Traditionally, epilepsy is treated using antiseizure medicines. Although these medicines can be extremely helpful, they may not work for everyone. Also, similar to any medication, antiseizure medicines come with a risk of side effects.

Some people suffering from epilepsy opt for natural treatments and alternative therapies to help relieve their symptoms or to complement their treatments. From herbs to vitamins to acupuncture to biofeedback, there are many options to choose from.

Some natural treatments are backed by a modest amount of research, but many are not. There’s far less evidence supporting natural treatment options for epilepsy than for conventional medication.

If one is interested in adding something new to their epilepsy treatment regime, it is important to speak to the doctor. One may find that there are some natural treatments that can complement their current treatment plan. Yet, there are some herbs that are dangerous and can interact with effective medicines.

So, working with a doctor to discover the right treatment for oneself can help in assessing the potential benefits and risks, as well as get advice from them about the next steps.

Herbal treatments
Nowadays, herbal treatments have become quite popular with an increasing market and public interest. For every ailment, there seems to be an herb.

The most commonly used herbs for epilepsy are burning bush, valerian, groundsel, tree of heaven, hydrocotyle, skullcap, lily of the valley, peony, mistletoe, and mugwort.

As per a 2003 study, a few herbal remedies used in traditional Chinese, Indian Ayurveda, and Japanese Kampo medicine have shown anticonvulsant effects. But there are no randomized, controlled, or blind studies to support their benefits.

The safety, interactions, and side effects are not well studied.

Some of the natural herbs mentioned here can actually cause illness—even death. Currently, there isn’t enough scientific proof that most herbal remedies successfully treat epilepsy. Most of the evidence is anecdotal.

Additionally, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate herbal supplements. Sometimes, herbs can cause unpleasant side effects like headaches, digestive problems, and rashes.

So, although some herbs might help the symptoms of epilepsy, others may worsen the symptoms.

Vitamins
The number of seizures caused by some types of epilepsy may be reduced by certain vitamins. But one should keep in mind that vitamins alone do not work. They may help in making some medications work more effectively or can be used to reduce the necessary dosage.

It is necessary to follow the doctor’s instructions before taking any vitamin supplements in order to avoid or prevent a potential overdose.

Some of the supplements that can be used are vitamin B-6, magnesium, vitamin E, biotin, vitamin D, folic acid, and others.

Dietary changes
Some dietary changes can also help in decreasing seizures. One of the best-known diets is the ketogenic diet that focuses on eating a higher ratio of fats.

The keto diet is considered a low-carb and a low-protein diet. Although doctors don’t know why this type of eating pattern is believed to help decrease seizure.

Often, children suffering from epilepsy are put on the ketogenic diet. Many people find the restrictions associated with this diet to be challenging. But still, keto diet might complement other treatment measures to help in reducing seizures.

In the year 2002, John Hopkins Medicine created a modified version of the Atkins diet as a low-carb and high-fat alternative to the keto diet for adults suffering from epilepsy. The organization indicates that recent studies have found that a proper diet lowers seizures in almost half of those who try to follow it. Here no fasting or counting calories is needed. Often, in just a few months, a decrease in seizures is seen.