Omega 3 fatty acids: These affect the chemicals in your brain associated with mood disorders.
- Reduce irritability and aggression
- Maintain mood stability
- Reduce depression symptoms
- Improve brain function
– Listed by Sharon Olivier, February 2021
VitaminB1: Thiamine – Great for bipolar patients that suffer from circulatory problems, tingling in the extremities, anxiety, irritability, night terrors and similar symptoms. – Listed by Sharon Olivier, February 2021
Vitamin B6: Pyridoxine – Great for irritability and for those with premenstrual symptoms or motion sickness. Discontinue use if tingling in extremities is experienced. – Listed by Sharon Olivier, February 2021
Vit B12: For energy and brain health. – Listed by Sharon Olivier, February 2021
Vit E: Reduces seizures for those that have epilepsy. Especially important if you take Depakote, Depakene or other anti-convulsive medications. Monitor blood pressure if you have HBP and reduce mediation as necessary. – Listed by Sharon Olivier, February 2021
Golden root: Rhodiola Rosea: Treats mild to moderate depression. It is a mild stimulant and can cause insomnia. Can also cause vivid dreaming and nausea. Talk to your medical professional prior to use if you have a history of breast cancer. This herb binds with oestrogen receptors and may increase the risk of breast cancer. – Listed by Sharon Olivier, February 2021
N-acetylcysteine: An anti-oxidant that helps reduce stress. 2g per day as a traditional medication leads to improvements in depression, mania and quality of life. – Listed by Sharon Olivier, February 2021
Choline: Effective for those with symptoms of rapid cycling bipolar disorder. 2000-7200mg per day indicate improvements with manic symptoms. – Listed by Sharon Olivier, February 2021
We would also suggest the following treatments and therapies:
- Yoga
- Acupuncture
- Massage therapy
- Reflexology
- Meditation
These can all be a valuable addition to managing Bipolar. – Listed by Sharon Olivier, February 2021
Lifestyle changes:
Exercise: Releases endorphins, which are our happy hormones. It helps with stabilising the mood, easing depression and enhancing sleep.
Adequate sleep: Can help to stabilise your mood and reduce irritability.
Healthy foods: Including Omega 3 fatty acids. Reducing the intake of saturated and Trans fats, which are linked to brain chemical imbalances. Avoid coffee, alcohol and drugs.
– Listed by Sharon Olivier, February 2021
Essential Oils
We would suggest the following:
- Lavender Essential Oil
- Frankincense Essential Oil
Massage – Buy a base oil: coconut, sweet almond, grape seed for example. If you have 20ml of base oil, add half the amount of Essential Oil drops. In this case, you will add 8 drops of Lavender and 2 drops of Frankincense. Rub a dab of the mixture onto your temples. Apply the mixture over the body, especially over chest and shoulders or necessary areas, as required. Especially effective after a bath.
Bath – Your skin is the most absorbent part of the body. The heat of the bath assists in the absorption. There are 2 ways to do this:
- Diffusing 5 drops (maximum) of Essential Oil into a teaspoon of milk. Or a cup, if you would like more of a Cleopatra style bath. Use 3 drops of Lavender and 2 drops of Frankincense. Add Epsom salts.
- Or simply add 5ml of your massage blend.
Close all windows. Soak for 15-20 minutes minimum. Avoid splashing in the eyes.
Diffuser – Add 5 drops into a diffuser. (3 drops of Lavender and 2 drops of Frankincense).
** A patch test is required – 1 drop of aromatherapy oil to 4 drops of base oil. Apply a coin size amount to a patch of skin on the inner arm **
If sensitivity occurs, apply more base oil to soothe the area. Possibly avoid use for a further 10 days. If you wish to continue, dilute to ¼ of the original amount and test on a small area of skin. If there is no further reaction, continue with that dosage.
** Oils are for external use only and must be blended with a carrier oil. Always avoid the eyes, ears and nose **
** Lavender is the safest of oils, if on a rare occasion you react, apply more base oil to the skin to soothe it and dilute the massage blend with more base oil **
** Frankincense – Avoid use during pregnancy/lactating, if any bleeding disorders or on anticoagulants. Avoid with children below 5 and caution below 8 **
