Studies indicate that 0.3 – 0.7 percent of the population globally has schizophrenia. This serious mental illness presents with a difficulty to distinguish between the real and the unreal. Its symptoms include delusions, hallucination and unclear speech. Schizophrenia patients should be put on treatment to help them lead a relatively normal life. For this to happen, any suspected schizophrenic should be taken for professional diagnosis and prescription of appropriate medication. But apart from conventional medicine, are there ways to treat schizophrenia naturally?

How to Treat Schizophrenia Naturally

The following herbs can help in the treatment of schizophrenia:

1. Ginkgo Biloba

While some reviews of studies on ginkgo biloba are inconclusive, some studies indicate that the herb improves symptoms of schizophrenia. Ginkgo biloba also has other health benefits including brain health.

2. Asian Ginseng

Asian Ginseng has natural antioxidant properties. It protects the neurons in the brain from damage and is therefore useful in the treatment of many mental problems notably schizophrenia. For treatment of schizophrenia, take Asian ginseng supplement of tea. For tea, put one teaspoon of the powder in a cup of hot water; let it cool, strain and drink. Repeat the treatment two times daily. You may need to continue taking this herb for at least 4 months to see some positive effect.

3. St. John’s Wort

First, it is important to note that St. John’s wort can interact with some antipsychotic drugs, specifically clozapine drugs. In case you are on such medicines, this herb is not one of the ways how to treat schizophrenia naturally. If on conventional medication, consult your care provider before using St. John’s wort.

4. Green Cardamom

You can use green cardamom seeds to manage schizophrenia. Green cardamom has health properties that benefit the nervous system. To take green cardamom for schizophrenia, make herbal tea and take it two times daily.

5. Licorice Powder

Licorice contains bioactive chemicals and minerals with beneficial properties on the brain. The herb has been used successfully in the management of conditions like tension and anxiety. Licorice can also have similar benefits for patients with schizophrenia. For best results, take licorice on an empty stomach, preferably before breakfast. Ensure that you take breakfast one hour or so after taking licorice. By this time, licorice will have been digested and absorbed into the bloodstream.

6. Basil Leaves

Basil is a natural antioxidant that has benefits to the brain and the nervous system. It can also help in the management of schizophrenia. Drinking basil leaves tea will boost the workings of the brain and thereby improve the symptoms of schizophrenia. Drink this herbal tea twice daily for best results.

7. Indian Gooseberry

This is another natural antioxidant with many health benefits. Indian gooseberry helps to boost immunity so that your body is better able to fight illnesses including disorders such as schizophrenia. To take this herb, mix a teaspoon of the dried gooseberry leaf powder with a glass of hot water; let it cool and then drink. Take the tea two times a day.

8. Chamomile

Chamomile contains minerals and other compounds that have a soothing effect on the nervous system, including the brain. Chamomile is taken to enhance overall mood and to induce a restful sleep. These properties come in handy for people with schizophrenia. Put a teaspoon of chamomile in a glass of hot water; step until it cools down and then drink the relaxing tea.

Other Supplements and Ways to Treat Schizophrenia Naturally

1. Vitamin D

Vitamin D helps boost the body’s immunity and reduces inflammation and is sometimes recommended for patients who have depression. Some studies have also found that patients with mental disorders like schizophrenia usually have low levels of vitamin D.

2. Glycine

Supplementing with the amino acid glycine, is believed to help improve symptoms of schizophrenia. Glycine, similar to other amino acids, is a protein building block that indirectly works on the brain to reduce the symptoms of schizophrenia by enhancing the working of some receptors in the brain, specifically that of glutamate which functions as a neurotransmitter (chemical receptor in the brain).

3. Fish Oil

While no scientific studies are available on whether fish oil and/or omega-3 fatty acids has any effect on schizophrenia symptoms, fish oil and omega-3 are known to provide essential nutritional support for improved health. Most of these benefits are associated with brain health. Because schizophrenia is a disorder arising as a result of poor brain health, supplementing with fish oil can only improve its symptoms.

4. Dietary Changes

Another one of the ways how to treat schizophrenia naturally is by incorporating a healthy diet in your lifestyle. Such a diet will be low in fat, high in fiber and contain whole grains, oily fish, lots of fruits and vegetables. Some studies also recommend that the diet be gluten-free as some cases of schizophrenia are associated with gluten intolerance. While a change of diet has not been proved to be effective in the treatment of schizophrenia, it is common knowledge that a healthy diet has a positive effect on overall health.

5. Antioxidants

Natural antioxidants including vitamins A, C, E as well as other plant micronutrients are known to improve the symptoms f schizophrenia. Additionally, vitamin C has anti-stress properties. Some studies suggest that oxidative stress may play a part in the appearance of mental disorders like schizophrenia. Antioxidants fight and reduce the amounts of free radicals, thereby lowering oxidative stress.

Include as many foods with antioxidant properties as possible in your diet. Antioxidant rich foods include lemons, strawberry, blueberry, Indian gooseberry, orange, carrots and spinach.

You may also include vitamin supplements in your routine to improve your symptoms. Talk to your doctor about any supplement that you plan to take.

6. Exercise

While many people are aware that physical exercise improves physical health, they don’t may not know that it is also good for mental health. Exercise improves the mood, thereby reducing anxiety and even depression.

Aim to exercise for about 30 minutes daily or at least every other day. Walking, swimming, jogging and strength training are all good exercises for better mental health.

You can also try yoga as another way how to treat schizophrenia naturally. Yoga calms the mind, thereby reducing symptoms of psychosis. It also leads to positive neurobiological changes including better cognitive functions.