However, natural mood stabilizers may not be effective enough on their own and come with risks.

How It Works

There are many types and combinations of adaptogens.

They are believed to work by helping the body adapt to its environment.

Natural Mood Stabilizers - illustration by Hilary Allison

Verywell / Hilary Allison

Check With Your Provider Taking Supplements

Always check with your healthcare provider before starting any supplement.

Research

A 2007 study foundE.

However, other data suggest thatE.

Side Effects and Precautions

People who are allergic toE.

senticosusshould not take it.

Always follow your providers dosage recommendations for any medication or supplement you are taking.

Exercise

Exercise can be a natural mood stabilizer depending on a persons ability level and preferences.

Moderate aerobic exercise may improve depression symptoms.Multiple studies of different populations have shown that exercise may help with mood.

It is important to talk with a healthcare provider before starting a new exercise routine.

Meditation and mindfulness practices may offer mood-stabilizing benefits to reduce stress andanxiety, and improve depression.

Studies have shown that silent meditation and active relaxation meditation may help reduce stress and depression.

Its recommended that you start meditation and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy with guidance from a trained professional.

Talk with a healthcare professional before making any dietary changes or starting a new way of eating.

Low levels ofvitamin Dand omega-3 have been linked to mood disorders, including bipolar disorder.

Some studies on vitamin D and omega-3 supplements have shown these nutrients may decrease symptoms like depression.

Potential side effects of omega-3 include abdominal discomfort,diarrhea, and a fishy aftertaste.

Always follow your providers dosage recommendations if youre taking a supplement.

Everyone is different, and people respond differently to both prescription medications and natural treatments.

Your primary care provider or apsychiatristcan be a trusted source of information and recommendations.

Summary

Natural mood stabilizers are nonprescription treatments for mood disorders such as bipolar disorder.

They can also be used along with prescription drugs and other therapies.

The research on natural mood stabilizers is limited.

American Psychological Association.Mood stabilizer.

2023;57(18):1203-1209. doi:10.1136/bjsports-2022-106195

Panossian AG.Adaptogens in mental and behavioral disorders.

Psychiatr Clin N Am.

A meta-analysis.J Affect Disord.

2017;208:298-308. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2016.08.057

Natural Medicine Journal.Siberian ginseng: A review of the literature.

Int J Bipolar Disord.

2017;12(5):e0176239.

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0176239

ojko D, Stelmach-Mardas M, Suwalska A.Is diet important in bipolar disorder?.Psychiatr Pol.

2015;25(5):415-424. doi:10.1089/cap.2014.0110