Are you or any of your family or friends suffering from Schizophrenia? According to Cross River Therapy Reports, 24 million people are suffering from this mental condition that affects an individual’s ability to think and express emotions and behavioral conditions.
The cause of this mental disorder is still unknown; however, it is believed that it develops due to combinations of genetic, environmental, and biological factors. Moreover, Schizophrenia has various symptoms that include hallucinations and delusions, lack of ability to express emotions and experience pleasure. Lastly, cognitive symptoms refer to memory problems and difficulties in decision-making.
Therefore, a person suffering from Schizophrenia needs to be under ongoing medical care and support to improve the condition. However, apart from medical attention, some natural remedies might help cure this illness. So, let us dive down and explore some of them through this blog post.
5 Natural Remedies To Cure Schizophrenia
Here, we look at five natural remedies that some individuals use in addition to conventional therapy to help ease symptoms and boost general well-being.
1] Eat Healthy, Stay Healthy
It is believed that every health condition depends on what you put in your stomach. Therefore, a balanced diet is necessary even for your mental health. Having a nutrient-rich diet with Omega 3 fatty acids and vitamin B can help in treating Schizophrenia.
Moreover, a study conducted in 2020 by researchers at the Department of Food and Nutrition at Seoul Women’s University found that anti-inflammatory-rich foods may help in reducing the symptoms and severity of Schizophrenia. Thus, such a type of diet can be achieved by including an abundance of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your meals.
2] The Potential Of Ashwagandha
For ages, ashwagandha has been known for its ayurvedic medicinal properties. This adaptogenic herb is considered effective for balancing and bringing calmness to help the body manage stress. Besides, the properties of ashwagandha may also help in reducing inflammation, pain, and anxiety, which can adversely affect mental conditions.
In 2018, research was conducted at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center by combining ashwagandha with antipsychotic medication, which is a cornerstone used for the treatment of Schizophrenia. Participants were chosen for a twelve-week trial however, after the fourth week, significant improvements were observed in them. Hence, ashwagandha can be a natural remedy for schizophrenia.
3] Regular Fitness And Exercise
I know it might not be that effective for the condition, but another natural remedy for Schizophrenia can be regular exercise and fitness. Working out daily for 30 to 60 minutes can help you improve your moods, lower stress, and ensure a balanced mind for you. Besides, regular physical activity can also help improve cognitive functions and alleviate the cognitive symptoms of Schizophrenia. Therefore, you must indulge in regular exercise and contribute towards your overall well-being.
Also Read: 5 Basic Types Of Muscle Strengthening Exercises
4] Ginseng Herb Can Be Helpful
Ginseng is a medicinal herb that is considered beneficial for cognitive development and lowers inflammation. Moreover, this medicinal herb also helps in boosting immunity and energy levels. Moreover, a form of Korean ginseng called Panax ginseng is found to be effective on the same brain receptors on which antipsychotic medication works.
Furthermore, a study presented at the annual meeting American Psychiatric Association showed that Panax ginseng combined with antipsychotic medication was effective on the most difficult-to-treat negative symptom flat affect (the reduced ability of emotional expression).
5] Anti Oxidant Rich Ginkgo Biloba
Gingko Biloba is a native tree of China and has been in use for thousands of years due to its medicinal and antioxidant properties. The herb can help reduce fatigue, anxiety, and depression, which increases the severity of schizophrenia.
Moreover, the anti-oxidant property of ginkgo biloba helps to slow cognitive decline. This makes it effective for improving brain functions and memory. Furthermore, According to a 2010 Chinese review, EGb, a compound extracted from the dried leaves of this herb, was found to be effective on symptoms of psychosis when combined with antipsychotic medication.
Supplements And Other Ways To Cure Schizophrenia
You must have come across some possible natural remedies for Schizophrenia that can be effective with antipsychotic medications. However, the cure and treatment for the mental condition are not limited till here, as there are supplements and other ways that might help you with Schizophrenia. For instance, vitamins such as Vitamin B and D supplements can help in reducing the symptoms of mental illness. A study at the University of Manchester showed that when Vitamin B12, B6, and B8, were combined with other forms of treatments, a significant improvement was found in the symptoms.
Further, Melatonin supplements can potentially be effective in treating symptoms of schizophrenia. It is a naturally occurring hormone that regulates sleeping patterns. However technically, sleeping disturbances are not part of schizophrenia diagnosis, but they are consistently found in people suffering from this condition.
Moving forward, another option for treating schizophrenia can be medical cannabidiol (CBD), which is a non-intoxicating compound derived from cannabis plants. In some states of the US where CBD is legal, it is already being recommended by some physicians for the symptoms of atypical patterns of neural behavior, such as hearing voices.
Apart from CBD, amino acids such as taurine can be considered for the cure of Schizophrenia because scientists believe that there is some connection between the levels of certain amino acids in the brain and Schizophrenia.
In addition to all these supplements, Deep Brain Stimulation is a way that can help to manage Schizophrenia without any medication. This procedure includes planting electrodes in the brain to treat neurological conditions. The implantation of these electrodes targets regions of the brain that are involved in the control of executive functions like learning, behavior, emotions, and memory. Thus, it might be possible to alleviate the symptoms and treat Schizophrenia.
Final Thoughts
Though there are possible natural remedies for Schizophrenia, you must not blindly substitute prescribed antipsychotic medication for the mental condition. Besides, it would be better if you seek consultation from a qualified neurologist before taking any actions by yourself. This is crucial because there can be some side effects with some natural remedies, which might worsen the condition. In addition, discontinuation or altering medication without the supervision of a medical professional may lead to serious consequences.
References:
