Herbs
for support when transitioning off psychiatric medication
.pdf version
Introduction.
Often, powerful psychiatric medications are given for a diagnosis
that may be questionable. In these cases, people can be subjected
to a drug which, though not ‘addictive’ in the classical
sense of an intoxicating substance, can nevertheless have severe
withdrawal symptoms (which unfortunately appear to confirm diagnoses).
In many other cases, psychiatric medications can be life-saving
and essential support, but are not intended for permanent use. In
both of these cases, herbal and nutritional support can make the
transition off these medications much smoother and easier while
also correcting underlying deficits or imbalances that may have
contributed to any neuropsychiatric ‘symptoms’.
Any process of transition will take time, and should be done in
consultation with the prescribing physician / psychiatrist. It can
also be very helpful to work with a counselor or other mental health
practitioner who does not prescribe medications during this process.
Strategy:
Ensure optimal GI tract function. Important for reducing
the overall level of systemic inflammation and sensitivity, reducing
visceral input to the central nervous system.
·Isolate potential dietary allergens / sensitizing ingredients
(corn, soy, wheat, dairy, sugar, food colorings and preservatives,
artificial sweeteners, e.g.). This can be done through an ‘elimination
diet’.
·Use digestive bitters, appropriate to the constitution,
and carminatives as necessary to craft an ‘aperitif’
tincture. Some examples: dandelion (Taraxacum off.), blue vervain
(Verbena hastata), cinnamon (Cinnamonum verum), peppermint (Mentha
x piperita), chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla).
Strategy:
Ensure optimal function of the circulatory system. Important
to reduce muscular tension, balance body temperature, and dispel
energetic blockages. Many circulatory herbs also improve cerebral
blood flow, helping with attention and mood.
·Strengthen vascular integrity using flavonoid-rich berry
foods. Some examples: hawthorn (Crategus spp.), blueberries, cranberries,
bilberries (Vaccinium spp.).
·Balance vascular pressure, if the constitution calls for
it, using garlic (Allium sativum) and relaxing diaphoretics like
linden (Tilia spp.) and antispasmodics like crampbark (Viburnum
opulus).
·Improve the oxygenation and circulation of the blood with
ginkgo (G. biloba) and gotu kola (Centella asiatica). These herbs
also have specific anti-anxiety effects as well (see below).
Simply
applying the two strategies above can go a very long way in supporting
anyone’s constitution, and thereby reducing the amount of
extraneous inflammatory ‘noise’ that is disturbing the
nervous system. This will make any withdrawal symptoms much easier
to handle.
Strategy: Identify any other underlying constitutional weakness.
This often can help in understanding the reasons that originally
brought on the use of a prescription medication. This knowledge
can help to select and apply other support strategies that can prevent
or reduce the frequency of relapse.
Strategy:
Milky oat tops (Avena sativa).
General application of this incredible herbal tonic should be used
in all conditions affecting the nervous system. It is restorative,
regenerative and mineralizing, providing essential nutrients neurons
need. It can serve as the base for an herbal tea blend, or be taken
alone as a tincture or tea. Oat tops must be consumed daily and
for long periods of time (6-12 months), but doing so inevitably
strengthens the nerves and associated endocrine tissues (hypothalamus/pituitary
and adrenal glands). If taken as tea, at least 2-3TBS of tops should
be brewed daily, either alone or as part of a mix. If taken as a
tincture, 3ml (droppers almost full) morning, noon and night is
a good starting point. I find the tincture is more effective during
acute, intense episodes or at the beginning of a pharmaceutical
weaning period, and that the tea works well for longer-term maintenance.
Strategy:
Nervine tonics
These are the milder, generally non-sedating herbs that even out
the waves of consciousness that wash across the nervous system,
providing gentle balance over time. Some examples: lemon balm (Melissa
off.), scullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora). St. Johnswort (Hypericum
perforatum) also falls under this category, but should not be used
during a transition period as it has powerful effects on the metabolism
of pharmaceuticals. It makes an excellent, warming nervine that
can be used later, however.
Strategy:
herbal support for specific diagnoses.
Anxiety: Ginkgo (G. biloba), Kava kava (Piper methysticum),
Valerian (V. off.)
Mania / excess / schizophrenia: Hops (Humulus lupulus), Rauwolfia
(R. serpentina), Coleus (C. forskholii), Rose (Rosa spp.)
Depression: Rhodiola (R. rosea), Ashwagandha (Withania
somnifera), Rose (Rosa spp.), Huperzia (Lycopodium serrata)
Insomnia: SHORT TERM Valerian (V. off.), Hops (Humulus
lupulus); LONG TERM Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Coleus (C.
forskholii), California poppy (Eschscholzia californica)
Neuromotor symptoms (convulsions, tics, epilepsy):
Mullein root (Verbascum thapsus), Crampbark (Viburnum opulus), Kava
kava (Piper methysticum), Huperzia (Lycopodium serrata), Prickly
Ash (Zanthoxylum americanum).
ADD/ADHD: Ginkgo (G. biloba), Rhodiola (R. rosea), Coffee (C. arabica),
low-dose and watered down
These are some
of the more specific herbs I have used for support. Obviously they
cannot work in a vacuum, and must be part of a comprehensive protocol
adjusted for each individual’s constitution and imbalances.
Materia
Medica:
Scullcap leaf
Safest of all the cooling nervines, and also very effective in over-stimulated
conditions. The tincture of the fresh herb is very good, at doses
of ½ tsp three times a day between meals. A tea of the dry
herb can be made as well, though I find that more tonic and less
calming.
Lemon Balm leaf
The “gladdening herb” that is specifically indicated
with more depressive tendencies, or if there is a lot of digestive
wind. Its energy actually tends toward warmth, and astringency.
It makes an excellent tea.
Blue Vervain
leaf and flower
A more powerful digestive stimulant that is also an excellent nervine
for “excess” constitutions. It cools and is extremely
bitter. The dose of tincture is ¼ to ½ tsp 15 minutes
before every meal.
Chamomile flower
Tending more towards warmth, this calmative is famous for relaxing
colic in infants. It helps overanxious adults as well, especially
if there is digestive spasming, pain, and wind. The tea is the only
way to go: start with two cups a day.
Hops strobiles
A deeply bitter, sedating remedy. I use it in the short-term only,
for insomnia where it works quite well. Take ½ tsp of tincture
in a little water about 30 minutes before bed. Contraindicated in
depression, or for long-term use.
California Poppy
whole plant
A milder sedative nervine, especially useful in children to help
with teething pain. It is also useful for adults, as part of formulas
for insomnia especially if there is early morning waking and restlessness.
The tincture of the fresh plant is taken at doses of 5-10 drops
for children, ¼ to 1 tsp for adults.
Rauwolfia root
This is a very powerful, downward-trending remedy that reduces activation
of the central nervous system. It is useful in buffering episodes
of mania, but should not be used with bipolar or depressive constitutions
as it is too cold. Also, it substantially lowers blood pressure
and will interact with blood pressure medicines. The tincture is
given at doses of 5-30 drops twice a day.
Oats tops
The premier nervine tonic, made from the immature seedheads of the
oat grain (“milky tops”). It is nourishing, tonifying,
and incredibly safe. I use it as the base of almost any nervine
formula. The tincture made from the fresh tops is excellent for
active, scattered symptoms, and can be taken at dosages of ½
to 2 tsp at least three times daily. The tea of the dried tops is
a more long-term rebalancer and has some adaptogenic quality as
well.
Hawthorn berry, leaf, flower
Warming, heart-healthy, and calming, this herb can be used as the
berry, leaf, or flower. It is useful to build even nervous energy
in both depressive and anxious conditions, helping to impart focus
and calm without stimulating in any way. Its most common indication
is the concomitant presence of cardiovascular disease. Take 1 tsp
of the tincture two or three times daily; or make a strong tea;
or eat spoonfuls of Hawthorn berry jam.
Rose bud and
flower
Emotionally soothing, I’ve found Rose to help rebalance nervous
issues that have abuse or abandonment at their root. Aromatherapy
works well here; also, glycerin-based extracts. Rose can also feature
as part of a nice tea formula, especially to balance it energetically.
Another specific indication is “heartburn” (literally).
Ginkgo leaf
extract
Recent research points to the standardized extract of this plant
as a useful treatment for anxiety. Its main indications are circulatory
deficiency and memory/focus issues. Try for 240mg to 480mg of the
standardized extract daily.
St. Johnswort
flower buds
Use care with this spicy, warming nervine tonic as it interacts
with many different medications. Its usefulness is in conditions
of depleted, deficient nervous energy – such as depression
or insomnia – and its solar connection makes it an excellent
adjunct for the “winter blues” that sometimes accompany
the shorter days. The dose is between ½ and 2 tsp of the
tincture daily.
Ashwagandha
root
This solanaceous root comes to the materia medica from Ayurveda.
It is an excellent example of a Yin tonic, nurturing deep strength
and specifically helping address the root deficiencies behind insomnia
patterns. The powder can be given, 1 or 2 tsp twice daily; alternatively,
the tincture works well too, at about ½ to 1 tsp twice daily.
Rhodiola root
Also known as “arctic root” or “golden root”,
the extract of this rose-flavored plant is an incredible tonic for
low energy states, lack of focus, and depression. It has an invigorating,
Yang quality while at the same time not being too stimulating. I
generally suggest it for relatively limited periods of time (2-6
months) or on an as-needed basis (1-2 days a week). The dose ranges
from 60 to 120 drops twice daily, but not later than 3pm.
Valerian root
A warming and somewhat spicy root with a characteristic odor, Valerian
is most indicated in frazzled, anxious conditions with cold hands
and feet and perhaps a little difficulty falling asleep. It can
be habit-forming and abused if the dose is too high or continued
for too long. Start with 90 drops in a little water, two to three
times a day.
Kava-kava rootstock
This powerful relaxant and anti-anxiety herb is more cooling in
nature, and benefits anxious states characterized by deep muscular
tension, especially in the neck and shoulders. It is also an effective
alternative to prescription anti-anxiety medicines, and aids in
supporting the treatment of panic disorders. Take ½ tsp of
the tincture in a little water, holding it in your mouth until numbness
develops.
