Epilepsy is an extremely serious medical condition. And at the onset only I need to tell you that you should visit a specialist as soon as possible for proper diagnosis and effective treatment of the condition.

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According to the Mayo Clinic, you should seek a doctors help immediately if the following occurs,

• “The seizure lasts more than five minutes.

• Breathing or consciousness doesn’t return after the seizure stops.

• A second seizure follows immediately.

• You have a high fever.

• You’re experiencing heat exhaustion.

• You’re pregnant.

• You have diabetes.

• You’ve injured yourself during the seizure.”

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Epilepsy that causes recurring seizures and/or fits is a neurological condition. The seizure episodes usually last for brief periods, but the attacks can last up to long periods too. The cause of the seizure is the bursting of electrical activity in our brains. This is not normal, but the occurrence of such episodes can be lowered by natural treatments too. Today we will discuss 10 home remedies for epilepsy which can be used as preventive measures.

Causes of epilepsy

Though the causes of epilepsy are still unknown, the Mayo clinic suggests that there can be genetic influence. It says,

“Some types of epilepsy, which are categorized by the type of seizure you experience or the part of the brain that is affected, run in families. In these cases, it’s likely that there’s a genetic influence.

Researchers have linked some types of epilepsy to specific genes, though it’s estimated that up to 500 genes could be tied to the condition. For most people, genes are only part of the cause of epilepsy. Certain genes may make a person more sensitive to environmental conditions that trigger seizures.”

Symptoms of epilepsy

The common symptoms of epilepsy include,

• Repeated seizures without warning
• Temporary confusion
• A staring spell
• Uncontrollable jerking movements of the arms and legs
• Loss of consciousness or awareness
• Psychic symptoms

These can further lead to,

• Convulsions
• Problems with muscle control
• Problems with speech
• Problems with movement
• Problems with awareness
• A person may even lose consciousness at times

Risk factors of epilepsy

The symptoms of epilepsy can be seen in a person during early childhood or after 60 years of age. Though these two phases are most critical for developing epilepsy, it can occur at any age.

The factors which increase the risk of getting the condition are,

• Family history
• A head injury
• Strokes and other vascular diseases
• Brain tumors
• Dementia
• Brain infections
• Lead poisoning
• Prenatal brain development problems
• Alzheimer’s disease

Epileptic seizures are extremely serious and scary; however, they do not result in mental illnesses. They also do not cause a disabled intellectuality. Plus, having seizures does not equal to having epilepsy. For the diagnosis of epilepsy, you require at least two seizures with a period of a day, that is 24 hours.

The disorder can be prevented and also control with natural treatments and change in lifestyle, in addition to medicines.

Home remedies for epilepsy

Here are the bets natural treatments that will help you deal with epilepsy more effectively. These are not substitutes for the medicines prescribed by your doctor. You need to try these in addition to the medicines.

1. Coconut Oil

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The first remedy on our list is coconut oil. This helps control the symptoms of epilepsy due to the fatty acids or the medium-chain triglycerides in it. These fatty acids have healing benefits on our brain cells and alter the response of the neurons to stress, thus preventing an epileptic attack.

For the remedy, take a teaspoon of coconut oil (natural, extra-virgin, goes without saying), thrice every day. Increase the intake gradually to a few tablespoons a day.

You can also add natural coconut oil in your cooking or for salad dressings.

2. Epsom Salt

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The next remedy on our list is Epsom salt. It helps reduce the occurrence of epilepsy successfully.  Epsom salt contains magnesium sulfate, which helps alter the physiochemical cell associations in our brains. This, in turn, helps decrease the frequency of convulsions.

For the remedy, pound Epsom salt into fine powder and add half a teaspoon of this to your orange juice. Mix well and drink once every morning. You can also mix the powder with your glass of water.

In addition to this, you can enjoy Epsom salt baths thrice a week to keep epilepsy attacks on check.

3. Limes

The next remedy on our list is limes because they help improve the circulation of blood through the body and to the brain, which is necessary to normalize the excess calcium that can obstruct the proper functioning of the brain.

In a glass of water, add two tablespoons of fresh lime juice. Now add half a teaspoon of baking soda. Mix well and drink once before hitting the bed at night.

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4. Garlic

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Garlic helps keep seizures in control. It contains antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties which makes it an amazing remedy for epilepsy.

To use it as a treatment, in a cup mix half cup of milk and half of water. Now bring this to boil. Add about 5 crushed garlic cloves to this. Boil until half of the mixture has evaporated. Now starin the mix and drink it once every day.

5. Passionflower

This herb will help control fits and seizures effectively due to the chemical chrysin in it. This chemical increases the levels of GABA or gamma aminobutyric acid in our brain, which in turn helps lower the occurrence of panic attacks and seizures.

You should, however avoid passionflower if you are with child or are breastfeeding.

For the remedy, prepare passionflower tea by steep the herb in a cup of boiling water for about 10 minutes. Drink this tea two times a day for best results.

You can also take passionflower supplements, but do so only after consulting a doctor.

6. Yoga

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An ancient practice that is known to help control the condition of epilepsy is yoga. Yoga also helps reduce stress, which can cause epilepsy or at least worsen it. Yoga also induces relaxation and helps people with epilepsy in numerous ways.

Physical exercises in yoga when coupled with deep breathing exercises can help control seizures. Meditation is also known to lower the occurrence of epilepsy attacks. Yoga helps improve our posture, which in turn, controls the symptoms associated with epilepsy.

 The yoga poses which most benefit people with epilepsy are balasana or child’s pose, nadi shodhana or alternate nostril breathing, kapotasana or pigeon pose, sirsasana or head stand, and camatkarasana or the wild thing.

It is very important that you do the yoga poses correctly, and therefore, it is highly advisable you seek help from an expert.

7. Take Necessary Vitamins

Epilepsy can be controlled by making healthy changes to your eating habits. You need to increase the content of vitamins in your diet. Vitamin E, for example, is an essential as it regulates the neurons that can causes anxiety disorders and also seizures associated with epilepsy.

One of the leading causes of epilepsy is vitamin B1 deficiency. Hence, you need to increase your vitamin B1 intake. You can take supplements, if you want. However, do so only after consulting a doctor.

Vitamins B12, B6 and D are also essential when it comes to treating epilepsy.

8. Acupuncture

The last remedy on our list is acupuncture. It is a traditional Chinese therapy that helps control seizures associated with epilepsy. Pressure is applied to different points in the body, in this treatment, using thin needles.

Acupuncture helps change our brain’s response to stress attacks and thus stops seizures by reinstating the energy or qi flow through the body.

To get the proper benefits of acupuncture, you need to get it done by a professional.

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Additional tips for epilepsy

• Proper sleep is key, and so make sure you get enough sleep, and are not sleep deprived if you can to treat your seizures.
• If your seizures are regular, then you have to get yourself a medical alert bracelet. With the help of this bracelet, you can notify your people about your condition.
• You need to manage stress more efficiently. Try and avoid stressful situations as much as you can.
• Every day drink half a glass of fresh grape juice to control the condition.
• You need to limit your alcohol intake.
• You also should stop smoking immediately.
• Seizures are usually triggered by low levels of calcium and magnesium in the body. Therefore, increase your intake of foods that are rich in these elements.
• You should maintain a proper record of your seizures. This will help you keep your doctor or medical health provider updated about your condition.
• Side step all “white products”. So say no to white sugar, table salt and even white rice.
• Stay away from artificial sweeteners and additives.
• Stop skipping your meals. Breakfast, especially, is very important and must not missed.
• People with epilepsy should follow a ketogenic diet. The restrictions are challenging, but very effective in controlling the condition.
• Take your medications on time. Do not miss your dosages.

That is all we have on the home remedies for epilepsy. Do you think this post was helpful? Do you have some suggestions for us? Let us know in the comment section below.

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See you again tomorrow with a new set of remedies for a general medical condition.

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