Diet and Schizophrenia Diet is beginning to be considered in relation to a lot of conditions. If we listen to our bodies, we often find that if they're asking for something in particular, there's a reason for it. There follow some suggestions for aiding control of schizophrenia, but it isn't by any means definitive. Listen to what your body wants, and if you find anything particularly helpful, let me know. Herbs Herbalism's currently enjoying something of a renaissance, which might seem surprising when Western medicine can appear so dazzling and sophisticated. We're individuals though, and can each respond very differently so the same course of treatment. Herbalism recognises this, and a herbalist will put together a set of herbs suited to your individual needs. A good understanding and working knowledge of herbs would be vital to any aspiring shaman/witchdoctor, whose training would include familiarity with a vast array of healing and helper plants. As this tradition is often very fractured after hundreds of years of repression - and psycho-active plants are still often illegal - it is up to us to rediscover this knowledge. There are places where there is unbroken tradition - even in Britain - and there is never a substitute for field work - seeking out the plants in the wild and letting them show you what they can do. Watch out for the poisonous ones though! If a trip to a herbalist is a bit beyond your means at the moment, there are a number of plants that can help various aspects of schizophrenia. Rosemary Rosemary is easily obtainable, and is a great general relaxant and restorative for the nervous system. Oats The whole oat plant is best, but oatmeal is more than sufficient. It is a gentle and effective restorative for the nervous system. Ginseng (Asiatic and Siberian) Improves stamina and the ability to withstand stresses. Generally improves healing and concentration. St John's Wort A gentle calming effect, combined with a restorative tonic effect on the nervous system. Also promotes healing. Particularly recommended. There is something of a revolution currently occuring in the US and UK at least, as regards the use of St John's Wort to combat depression. This is good news, as it means that it is now very easily available. Research suggests that this herb improves the levels of serotonin, dopamine and noradrenaline. The experts seem to think that it works (and create a chemical substitute so that they can charge loads for it). A few possible (but unlikely) side effects of St John's Wort include stomach upset, tiredness and increased skin sensitivity to sunlight. Very recommended though. Believe the hype! Vervain A calming restorative, particularly for nervous exhaustion. Lavender A nervous tonic with relaxing properties. Horehound, black and white A helpful relaxant, particularly recommended. Fish Oil and Carrots Psychiatrist Dr Iain Glen, honorary senior lecturer at Aberdeen University's department of mental health announced recently that as many as 80% of schizophrenics may be deficient in unsaturated fatty acids - particularly at nerve endings which release "transmitters" carrying information around the brain. When 50 patients were given the acids in compounds derived from fish oil and fungus growing on carrots, it produced a "dramatic response", reported the UK Daily Mail, 16-9-96. Selenium Zinc alternative treatments