Home Remedies and Herbs for Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a severe and chronic mental illness that affects a person’s thoughts, feelings and behavior. Persons with schizophrenia have a severe inability to cope with interpersonal, occupational and social interaction situations. Delusions and paranoia are common displays. Cases lasting over six months are deemed to be chronic and incurable but they can be treatable. ^1,2,4
 
The term “schizophrenia” came from Swiss psychiatrist Eugen Bleuler who categorized the mind disease as “split mind” where sufferers’ thought and emotional processes were disconnected. Schizophrenia does not refer to having a split personality which is a different mental disorder. ³
 
Schizophrenia is actually a group of psychotic conditions that are characterized by a person’s behaviors, thought processes and emotional reactions. Types of schizophrenia include: 

• Catatonic which is extreme ranges in movement and behavior
• Paranoia which is delusions of persecution
• Auditory where imaginary voices are heard
• Disorganized where thought process is impaired
• Undifferentiated which is a combination of types
• Residual where a history of schizophrenia is diminished

Schizophrenia is a rare mental disease and occurs in less than 1 percent of the population worldwide. It affects both men and women, usually developing early in adulthood and never beyond the age of 45. Schizophrenia in children is rare. ^2,3
 
What Causes Schizophrenia
 
There are no known direct schizophrenia causes. It results in different people in different ways. Suspected schizophrenia causes include:

• Genetic conditions such as existing family history
• Brain chemistry and structure
• Brain injury
• Viral infections
• Birthing issues
• Childhood malnutrition
• Environmental exposure factors

Schizophrenia Symptoms
 
Schizophrenia symptoms are classified into three groups. 

1. Positive symptoms are psychotic behaviors with delusions and hallucinations
2. Negative symptoms with withdrawal, depression and reduced interaction
3. Cognitive symptoms with poor functioning and ability to focus on activities

Schizophrenia symptoms start slowly and build up over time. Often, people with schizophrenia are unaware there is anything wrong with them which makes treatment difficult. ³
 
Natural Remedies and Herbs for Schizophrenia
 
Although there is no cure for this mental illness, there are schizophrenia natural treatments and home remedies that make the disorder more manageable. The most effective schizophrenia natural treatments are:

• Ginkgo Biloba - This natural herb is widely grown commercially and is one of the best complimentary treatments for schizophrenia. It assists other antipsychotic medications and reduces symptoms.
• Green Cardamom Seeds - Seeds from green cardamom are common in Indian cooking and are available in many specialty stores. They are known to positively affect the nervous system and treat schizophrenia symptoms.
• Ginseng - Ginseng works to improve concentration and memory. Take ginseng for treatment of schizophrenia and calming emotional symptoms that rise from it.
• Basil - Basil is an herb that’s available in live plant and dried leaf forms. It’s a source of antioxidants that helps kill free radicals in the brain. Calming effects from basil reduce stress and anxiety.
• St. John’s Wort - This is a natural plant widely available in raw, dried, capsule and tonic forms. St. John’s Wort has been used for thousands of years for depression, nervousness, stress and anxiety issues.
• Chamomile - Chamomile has soothing properties and promotes restful sleep. The calming effect from chamomile make it an effective schizophrenia natural treatment.

References

1. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/schizophrenia/index.shtml
2. http://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/aa46937
3. http://umm.edu/health/medical/reports/articles/schizophrenia
4. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/schizophrenia/home/ovc-20253194