I’ve written a few blogs about essential oils and botanicals that can potentially create problems for our loved ones that experience seizures. All of us want to only help and improve their symptoms but I urge you to be cautious when considering any botanical, essential oil or plant-based supplement. Yes, the earth makes it, but like food, “one person’s meat is another person’s poison” (Adapted from Hippocrates).
An excellent peer review titled “Herbal Medicines and Epilepsy: The Potential for benefit and Adverse Effects”, reviews research done on kava, valerian root, passionflower, borage oil and their effectiveness toward reducing seizures or exacerbating seizures. It also remarks on the dangers of ephedra, cocoa, cola, guarana, mate’ and tea potentiating an increase/exacerbation in seizures.
The chart that particularly stands out is the dangers of these particular essential oils. Essential oils are in concentrated dosages and can create a significantly greater risk than herbs that are used in cooking.
In addition one specific herb that has been demonstrated to exacerbate is wormwood. This is often included in botanical blends, parasite cleanses, and anti-infection concoctions.
Please always be sure to look at the ingredients in a supplement and consult with a practitioner trained in understanding the uniqueness of seizure disorders.
Bringing you much light,
Lynn
