Epilepsy is a disorder of the nervous system. It causes unpredictable changes in the electrical activity of the brain known as seizures. They can range from mild to severe, rare or frequent.

Treatment can help to prevent seizures. Medicine is the most common treatment but others may need diet or lifestyle changes. Some may still have seizures even with treatment. Natural therapies may help to control and prevent seizures when used with standard treatments.

Principal

Likely effective

May be effective

  • Acupuncture uses fine needs in specific parts of the body. It may be more effective than a standard medicine to ease seizures.A1
  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids are found in foods and available as pills. They may ease seizure frequency.B1, B4, B8, B16
  • Xylaria nigripes is a fungus that may ease depression in people with epilepsy.B5
  • Yoga uses poses, breath control, and meditation. It may reduce the frequency of seizures.A2

Not enough data to assess

Caution

Talk to your doctor about any supplements or therapy you would like to use. Some may get in the way of treatment. They can also make illness worse or cause new problems.