Natural Remedies for Epilepsy

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Epilepsy is a brain condition characterized by seizures. It occurs when brain neurons misfire and transmit wrong signals. The seizures vary in severity, from brief periods of unconsciousness to complete loss of basic motor control.

Doctors can only tell whether an individual is suffering from epilepsy after conducting a couple of brain scans. Good news is, there are some natural remedies for seizures. Before advanced seizure medications were even discovered, doctors used herbs to treat this condition. Herbs for seizures are still used today because of their impressive effectiveness.

Have a look at some herbs for epilepsy that you can use:

The Bo Tree

This fig tree is widespread in the southern regions of Asia. Buddhists regard this tree to be holy.

The Bo tree comes from the Ficus species, a species that is quite renowned for treating epilepsy. The figs of the Bo tree contains the highest amount of serotonin compared to all other trees in its species. Research has unearthed that spiking the level of serotonin transmitted by brain neurons could prevent seizures and treat epilepsy.

The Bo tree can act as a natural treatment for epilepsy, but needs to be taken in appropriate measures. Consult your doctor before pursuing this option.

False Pepper

This vine has small, yellowish flowers and grows mostly in India. The bark of this herb can be used to treat a myriad of ailments, and so can its leaves and fruits.

Such ailments include tumors, skin diseases, rheumatism and convulsions. False pepper contains an active compound called Embelin which acts as an anti-oxidant. This compound also has anti-inflammatory and antitumor properties.

False pepper acts as one of the most effective herbal remedies for seizures because of Embelin, its active component, which is a derivative of quinone and has anticonvulsant properties.

Varelian

This herb is one of the best natural cures for seizures and should definitely be considered by individuals who are looking to use herbs for epilepsy.

Scientists say that it’s an effective natural treatment for epilepsy because it contains anti-convulsive compounds. However, Epilepsia (a magazine that talks about emerging issues and breakthroughs in epilepsy) pointed out in one of their articles that varelian has a dubious chemical structure that makes it unsuitable for common use.

It’s fine to use valerian in the short term, though. It has some undesired side-effects in the long run which include anxiety, headaches and sleeplessness. It’s best if you consulted your doctor before using valerian products as natural cures for seizures.

Kava

This herb has sedative characteristics, making it among the best herbs for epilepsy. A lot of research has been conducted to ascertain whether kava can be used to treat epilepsy.

Several articles issued by Epilepsy and Behavior have pointed out that kava actually helps manage this condition by improving the effectiveness of anti-epilepsy drugs.

However, kava has certain side effects that may vary from mild to severe (such as liver failure). It can also cause severe muscle spasms. Get a go-ahead from your physician before taking kava.

Violet Tree

Indigenous to Africa’s tropics, this tree has sweet-smelling purple flowers and is used to make alternative medicines for an assortment of psychological and physical issues.

For instance, some practitioners use the violet tree to treat headaches, discomfort, nervousness and epilepsy. Researchers have suggested that this tree could be used as one of the natural remedies for seizures since it has some anticonvulsant properties.

One particular study compared this tree to an anti-epilepsy drug called phenobarbitone and confirmed that the plant’s extracts can be used as natural cures for seizures.

Magnesium

Though not a herb, Magnesium is a key component that can help epileptics combat their seizures.

Some scientists believe that deficiency of magnesium in the body may cause seizures in some people. You can try out magnesium supplements but only after getting a physician’s go-ahead.

The best way to get this vital mineral into your system is by focusing on a magnesium-rich diet. For instance, you can consume spinach, almonds and cashew nuts which are all very rich in magnesium. The down side to taking too much magnesium is that it causes your body to flush out other crucial minerals, leading to severe deficiencies. It would be wise to get your magnesium from your diet.

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