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Herbal Medicine
Herbal medicine uses plant remedies to fight disease. The approach is holistic, aiming to identify the underlying cause of a problem and treat this, rather than treating the symptoms alone. The plant extracts used have a combination of active constituents, which restore the natural balance of the body and encourage healing.
In the past ten years pharmaceutical companies have shown more interest in investigating herbs as potential drugs. However, herbal medicine is not generally used to treat epilepsy. It is recommended that a person taking conventional anti-epileptic medication does not try herbal medication for another condition without consulting a herbal practitioner and speaking to their own doctor. This also applies to over-the-counter herbal remedies, especially Chinese herbal medicines.
Herbs that should not be taken by people who have epilepsy:
The use of Schizandra and Kava Kava by people with epilepsy should be avoided and Comfrey should not be taken internally. As well, there are different views concerning the safety of St. John's Wort while taking anti-epileptic medication. Therefore, consult your doctor before taking St. John's Wort, if you are already taking it, and if you want to stop taking it. Your doctor should be notified when stopping St. John's Wort because the dose of anti-epileptic medication may need to be altered to prevent side effects. At the same time, an Indian medicine that contains a combination of herbs called Ayurverda, may aggravate epilepsy and should be treated with caution.
Herbs that cause seizures:
Ephedra, herbs containing caffeine (cocoa, cola nut, maté, guarana), ginseng, and essential oils (eucalyptus, fennel, hyssop, pennyroyal, rosemary, sage, savin, tansy, thuja, turpentine, and wormwood).
The following are some of the more well-known herbs studied in the treatment of epilepsy.
Cannabis Sativa (Marijuana) Cannabis Sativa (marijuana, pot) has been used as an analgesic-hypnotic, tropical anaesthetic, antiasthmatic, antibiotic, anti-epileptic, antispasmodic, antidepressant, tranquillizer, and appetite stimulant. Its principle uses include easing pain, inducing sleep, and soothing nervous disorders. The effects of marijuana are almost entirely on the higher nerve centres, and it can produce intoxication with hallucinations when taken in large doses. Side effects associated with its use include enhanced sensory perception, withdrawal, fearfulness, anxiety, depression, panic, terror, hallucinations or paranoia (particularly with larger doses), impaired coordination and balance, rapid heartbeat, respiratory system damage, red eyes, dry mouth, and drowsiness.
Cannabidiol (CBD), the active ingredient separated from cannabinone (hemp resin), has been shown to have some anticonvulsant properties. However, the isomers of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the euphorigenic substance of marijuana, have been shown to has the ability to both cause and suppress seizures. Researchers have found that marijuana grown in colder climates (such as Canada) has more CBD than THC; thus, it may have more of an anticonvulsant effect than imported marijuana or from pure THC. Since THC has dual effects and there are unknown properties of marijuana, marijuana is NOT recommended for people with epilepsy.
Reliable documentation of the effectiveness of marijuana as an anti-epileptic medication is extremely limited at this time. While some accounts show a reduction in seizure frequency and/or severity in some people who have epilepsy, others suggest that marijuana may actually trigger seizures. Further investigation is needed to determine the effectiveness and side effects of cannabis as an anti-seizure drug.
The possession and cultivation of marijuana is illegal in all Canadian jurisdictions with a maximum prison sentence of seven years for each offence. Trafficking may be punished by imprisonment for life.
Chinaberry juice [Azadirachta indica, (syn. Melia azadirachta)]
This herb has been studied in animals for its anticonvulsant properties. Results suggest that it may contain an ingredient which has long-acting anti-epileptic power.
Ginko biloba
Although ginkgo biloba has shown little effect on seizures, some patients who use it appreciate an improvement in neuropsychological functions, such as memory, and quality of life. However, the FDA has received several reports of people having seizures after taking ginkgo. There are many people who take ginkgo regularly and do not experience seizures, but it may be safer for people with epilepsy to avoid ginkgo until its effects are better understood.
Qingyang shen (sp.)
Qingyang shen (sp.) has been used in Chinese cultures for at least 2,000 years to help control seizures. It has anti-epileptic properties and research has shown that it helps decrease seizures in rats.
Shosaiko-to-go-keishi-ka-shakuyaku-to (nine herb extract)
This herb has been used by the Japanese to help decrease seizures. Researchers have found that it decreases seizures in mice.
Herbs under further study:
There are several herbs that are under further study such as, acorus calamus (India), Galphumia glauca cav. (Mexico), and Mareya spicata (Ghana).
Many other herbs have been employed in the past to try to control epilepsy; however, many are EXTREMELY toxic and cannot be recommended under any circumstances.
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Last Modified: 08/09/2006 02:12:38 PM
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