Epilepsy is traditionally treated with anti-seizure medications. But these
medications don’t work for everyone, and they come with a risk of side
effects.
From herbs and vitamins to biofeedback and acupuncture, there are a lot of
choices available. But there is far less evidence backing up natural treatments
for epilepsy compared with conventional medicine.
Some alternative therapies might complement your current treatment plan, but
you should always ask a doctor first.
With an increasing market and public interest, herbal treatments have soared
in popularity. It seems there is an herb for virtually every ailment. NYU
Langone Medical Center estimates that 20 percent of people taking prescription
drugs also use herbs.
Some of the most commonly used herbs for epilepsy are:
burning bush
groundsel
hydrocotyle
lily of the valley
mistletoe
mugwort
peony
scullcap
tree of heaven
valerian
Such herbs have the potential to reduce seizures, but there’s no scientific
proof that they work. The FDA doesn’t regulate the safety and efficacy of
supplements. Herbs sometimes cause unpleasant side effects such as headaches,
rashes, and digestive problems.
While some herbs might help epilepsy, others should be avoided. These
include:
gingko and St. John’s wort (may interact with anti-seizure medications)
kava, passionflower, and valerian (may increase sedation)
Acupuncture and chiropractic treatments are sometimes considered other
alternatives to conventional medicine. The exact way acupuncture helps is not
understood, but the ancient Chinese practice is used to help chronic pain and
other medical issues. By placing fine needles in specific parts of the body,
practitioners help the body heal itself.
Acupuncture may change brain activities to reduce seizures. While the
practice sounds good in theory, there is no scientific evidence to prove
acupuncture as an effective epilepsy treatment.
Spinal manipulations in chiropractic care may also help the body heal itself.
Some chiropractors use specific manipulations to help patients control seizures
on a regular basis. But like acupuncture, chiropractic care isn’t widely viewed
as an effective form of epilepsy treatment.
garlic (can possibly increase medication levels)
chamomile (may prolong medication effects)
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