Chinese Herbal Remedies: Effective Treatments for Bipolar Depression

Many bipolar depression patients would claim that once they take prescription antidepressant medications, they experience psychological and physiological changes, which are not part of the treatment process. These changes are referred to as side effects. Every patient may have different side effect(s) as each has its own response to medication. Side effects could range from motor problems, hair loss, weight gain, headaches, tremor, diarrhea, anxiety, reduced sexual performance or drive, nausea, to dry mouth depending on the type of medication given.

One known antidepressant is SSRIs, short for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Common SSRIs are Paxil, Prozac, Zoloft and Luvox. For some, these SSRIs are very effective but many patients are not responding to these medications. And so, doctors may prescribe MAOI (like Parnate and Nardil), short for monoamine oxidase inhibitor. This type of antidepressant is prescribed to patients with atypical symptoms. For other patients who are not responding from other antidepressants aside from the SSRIs, MAOI is also given.

How do antidepressants work?

The brain has several neurotransmitters like dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin, and acetylcholine. When there are imbalances on the levels of these neurotransmitters, it is believed that episodes of mania and depression occur. Antidepressants work by leveling these neurotransmitters to normalize the behavior of the person.

Meanwhile, just like the SSRIs, MAOI produces several side effects that can give more harm than good. Other antidepressants have side effects that outweigh the benefits that are aimed to achieve. As a result, many bipolar depression patients are seeking treatment from alternative medicines known as Chinese remedies.

Chinese are known for their culture and of course, their wide range of natural medicines to cure all kinds of medical and psychological conditions, including bipolar disorder. Chinese remedies are known to be effective and produce little or no side effects, which is the primary reason why many choose this kind of treatment as an alternative for prescription antidepressant medications.

One popular herbal treatment that works so well is the St. John's Wort. Just like antidepressant medication, the St. John's Wort works by increasing the serotonin levels in the brain. This results to relieving the patient from depression. The components of St. John's Wort help the patient to feel lesser anxiety, sadness, and worthlessness. Patients who take St. John's Wort report that they feel lesser headache and exhaustion- two of the most common side effects of prescription antidepressant medications.

Another treatment that balances the levels of dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine is the Siberian Ginseng. Although Siberian Ginseng is less effective than the St. John’s Wort, patients report that taking it improves their overall perception in life. Another natural ingredient that increases the flow in the brain is the Ginko Bilola. It is also reported that taking Ginko Bilola regularly lessens the depression symptoms and improves the memory.

To treat sleep disorder and anxiety, passion flower can be taken. Passion flower is another natural ingredient that aids the person to soothe and calm. If used to treat depression, the passion flower can be combined with St. John's Wort.

There are other natural ingredients and Chinese procedures such as acupuncture, Omega-3, fasting, and meditation that would help treat bipolar depression. It is important, however, that the patient would allow himself or herself a trial period before taking any of these treatments regularly. Also, ask for your doctor's help when choosing what type(s) of Chinese remedy will work for your particular condition.