Parkinson's herbal medicine

The effects of herbal medicine in Parkinson’s are largely untested with the exception of preliminary studies into Ayurveda - an ancient Indian healing system that combines a variety of interventions including herbal remedies.

Mucuna plants, which are used in Ayurveda herbal treatments, are known to contain levodopa - a key Parkinson’s medication that increases dopamine levels in the brain and therefor improves the motor symptoms of the condition. Several studies into mucuna plants and Parkinson’s have had positive results and some have even suggested that the plant might have advantages over conventional levodopa preparations in the long term management of Parkinson’s. However, a rigorous clinical study into this is needed.

A qualified herbal practitioner will be able to advise on other remedies, for example nervine herbs to reduce tremors, or vascular dilators to relax rigid muscles. Some herbs may help with skin conditions