Schizophrenia is a complicated mental disorder that results in illogical thinking and feelings along with inability to differentiate between real and made up incidents. This personality disorder causes the sufferer to develop two or more different personalities that may or may not know about each other’s made up existence.Studies have not revealed the reason behind the condition but in many cases it is believed to have been genetic. Combination of various medications is used in the treatment but they may have side effects like weight gain and dizziness. There are some safe and effective herbs that can help treat schizophrenia.
Best Herbal Remedies For Schizophrenia
Serpentwood
Serpentwood, also known as Rauwolfia serpentine, has been used for treating personality disorders including schizophrenia because it contains reserpine; a psychoactive enzyme. Consumption of drugs containing reserpine prevents the transfer of dopamine (a neurotransmitter) to the brain that helps reduce the intensity of symptoms associated with the condition.
Herbal medications containing serpentwood are available in many drug stores but the medications should be used only after consulting a doctor because the herb has side effects like short term memory and inattentiveness.
Ginkgo
Ginkgo biloba is a well known herb whose extracts are popularly used in various medicinal preparations because of the many benefits that the herb has on our physical and mental health. Extracts of the herb are available in tea, capsule and supplement forms and these should be used in combination with the antipsychotic drug Haldol. The use of gingko in combination with Haldol has shown considerable improvement in patients suffering from schizophrenia. However, one may experience some mild side effects of gingko such as painful gas and headache.
Milk Thistle
Milk thistle is actually an herbal extract taken from the seed of the plant Sylibum marianum and is often used in the treatment of conditions related to the liver. Regular use of the herb is known to get rid of liver toxicity and increase the production of bile. The herb can help improve the condition of patients suffering from schizophrenia by treating liver toxicity that results from use of some antipsychotic medications. But milk thistle has certain side effects as well and should always be taken under medical supervision.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is a popular medicinal herb in India and is used in the treatment of many ailments. The herb is associated with the treatment of certain mental disorders including that of schizophrenia. The herb helps block transfer of certain neurotransmitters to the brain that keeps in control flare ups of symptoms associated with the condition. However, the herb and its supplements should be used under medical supervision as it has mild to severe side effects including inducing abortion.
St. John’s Wort
St John’s wort is considered a sedative and a nervine. This means that the herb helps relax both body and mind by inducing a calming effect and a feeling of general well-being. The sedative effects of the herb keep brain activity under control and prevent the sufferer from thinking negatively. The herb is available in tonic and pill form for treatment of schizophrenia but should be used only after consulting a doctor. Do not take the herb in combination with prescription sedatives and antidepressants.
