Epilepsy and natural treatment: Herbs that soothe the brain and help against convulsions

Epilepsy is a serious neurological disorder that affects millions of people around the world. Although conventional medicine offers therapies such as antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), many patients look for natural ways to relieve symptoms, especially if the medications do not work effectively enough or cause side effects.

This guide provides science-based natural approaches that can work as an adjunct to conventional treatment. The emphasis is on plants with soothing, anticonvulsant and neuroprotective effects.

What is epilepsy and how do seizures occur?

Epilepsy is a brain disorder in which repeated epileptic seizures occur. Seizures occur when there is a sudden, excessive electrical discharge of neurons in the brain, which can cause:

• loss of consciousness
• muscle twitches
• involuntary movements
• sensory hallucinations
• emotional disorders

🔬 There can be various causes underlying epilepsy :

• Head Trauma
• brain tumors
• stroke
• infections (meningitis, encephalitis)
• Genetic predispositions
• Metabolic disorders

Why natural remedies?

💡 Nature offers substances that can:

• reduce the excitation of neurons
• stabilize the nervous system
• increase levels of GABA neurotransmitter (which reduces brain excitability)
• reduce oxidative stress in neurons
• improve sleep quality and psychological state

Note: Natural remedies are not used as a substitute for medical therapy, but as additional support, especially in refractory epilepsy or a weaker response to medication.

1. Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) – the queen of anticonvulsants from nature

Passionflower works:

✅ Sedative – reduces irritability
✅ Anticonvulsant – prevents sudden bursts of electrical activity
✅ Anxiolytic – reduces anxiety and stress

🔬 Studies show that flavonoids in passionflower bind to GABA receptors, similar to some anti-seizure drugs.

Use:

• Tea: 1 teaspoon per 250 ml of hot water, leave for 10 minutes, drink 2–3 times a day
• Tincture: 20–40 drops, 2–3 times a day
• Capsules: as recommended by the manufacturer

⚠ Do not combine with benzodiazepines without medical supervision.

2. Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) – natural relaxant

Valerian reduces tension and helps with:

• Insomnia
• Nervousness
• muscle spasms
• minor seizures

Studies show that it acts as a GABA agonist, which means it relaxes the brain and body.

Dosage:

• Tea: 1 tablespoon of root per cup of water
• Tincture: 25 drops in the evening
• Capsules: standardized extracts as recommended

3. Kava-kava (Piper methysticum) – a cautious but vigorous plant

Kava-kava is known for its effect against:

• Anxiety
• Tension
• mild convulsions

⚠ However, it can put a strain on the liver, so it is used only under professional supervision and for short periods.

4. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) – aromatherapy for the brain

Lavender not only soothes, but also:

• helps lower cortisol (stress hormone)
• balances mood
• It can indirectly reduce seizures caused by stress.

Application:

• Essential oil: 3–4 drops in a diffuser
• Bath: 10 drops of essential oil in warm water
• Tea: from lavender flowers to calm

5. St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) – against depression, but with caution

It is used for:

• mild and moderate depression
• anxiety
• irritability

⚠ St. John’s wort can affect the metabolism of drugs, including antiepileptic drugs. Be sure to consult a doctor!

6. Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) – the most tender ally

Balm:

• soothes the central nervous system
• helps with insomnia
• has a mild anticonvulsant effect
• It is also safe for children

Application:

• Tea: 1 teaspoon of the plant per 250 ml of water, drink in the evening
• Oil: as an additive to baths
• Capsules: available in phyto-pharmacies

Recipe to calm seizures

🫖 Passionflower and lemon balm tea

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon dried passionflower
• 1 teaspoon dried lemon balm
• 250 ml water
• optional: honey, lemon

Preparation:

1. Add herbs to boiling water
2. Cook for 5–7 minutes
3. Cover and leave for 10 minutes
4. Strain, add honey and lemon
5. Drink 1-2 times a day, preferably in the evening

This tea is extremely beneficial for the brain, and regular consumption can help regulate seizures.

Additional tips for people with epilepsy

✅ Keep a seizure log
✅ Avoid stressful situations
✅ Get enough sleep (at least 7–8 hours)
✅ Avoid alcohol, caffeine and highly refined foods
✅ Practice light exercises, meditation and breathing

Safety Note

Natural remedies are powerful, but:

• do not use them on your own initiative with medical therapy
• Do not combine multiple plants without expert advice
• Do not use them if you have liver or kidney disease without supervision

Need help or a natural protocol?

📞 For individual advice and tailored natural epilepsy treatment programs:

MarioLAB – Counseling on natural therapies
📲 +385 98 9179 200
🌍 Available for patients from all over the world – via Viber and WhatsApp

Become part of the marioLAB community

🎥 Subscribe to my YouTube channel for daily nature tips:
🔗 https://www.youtube.com/@marioLAB

📚 Want even more knowledge? Check out my books and guides:
🔗 https://mariolab.hr/proizvodi/knjige/tiskana-izdanja-knjiga/

📢 If you know someone who struggles with epilepsy, share this article – you can change someone’s life.

Conclusion

Epilepsy is a complex disease, but nature provides us with powerful allies. Herbs such as passionflower, valerian, lemon balm and lavender can calm the brain, reduce stress, support nerve function and thus help control seizures.

Always consult with experts, but do not give up on the possibility of a natural approach. Health is not just the absence of disease – it is the balance of mind, body and spirit.