Holistic/Homeopathic Bi-polar Treatments

[Mistress Mercy]

Anyone know any holistic/homeopathic treatments for bi-polar disorder. I refuse to take most prescription medication i don't like it id rather take herbs and find other ways to deal with what is wrong with me.

[The_Dark]

There isn't one that I have ever come across. Not one that completly takes you off pills. Everything I have ever read on Homoepathic websites and the few books I have read ont he subject all say to combine the Homeopathic treatment with standard counciling and drug regiments. I do know a native american treatment, or I should say, I know what plant the natives of this area used to treat all mental disorders. I dont know the exact dosage or if anything was done to the plant before injesting it though. It's called Indian Pipes by many, or Corpse Flower. I've never gotten the guts to try it though, as it is mildly psycoactive.

[Fierce Critter]

Before you try anything, research it thoroughly. Some herbals have negative and/or negating effects on other meds, etc.

For instance, St. John's Wort, sometimes taken as an anti-depressive, can negate the effects of birth control pills.

[Fierce Critter]

[Aralis]

My ex was bipolar. He was on Lithium when he was younger. Most of the time we were together he claimed Pot was his medicine. I think it only made it worse. He finally got on Lithium again near the end of our relationship but refused to stick to it cuz he claimed it made him feel "not real" and "foggy" all the time.

[torn asunder]

...It's called Indian Pipes by many, or Corpse Flower...

if you have any further info on this, thedark, i'd love to research it a bit - i'm quite interested in native american medicine and spiritual practices... (as well as chinese homeopathy/energy work, but that's another subject...)

on-topic, meditation, but then, that's my suggested solution for everything... :erm :fear

[bean]

I was on Lithium for awhile and hated it. Pot makes my bipolarism worse, hence, I am in a HUGE depression now. Drinking usually puts me in a mania, until I stop drinking (doesn't make sence, I know), which is why I would drink all the time.

Anyway, I found that taking 5-HTP pills made my disorder better. What sucks though is when you stop taking them you will either get slammed into a depression or into a mania and it will be severe. I stopped taking it only because I am bad about remembering to take pills, and I didn't have the money to buy more.

[The_Dark]

I'm sorry. I misstyped. The actual name I was trying to think of is Ghost Flower, not Corpse Flower. Actually....

Monotropa, from the Latin, "once-turned'', reference to the flowers, which face the ground early in life, and turn straight upward once they begin producing seeds.

uniflora, from the Latin, "single flower''

Other common names include Corpse Plant, Ghost Flower, Ghost Pipe, Ice Plant, Bird's Nest, American Iceplant, Fairy Smoke

The best I ahve ever found about the medicinal uses is this....

Root has been traditionally used as a sedative and for various nervous conditions. It was also used externally for inflamed eyes and bunions and warts.

Thats about all I know. I've yet to do the research to really talk abou tit much.

[Nerdcore]

I was just talking about this with someone at work , drink coffee.. it will balance the highs and lows and all.. its strange but true. Also vitamin c works too

if you need any more help and so forth let me know!

cheers

[torn asunder]

(thanks, TD!)

[Dollardave]

My wifes bi-polar and shes on a medicine called geodon it has little or no side effects it works fine. If u want herbal try st johns wort.

hope this helps

[Brenda Starrr]

I think that for my ex, there is nothing more holistic than hemlock.