Epilepsy Talk

Natural herbal remedies for epilepsy | July 7, 2022

Long before Dilantin and Phenobarbital, there was epilepsy. And herbal remedies.

Of course, these herbal epilepsy remedies are NOT substitutes to anti-seizure medications, but are more like a supplementary support. Most of them work by preventing a seizure and other symptoms of epilepsy.

(NYU Langone Medical Center estimates that 20 percent of people taking prescription drugs also use herbs.)

Some may sound weird and others familiar. But hey, how can you argue with success?

Ash Gourd:

For some reason, this particular type of gourd is believed to have healing powers for those who suffer from seizures. Therefore using ash gourd as a home remedy for epilepsy can help to relieve the symptoms and prevent seizures.

Eating the gourd or drinking the juice of it can help, but turning to a supplement featuring this type of gourd can provide the best relief and is highly recommended as a natural cure.

Bacopa Leaf:

Used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine, the Bacopa leaf, or Brahmi, is an effective home remedy for epilepsy. It is a powerful nerve health promoter and is known to enhance memory, concentration as well as treat epilepsy. It enhances nerve health and protects the neurons against damage, keeping seizures at bay.

Black Cohosh:

Highly recommended in numerous respected publications. Like many of the herbs already mentioned, it’s considered a sedative and antispasmodic and has been extensively used for epilepsy.

Blue Vervain:

Worth mentioning here after reading old American herb doctors tales of their successes with stubborn cases of epilepsy. Blue Vervain is another wonderful herb used by many cultures all over the world. It is an American Indian remedy for several diseases including nervous afflictions.

Basil:

Packed with several medicinal properties, it can be used as an effective remedy to reduce the episodes of seizures, as it helps stimulate your brain and strengthen the nerves. Take few fresh basil leaves and extract juice from them.

Castor Oil:

A natural emollient that penetrates the surface layers of the skin, making it softer and more supple. The effects of externally applied castor oil can be enhanced through the use of a “castor oil pack” — a piece of wool flannel saturated with the oil and applied to the body. Use of a pack allows the greatest penetration in a specific area of the body. The application of heat further increases this penetration, allowing the oil to better impart its qualities to the body.

Chamomile Tea:

Known for its antioxidant and cleansing properties, chamomile tea can also abate the symptoms of epilepsy. It’s a natural soothing agent and works by calming the nerves. If you feel you have a seizure coming, you should definitely try this remedy. Sipping a strong chamomile tea can be of great help. Boil some water and add a teabag of chamomile tea. Allow it to steep for at least 15 minutes, making sure that the tea is very strong. Sipping it will immediately soothe your on-edge nerves.

Coconut Water:

Ever experience that totally refreshed and cool feeling after drinking coconut water on a sweltering day? That’s because coconut water is a magic potion loaded with vital minerals, electrolytes, and water. These three things promote better neuron health and keeps the neurological system cranked up, ensuring proper functioning of the brain.

Garlic:

Most easily found in every home, garlic is full of medicinal benefits. To use it as a home remedy for epilepsy, take equal quantities of water and milk. To this, add 3-4 crushed cloves of garlic. Boil the mixture well and drink a glass of this mixture everyday. The water and milk keep your body hydrated and replenished with minerals, while the garlic has many properties for improving neurological health.

Epsom Salt:

Magnesium sulfate, as it is also known as, has a wonderful effect on nerve health. This is a naturally found salt that is rich in magnesium and sulfur, which are both responsible for better absorption of calcium by the body. The magnesium also helps by maintaining proper nerve functioning, reducing stress, and eliminating toxins. Simply taking one tablespoon of Epsom salt every day with a glass of water can prove beneficial for epilepsy. Some businesses focus on selling entirely pure “food grade” Epsom salt, which contains magnesium sulphate. Whether there’s truth to these claims is unproven. The best amount to take is about a tsp. every morning, should you decide to use Epsom salt.

Essential Oils:

Essential oils are natural soothing and calming agents. Oils of lavender, ylang ylang, and chamomile can be used daily to keep up nerve health and to reduce anxiety and stress related to epilepsy.

False Pepper:

False pepper is a vine with tiny flowers that are yellow-green in color, and  are typically found throughout India. Alternative medicine makes use of the bark, leaves and fresh fruit to handle a variety of problems. These problems include parasites, rheumatism, stomach difficulties, skin diseases, tumors, psychological problems, and convulsions. The active component in the plant is embelin, and it has anti-fertility, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor and anti-oxidant properties. Embelin is a member of a chemical class called benzoquinone, and derivatives of quinone have anticonvulsant properties.

Frankincense:

The essential oil of choice for any kind of brain disorder. Frankincense has a molecular makeup that includes sesquiterpenes, derived from plants, that is able to cross the blood/brain barrier. These sesquiterpenes stimulate the limbic system of the brain and other glands within the brain, promoting memory and releasing emotions. Frankincense slows down and deepens the breath. The therapeutic properties of Frankincense oil are antiseptic, digestive, diuretic, and sedative.

Indian Gooseberry:

Amla, is a wonderful fruit, whose benefits never ceases to surprise. Not only is it the richest source of Vitamin C, it also has loads of antioxidants and minerals. One glass of amla juice taken on an empty stomach can help relieve the symptoms of epilepsy and prevent seizures.

Licorice:

Once again, licorice or Mulethi, proves that it is much more than what we know it to be. Grind some licorice and add it to a tablespoon of honey. Take this homemade medicine every day to find relief from epilepsy and its symptoms. CAUTION: Do not consume licorice during pregnancy for any reason as it may cause premature labor!

Motherwort:

This is a historic way of treating epilepsy since this serves as a nerve tonic and sedative. The tonic is extracted by boiling the herb in hot water. Daily consumption is effective in treating epilepsy.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids:

These are a group of essential acids that promote overall good health. These fatty acids reduce cholesterol and artery blockages, which in turn reduces the effects of ageing and improve nerve and brain health. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids are fish and nuts. Make sure you include these in your diet on a regular basis to prevent seizures. These foods are also rich in vital minerals and nutrients that are important for healthy nerves and brain functioning.

Onion:

For treating epilepsy, extract the juice of 2-3 onions and mix it well in water. Drink a glass of this mixture daily for at least 2 months and you will find great relief from your symptoms.

Skullcap:

Traditionally, it has been used for delirium tremens, St. Vitus’ dance, convulsions, seizures, hysterical states, lockjaw, tremors and epilepsy.

Sesame Oil:

A massage of this lesser known oil can help to immediately soothe the symptoms of epilepsy. Take a little warm sesame oil and massage it well onto the soles of the feet, temples and palms. This works well if done at bedtime after which you can get a good dose of calm sleep.

Turmeric

Turmeric and its chemical compounds have been studied for its anticonvulsant benefits in treating epilepsy and other conditions of our central nervous system such as mood disorders, bipolar disorders, pain, tremors, schizophrenia and even neurodegenerative diseases.

Quite a bit of research points toward the fact that turmeric is good for brain health. Additionally its bioactive constituents also demonstrate anti-epileptic and anti-seizure effect.

Valerian:

Currently one of the most popular orthodox antispasmodic medications in Russia and Germany according to Daniel Mowrey author of Herbal Tonic Therapies. It’s anticonvulsant action has been useful in treating epilepsy. Valerian was used in the First World War to prevent shell shock in front-line troops. Valerian is classified as a tonic herb. It can regulate and balance opposite extremes. Recent research has shown it to be a sedative but more research has reported it can also stimulate in a way as to improve coordination, increase concentration and energy. This tonic nature of Valerian allows it to depress or stimulate where necessary depending on the current needs of the nervous system. Another way Valerian has been characterized by clinical studies is that it has neurotropic effects directly on higher centers of the central nervous system. One of the most remarkable aspects of Valerian is the almost total lack of toxicity, even with long-term use.

Violet Tree:

The violet tree is a little tree with fragrant purple flowers indigenous to the more tropical parts of Africa. Alternative medicine practitioners use the roots to handle a variety of physical and psychological problems such as discomfort, irritation, nervousness, headache and epilepsy. Research has  compared the extract of the root of the violet tree to phenobarbital, which is an anti-convulsant drug. This research confirmed the conventional usage of the violet tree as a natural treatment for epilepsy. More studies are necessary to support these results.

Herbs you should not take according to www.epilepy.com

Fennel

Hyssop

Rosemary

Sage

Tansy

Tarragon

Wintergreen

Note: Precautions with herbs. Evening Primrose Oil and Borage can lower your seizure threshold. Sage and Hyssop can be pro-convulsant.

Some herbs decrease the level of anticonvulsants in your body. Watch out for toxins and pesticides in unregulated herbs. And most herbs should be avoided by pregnant women.

To subscribe to Epilepsy Talk and get the latest articles, simply go to the bottom box on the right, enter your email address and click on “Follow”.

Resources:

https://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/comindxb.html

https://www.healthline.com/health/natural-treatments-epilepsy#herbs

https://www.turmericforhealth.com/turmeric-benefits/turmeric-and-epilepsy

http://www.homeremedycentral.com/en/home-remedies/natural-cure/epilepsy.html

http://healthwyze.org/index.php/component/content/article/311-natural-approaches-for-treating-epilepsy.html

https://www.onlymyhealth.com/natural-and-effective-remedies-for-epilepsy-1473326933


15 Comments »

  1. I appreciate much of the information here altho I disagree with some of the suggestions on how to use some herbs. Before going to the trouble of trying each substance, I would recommend a homeopathic formula which contains some of the above substances, reduced with homeopathic technology and combined in such a manner to be effective as an adjunct in treating epilepsy. That would be Dr.Reckeweg’s Formula R33, made in Germany. I was able to reduce drastically the dose of Keppra a neurologist had advised… The best form of magnesium for the brain is Magnesium L-Threonate which crosses the BBB. Omega 3’s , B vitamins and Tumeric/Curcumin root extract are essential helpers too. Check out GABA too…

    Liked by 1 person

    Comment by Andy — July 7, 2022 @ 10:05 AM

  2. Another caution on licorice: it can make high blood pressure worse, much worse.

    Liked by 1 person

    Comment by HoDo — July 7, 2022 @ 10:52 AM

  3. So glad to have this information. I’ve been on a strict KETO diet plus seizures meds and have not had a seizure for over ten years. I’ve been encouraged to taper off my drugs. The above natural remedies may give me a little more courage.

    Liked by 1 person

    Comment by Joyce Phillips — July 7, 2022 @ 11:10 AM

    • Hi Joyce,
      You can do it. I got mine under control with keto also. I was on 1000mg of Valproic acid plus 260mg of Phenobarbital per day. I’ve gotten off the Valproate entirely and am halfway off the Pheno so far.
      Robin

      Liked by 1 person

      Comment by paleobird — July 7, 2022 @ 12:22 PM

  4. Hi I love this blog and it is really a validation on many levels.

    I just was disturbed by the beginning of todays blog:
    .
    Why do you have to be apologetic and say ” of course these are not substitutes for meds….. when u started w/ saying for thousands of yrs there were herbs that helped.. was there never any help until modern times w/ western medicine? How can we be so arrogant to say that?

    Liked by 1 person

    Comment by malka — July 7, 2022 @ 12:27 PM

    • Sigh. You’ve got an excellent point, Malka. However, in their wisdom and arrogance, the medical profession (docs, BIG pharma, disbelievers) tend to diss herbs and supplements and feel that they should be an adjunct to pharmaceutical drugs.

      I’m stuck on the top of a jagged fence. 😢

      Like

      Comment by Phylis Feiner Johnson — July 7, 2022 @ 1:24 PM

  5. […] Source link […]

    Like

    Pingback by Natural herbal remedies for epilepsy – QED Online — July 7, 2022 @ 5:14 PM

  6. Dear Phylis,

    A very imp. video to look at by Karen Kingston, whistleblower, on seizures happening in children. Epilepsy mentioned. Listen to video at link below on beforeitsnews.com.

    <https://beforeitsnews.com/alternative/2022/07/karen-kingston-nightmare- pfizer-baby-and-toddler-data-study-never-should-have-happened-babies-having- seizures-after-first-dose-placebo-group-received-vaxx-placebo- group-99-dropout-rate-after-3776218.html>

    Thanks,

    Mary+Ellen

    Pottstown, Montgomery County, PA

    Liked by 1 person

    Comment by maryellenjacobs — July 9, 2022 @ 5:36 AM

    • You can find all of Karen Kingston’s interviews on Brighteon.com. This particular one is listed under Karen Kingston – Corona Investigative Committee.
      Thank you, Joyce, for always giving us great resources.

      Liked by 1 person

      Comment by Paget Bridges — July 9, 2022 @ 11:47 AM

  7. Mary+Ellen, somehow the link wouldn’t click through. Do you have to be a subscriber?

    Like

    Comment by Phylis Feiner Johnson — July 9, 2022 @ 9:39 AM

  8. Indian herbs are considered to be helpful for achieving good health with the help of natural sources. The age old traditions associated with herbs are kept alive by the people of medicinal milieu, considering their effects on many diseases and the belief in herbal therapy has been creating in millions of people, since ancient times.
    https://www.indianetzone.com/37/indian_herbs.htm

    Liked by 1 person

    Comment by IndiaNetzone — September 23, 2022 @ 2:17 AM

  9. I WOULD LOVE TO HAVE MORE INFORMATION TO HELP ME LIVE A MORE HEALTHY LIFE WITH EPILEPSY THANK YOU!

    Liked by 1 person

    Comment by Wynnett Muhammad — May 9, 2023 @ 4:52 PM

    • Follow the links at the bottom of the article for more detail. They’re full of information. Much more than I could include.

      Like

      Comment by Phylis Feiner Johnson — May 9, 2023 @ 5:21 PM


Leave a Reply

Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in:

WordPress.com Logo

You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. Log Out /  Change )

Facebook photo

You are commenting using your Facebook account. Log Out /  Change )

Connecting to %s

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    About the author

    Phylis Feiner Johnson

    Phylis Feiner Johnson

    I've been a professional copywriter for over 35 years. I also had epilepsy for decades. My mission is advocacy; to increase education, awareness and funding for epilepsy research. Together, we can make a huge difference. If not changing the world, at least helping each other, with wisdom, compassion and sharing.

    View Full Profile →

    Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive free notifications of new posts by email.

    Join 3,266 other subscribers
    Follow Epilepsy Talk on WordPress.com
%d bloggers like this: