Natural Remedies For Epilepsy: Easy And Effective Supplements

Natural remedies support epilepsy attacks. Although they do not replace medications, their regular consumption within a healthy lifestyle can contribute to well-being.

Natural remedies for epilepsy can complement the effects of medical treatment to prevent seizures. Thanks to their properties and nutrients, they contribute to improving the quality of life of patients.

The disease affects the functions of the nervous system and, as a consequence, produces sudden attacks of short duration. In particular, it occurs due to an increase in the electrical activity of neurons in some part of the brain, which is repeated with a certain frequency.

However, today there are medications and surgical procedures that can reduce attacks in most cases. So a good treatment, accompanied by a healthy lifestyle and some homemade solutions, promote well-being.

Do you know how to prepare them? Next, we share the best natural remedies for epilepsy.

What are the causes of epilepsy?

According to the following article published by the Journal of the Faculty of Medicine of Mexico , the main causes of epilepsy problems are neurological in nature. However, certain cases can be explained by psychological and physical reasons.

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke includes as risk factors and triggers of the disease:

• Autism.
• Meningitis.
• Viral encephalitis.
• Cerebral palsy.
• Seizures in childhood.
• Recent stroke
• Genetic abnormalities.
• Severe alcoholism
• Oxygen deficiency in the fetus.
• Trauma to the head.
• Presence of brain tumors.
• Development of Alzheimer’s disease.
• Severe malnutrition in pregnancy.
• Heart attack and serious cardiovascular disease.
• Failures in the functioning of neurons or neurotransmitters.
• Parasitic infection of the brain (neurocysticercosis).

Symptoms of epilepsy

Because epilepsy interferes with the activity of the brain, seizures can impair any process that is coordinated by this organ.

On the other hand,  the symptoms vary according to the type of seizure, but do not have important changes between one episode and another.

The most common, according to specialists, are:

• Urinary incontinence
• Temporary confusion
• Loss of consciousness
• Sudden tingling
• Concentration difficulties.
• Feeling of fear, anxiety or  déjà vu.
• Uncontrollable jerking movements of the arms and legs.

Some natural remedies for epilepsy

All cases require continuous medical surveillance and appropriate medication for the type of seizure. Otherwise, the patient’s health is put at risk.

According to some beliefs, there are some natural remedies for epilepsy that, although they do not treat the disease, can serve as support in preventing seizures, calming anxiety and other symptoms.

Of course, before taking any remedy, it is essential to consult with the doctor. In addition to having their authorization, it is important to take into account their instructions.

Linden bark infusion

Some people believe that the sedative properties of linden bark help relax the nervous system.

Likewise, an investigation carried out by several students from a University of Mexico showed that linden helped to control hypertension, which would help in epilepsy episodes.

However, for safe consumption, it is only recommended to take it every 3 days.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon of linden bark (15 g).
• 1 cup of boiling water (250 ml).

Preparation

• First, add the tablespoon of linden bark to a cup of boiling water.
• Then cover the infusion, let it rest for 10 minutes and then strain it.

Consumption mode

• Sip the infusion, preferably before going to bed.

Valerian tea, one of the natural remedies for epilepsy

A study published in 2010 by the Biomedical Journal showed that valerian contains isovaleramide (a principle that acts on the central nervous system as an anticonvulsant).

In this way, it has relaxing and sedative properties, which help calm anxiety. In addition, it is beneficial to treat insomnia or any sleep problem.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon of valerian (15 g).
• 1 cup of water (250 ml).

Preparation

• Pour the valerian into a cup of water and bring it to a boil, over low heat, for 5 minutes.
• Then cover the infusion, let it cool and strain it.

Consumption mode

• Drink a cup of infusion in the middle of the afternoon, for a week.
• Rest another two weeks and resume treatment.

Mugwort alcohol

An experiment developed by several researchers from the Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery of Havana showed that the organic extracts of mugwort contain active principles that benefit nervous and brain health ; which would be useful for cases of epilepsy.

Although it can be purchased ready-made in health food stores, there are also simple ways to make it at home.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon of crumbled dried mugwort (15 g).
• ¼ cup of 60º alcohol (60 ml).

Preparation

• Add the crumbled plant to a jar and cover it with the rubbing alcohol.
• Let it marinate for 10 days and strain it.

Consumption mode

• Take between 5 and 10 drops a day, every three days.

Nightshade tea

In some parts of Nigeria, this plant was used to treat epilepsy in traditional medicine.

Today, a 2008 study published by African Health Science substantiated this belief by decreasing induced seizures in chickens and rats. However, today, experts point out that it is necessary to continue conducting research on this in humans.

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon of nightshade (8 g).
• 2 cups of water (500 ml).

Preparation

• Add the nightshade and water to a saucepan.
• Then cook it  for 10 minutes, over low heat.

Consumption mode

• Divide the drink for 2 or 3 servings a day.

Orange leaf tea, one of the natural remedies for epilepsy

Like other relaxing natural drinks, orange leaf tea reduces the hyperactivity of the nervous system thanks to its sedative effects.

Thus, a study developed by several researchers from the State University of São Paulo showed that, although this remedy did not stop seizures, it is an effective solution for problems of insomnia or nervousness.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon of bitter orange leaves and flowers (15 g).
• 2 cups of water (500 ml).

Preparation

• First add the bitter orange tree in a pot and cover it with the cups of water.
• Then let it boil for 10 minutes (at low heat).

Consumption mode

• Distribute the drink to make 3 or 4 shots a day.

Consult your doctor about these natural remedies for epilepsy

Remember that you should consult your doctor before using any natural method to complement the treatment of epilepsy.

Although its effects are beneficial, experts recommend knowing if any of the ingredients may have unfavorable reactions with prescription drugs.