Home Remedies and Herbs for Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a central nervous or neurological disorder where nerve cell activity in the brain becomes disrupted causing seizures or unusual behavior and sensation periods, sometimes resulting in the loss of consciousness. Convulsions and spasms are commonly associated with epilepsy seizures. ²
 
Statistics show that about 1 in 26 people in the United Sates suffer from some form of epilepsy. Ten percent may only suffer one epileptic seizure and never have a reoccurrence. Therefore, a diagnosis of epilepsy is only made when two or more unprovoked events have happened. ^2,4
 
There are different types of epilepsy but they all have recurrent seizures when uncontrolled electrical discharges are signalled by nerve cells in the cerebral cortex which is the part of the brain that controls higher mental functions, general movement and sensations, the functions of the internal organs, perception as well as behavioral reactions. ³
 
The different types of epilepsy are:

• Focal Seizures — These result from one area of the brain. They can be partial seizures without a loss of consciousness or dyscognitive seizures where the sufferer is completely detached from awareness.
• Generalized Seizures — These involve all brain areas and are subdivided into six categories; absence, tonic, atonic, clonic, myoclonic and tonic-clonic. Severity of the seizures progresses with the categories.

Epilepsy can affect people of all ages but is most common in children and elderly adults. ³
 
What Causes Epilepsy?
 
Epilepsy causes are only identifiable in approximately half of the sufferers. It’s triggered when a group of nerve cells in the cerebral cortex (gray matter) are simultaneously activated, emitting sudden and excessive bursts of energy. ³
 
Known epilepsy causes include:

• Genetic influence which runs in families
• Head trauma, also known as Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
• Brain conditions like tumors and stroke
• Infectious diseases such as meningitis and AIDS
• Prenatal injury from infection, poor nutrition or oxygen deficiency
• Developmental disorders

Epilepsy Symptoms
 
Epilepsy symptoms vary depending on the type of seizure. In most cases, people will suffer the same type of seizure so similar symptoms will present each time. ¹
 
Epilepsy symptoms include: 

• Spasmodic muscle contractions
• Loss of consciousness
• Staring spells
• Muscle twitching
• Uncontrollable jerking
• Tongue biting and jaw clenching
• Confusion and disorientation

Natural Remedies and Herbs for Epilepsy
 
While epilepsy cannot be cured, the goal of treating epilepsy is controlling the seizures. 3,4 Most epilepsy medication is doctor prescribed however there are some very effective epilepsy natural treatments available.

• 5-HTP -  5-hydroxytryptophan is a natural chemical produced by the body. It’s made from an essential amino acid called tryptophan which comes from food. Once tryptophan is converted into 5-HTP, it becomes another chemical known as serotonin which is an important neurotransmitter responsible for relaying signals from one part of the brain to another. 5-HTP has a positive effect on controlling epileptic seizures.
• Passion Flower - This is a natural herb that contains a natural chemical called chrysin that reduces anxiety which is a known contributor to epilepsy seizures. Passion flower is available as a supplement and taken as a tea.
• Kava Kava - Kava Kava is another natural herb that contains nuciferine. It’s an anti-spasmodic and helps improve the condition of epilepsy.
• Valerian - Still another natural herb, valerian improves epilepsy symptoms and has a sedative effect. It’s available as a supplement for a tea or tincture.
• Epsom Salt - Epsom Salt contains magnesium sulfate which affects the brain and controls seizures. Crush Epsom salt into a fine powder and ad ½ teaspoon to water for oral consumption.
• Fish Oil - The Omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil are also a proven source for controlling epilepsy seizures.

References

1. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/epilepsy/home/ovc-20117206
2. https://medlineplus.gov/epilepsy.html
3. http://umm.edu/health/medical/reports/articles/epilepsy
4. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/epilepsy/epilepsy.htm
5. http://www.drweil.com/health-wellness/body-mind-spirit/disease-disorders/natural-treatment-for-seizures/