Herbs, Supplements and Essential Oils: Natural Does Not Mean Harmless
“Natural” is not the same as proven, effective or risk-free. Herbal products, supplements and essential oils can have active biological effects and may interact with antiseizure medicines.
Herbal remedies
There is not enough reliable evidence to recommend herbal medicines as a treatment for epilepsy. Some can alter how medicines work. St John’s Wort is a well-known example and is not recommended for people with epilepsy because it can affect antiseizure medication and seizure control.
Essential oils
Essential oils are often marketed for relaxation or wellbeing. Evidence that they treat epilepsy is lacking. Epilepsy Action notes reports of seizures after exposure to some oils, including products containing camphor or eucalyptus, so people with epilepsy should discuss use with a clinician or pharmacist.
Supplements
Vitamin or mineral supplementation can be appropriate when a deficiency or treatment-related need has been identified. That is different from taking unproven supplements marketed as seizure cures. Products can contain variable ingredients and may interact with prescribed treatment.
Questions worth asking
- What evidence supports this product for my seizure type?
- Could it interact with my antiseizure medicine?
- Is the dose and ingredient list reliable?
- Has my pharmacist or epilepsy team checked it?
Sources
Epilepsy Action — Complementary treatments
NHS — Herbal medicines