approach.  The longer they meditate, the fewer symptoms they feel, according to a study published in 2013.

5. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Individuals with bipolar disorder may want to start eating fish or start taking fish oil nutritional supplements.  This is because the anti-inflammatory benefits of omega-3 fatty acids might help regulate mood.  Adding about 300 mg of omega-3s daily to a depression treatment programs can improve symptoms.

6. Light Therapy

Individuals with bipolar disorder may have disrupted circadian rhythms, which implies that their biological clock is not working.  Light therapy can help reset this inner clock and enhance bipolar management.

7. Traditional Chinese Medicine

This strategy is based on particular herbal mixtures and in depth modifications of a patients diet and everyday habits.  It is best to work with a professional trained in the area of traditional Chinese medicine for this type of treatment.

8. Interpersonal And Social Rhythm Therapy

This technique teaches individuals with bipolar disorder to keep a routine schedule and exercise.

9. Eye Movement Desensitization And Reprocessing Therapy

Eye Movement Desensitization And Reprocessing Therapy uses a supervised program of eye movements, together with recalling traumatic experiences, to treat symptoms.  According to study published in 2014 from the journal Psychiatry Research, this strategy can be valuable to individuals who have bipolar disorder and a history of injury,

All of these natural remedies are safe; however, there is evidence that they can interact with prescription drugs. This is why you should definitely speak with your doctor to discuss if you want to take a natural remedy combined with your prescription medication