Natural remedies for Parkinson’s disease may vary from herbs to homeopathic remedies, nutritional substances and floral extracts. Many modern drugs have been sourced from plants and once the active ingredient was identified, it was synthetically manufactured in easy to acquire and convenient dosage forms like tablets and capsules. In the more traditional approach to health care, the naturally occurring ingredients are either used for its pharmacological action or based on alternative approaches to treating disease. Nutrition is a cornerstone of most complementary therapies for Parkinson’s disease but individual beliefs have varied according to regional and cultural differences.

Biologically Based Therapies

Naturally available substances are used in this type of therapy either in the food or as separate supplements.

Nutrition

• Altering the type of diet taken or including certain substances in the diet have often been claimed to provide relief from various symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Of these, vitamin E (found in whole grains, seeds, and green leafy vegetables), vitamin C, and Coenzyme Q10 may have certain benefits, although this has not been definitively proven.
• Research has shown that broad beans (fava beans) are a natural source of levodopa. Varying doses and metabolism of fava beans may however impact on the therapeutic benefit.
• Proteins may interfere with the action of levodopa hence it is best to restrict protein intake two hours before and one hour after taking levodopa. Proteins are best taken with the evening meal.
• Caffeine may lower the risk of PD.

Herbal Remedies

Herbal medicine (phytotherapy) makes use of plants and their extracts to treat diseases. These may be prescribed according to the whole systems of medicine described below or based on the action of the pharmacologically active ingredients which have been scientifically verified.

• Herbs such as Ginkgo biloba and Bacopa monniera (brahmi) may be effective in PD by improving blood circulation in the brain.
• Mucuna pruriensis is an herb that contains levodopa
• Hypericum perforatum (St. John’s wort), a herb that has been used extensively in Europe for many years, may be helpful in treating depression and insomnia that is often associated with PD.
• Aromatherapy can be considered as part of herbal therapy, where essential oils of plants are used for treatment. Passion flower or oil of evening primrose has been claimed to be helpful in alleviating various symptoms of PD.

Whole Medical Systems

Ayurveda

Considered by many as the oldest healing science, ayurveda is an age old method of treatment practiced in ancient India since nearly 5000 years. The body is treated as a whole, with equal emphasis on diet, herbs, enema, meditation, massage, and exercise (yoga). PD has been mentioned in old ayurvedic texts as Kampa (tremor) vata (energy controlling body functions). Mucuna pruriens is an herb used in ayurvedic medicine for treating PD that has effects similar to levodopa but with less side effects.

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Acupuncture, Chinese herbs, massage, diet, and exercise comprise traditional Chinese medicine which has been practices for over 2000 years in China. It includes the concept that two opposite principles, yin and yang, is in balance within our body. Illness occurs whenever there is imbalance of yin and yang due to improper flow of life force and this balance needs to be restored to achieve health. In acupuncture, very fine sterile needles are inserted into specific points of the body. These are presumed to realign energy flow through the body and help in healing.

Homeopathy

The homeopathic system of medicine was developed in Germany over 200 years ago. The basic principle of homeopathy is “like cures like”, meaning that a disease can be cured by a substance which produces similar symptoms in healthy people. The body’s ability to heal itself is utilized by giving tiny doses of highly diluted substances known as potentized remedies. These remedies are derived from natural substances originating in plants, animals, or minerals. It may be effective in alleviating certain symptoms of PD. Medication will depend upon the individual symptoms.

Naturopathy

This is a system of therapy which relies almost totally on natural remedies such as air, water, and sunlight, along with diet and massage. The belief is that a healthy environment will cause the body to heal naturally. These days, homeopathic remedies, herbs and even acupuncture are often used by naturopaths in conjunction with traditional naturopathic principles.