Healing Lessons: Why Natural Remedies Aren’t One Size-Fits-All

Sailors,
I want to share an experience I had to highlight the importance of thorough research and understanding our individual needs when it comes to our health. Educating ourselves about how different remedies interact with our unique variables is essential for effective self-advocacy.

I pour so much of myself into being a source of light for others, helping through darkest moments, but the truth is, I live with bipolar disorder. It's not something I hide; in fact, I'm very open about it. This is a part of me and it’s unchanging; constant. Every single day, I face the challenges that come with it, navigating a mental obstacle that's uniquely mine. Sometimes, I find it hard to imagine what it would be like to wake up without the storms in my mind, to have a brain that doesn't have any disorder. There are moments when I wish for that kind of peace.

But then, I also realize that this brain of mine has shaped me in ways I wouldn't trade. Alongside the struggles, it has given me gifts. Insights, resilience, and strengths that help me not just survive but also shine in my own way. Most of the time, my bipolar disorder feels manageable. But there have been episodes lasting moments, days, weeks, months, and even years that have taken pieces of my life. I’ve lost too much of my lifetime to mania and depression – fully aware that I will lose more.

One specific time when I was struggling extra, I decided to seek support through a natural remedy. I connected with someone knowledgeable in plant medicine, shared that I was slipping into a depressive episode of my bipolar, and began taking a daily tincture they made and recommended. I held onto hope, but as days passed, I only felt worse.

One key ingredient in this tincture was St. John’s Wort, a plant often praised for its potential to treat depression. I understand why it was included in the recommendation. On the surface, studies suggest it can be as effective as prescription antidepressants for mild to moderate cases of depression. However, its effectiveness for severe depression is less conclusive. Side note: if you’re navigating depression, please consult a doctor before starting any type of treatment.

Despite its proven effectiveness for mild to moderate depression, St. John’s Wort is far from a saint when it comes to bipolar disorder. This remedy is strongly discouraged for treating depression in those with mood disorders, as it significantly increases the risk of triggering a manic episode. Experts across the field - psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and primary care physicians - strongly advise that Bipolar patients avoid St. John’s Wort altogether. I did not know this, and I would like to think the person who recommended this specific product of theirs to me did not know that either. It can be an effective way to treat mild to moderate depression, that understanding was not wrong.

St. John’s Wort influences neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine which are all crucial for regulating mood. I went from slipping into a depressive episode to quickly transitioning into a manic one. This type of sudden shift is especially harmful. This plant totally destabilized the delicate chemical balance in my brain, a balance that is crucial for bipolar patients like me.

Discarding the product containing St. John’s Wort didn’t instantly resolve how it had worsened my mental health. It took time for my brain to regain its balance due to how this plant disrupted the levels of certain neurotransmitters. My brain needed time to find its natural balance again and that’s not a fast process. Recovery can take weeks or even months after stopping St. John’s Wort, depending on individual factors. That year, I lost a significant portion of my life recovering from a mild depressive episode that escalated into a manic episode, triggered by St. John’s Wort, as I waited to restore balance.
Sharing this is difficult for me. I’m not placing blame on anyone but myself. I feel ashamed for not advocating for myself as I do. I put blind trust in someone with my health, and it’s hard to face how low I felt to surrender that authority over my well-being. It says so much about how desperate I was at the time, willing to try anything without thinking clearly. In moments when I learn lessons the hard way, I try to be gentle with myself. They open a whole new area of healing. I’m my own worst critic and far too hard on myself. Maybe that’s why I strive to be so kind to others, because if you treat yourself the way I treat myself, you could use that kindness.

I hope my experience serves as a lesson. Whether you create or use plant medicine, it’s fundamental to understand both its potential to heal and its capacity to harm. But that’s just the beginning, you need to explore individual variables to truly grasp their effects and avoid situations like mine. Remember, plant medicine is never one-size-fits-all, and “natural” doesn’t always mean harmless.

This isn’t a call to avoid plant medicine, please explore it. I rely on it every single day and firmly believe in turning to it as a first option. However, approach it with awareness. Consult multiple sources, conduct your research, and passionately advocate for your unique needs. Let my experience be your reminder.

Signed.
-Just a messy mom in her kitchen
Lighting the way with purpose, resilience, and hope
Founder & Creator of Crum Canoe Candle Co.
Nikki Crum