15 HERBAL REMEDIES FOR FIBROMYALGIA

What is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain illness characterized by a combination of widespread pain in the muscles, tendons, ligaments, fatigue, and multiple tender points on the body. Mostly it affects in the neck, back, shoulder, pelvic girdle, and hands.

Causes

The causes of fibromyalgia are unknown; however there are various factors involved.

• Stress, depression, and anxiety
• Sleep disorders
• Overexertion
• Abnormal sensory processing of central nervous system
• Abnormalities in the immune system and endocrine systems
• Chemical imbalance in the brain and spinal cord
• Candidacies and parasites
• Allergies or sensitivity to certain chemicals
• Toxic metals (lead, mercury, etc) and
• Virus (especially Epstein-Barr, HHV-6, cytomegalovirus)
• Blood sugar imbalance
• Foods, or the environment
• Nutritional deficiencies are some of the other root causes of fibromyalgia.

Possible risk factors for Fibromyalgia include:

• genetic disposition (may be inherited)
• poor physical conditioning
• gender (usually female)
• menopause (loss of estrogen)
• surgery
• Changes in weather, cold environments
• trauma to the brain or spinal cord (after an injury, accident, illness, or emotional stress)

Signs and Symptoms

Recent scientific research studies have revealed that the central nervous system is involved in fibromyalgia. There is no laboratory or other diagnostic test for fibromyalgia so it must be diagnosed based on patient symptoms and physical examination. Increased sensitivity to pain is the main symptom. Besides, there are some other signs and symptoms associated with the condition, which may be the followings.

• Restlessness
• Headaches
• Sleep disturbances
• Morning stiffness
•  Tingling of the extremities
• Feeling of swollen extremities
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Dry eyes and mouth
• Abdominal pain
•  Dizziness
• Temperature sensitivity
• Painful menstrual periods (dysmenorrhea)
• Cognitive and memory problems
• Sensitive to odors, loud noise and bright lights 

The major part of problem with fibromyalgia is that it does not have a standardized treatment yet. It is mostly treated symptomatically and can mostly be managed, but not cured completely. Herbal remedies are a non-conventional way of treatment in fibromyalgia, which has been proved to be effective and beneficial. Fibromyalgia pain is often accompanied by anxiety, depression, chronic fatigue, and insomnia. This collection of symptoms makes fibromyalgia a classic example of a disorder that affects both the body and the emotions, though it is hardly alone in this. Herbs can help to treat the wide range of symptoms produced in fibromyalgia like depression, fatigue, sleep disorders, immune deficiency, inflammation, severe pain and work holistically on both the mind and body levels. Herbs are generally a safe way to strengthen and tone the body's systems. As with any therapy, you should work with your health care provider to diagnose your problem before starting any treatment.

Natural Home Remedies For Fibromyalgia

1.Valerian

Valerian herb has been considered to be one of the best herbs for treating fibromyalgia because of its beneficial results on sleeps and muscle tension. Valerian has sedating and muscle- relaxant properties. It is a natural sedative that increases the quality of sleep for fibromyalgia patients. It also acts on the cognitive abnormalities arising out of fibromyalgia. It likewise increases focus and concentration to help reduce the “brain fog” that often happens to people who suffer from fibromyalgia. It is available in capsule form in pharmacy stores.

2.White Willow

Willow bark has anti-inflammatory properties and works as a painkiller. White willow bark contains salicin, a close chemical relative of aspirin. 240 mg a day of willow bark worked better than conventional therapeutic options. Like aspirin, willow bark can cause stomach distress, and it shouldn't be given to children. While it can be taken in a capsule form, I usually opt for the tea version of just about everything. Boil two teaspoons of the dried bark in 8 oz glass of water and simmer on a low heat for ten minutes. Let the tea to stand for ½ hour after which strain it and drink three to four cups of it daily.

3.Boswellia

Boswellia, has been investigated for its effects on musculoskeletal pain. The herb has a unique anti-inflammatory action, and acts much like the conventional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Medicines are made from the gum of the trees. Boswellia, also called frankincense, is believed to work by blocking the inflammatory molecules known as leukotrienes. Leukotrienes can attack healthy tissue in people with autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis. You can use boswellia as a topical cream or take the herb orally in tablet form. People are advised to take 400-800 mg of extract in capsules or tablets three times per day.

4.Indian ginseng/Ashwagandha

Indian ginseng/Ashwagandha is also known to fight inflammation in tissues, allowing it to ease the symptoms of chronic, painful conditions like arthritis and fibromyalgia. It is considered a ‘specific’ for autoimmune disorders, and may also be of benefit in chronic neuromuscular conditions such as fibromyalgia and multiple sclerosis. It acts as an antispasmodic & anti-inflammatory and is very useful for fibromyalgia (with Kava and Scullcap), restless leg syndrome, mild Tourette’s syndrome, and osteo-arthritis. Take 500 mg ashwagandha powder with a glass of hot milk daily.

5.Ginger Root

Ginger root has warming properties and improves poor circulation which is a common problem in fibro. Ginger is a good alternative to aspirin to relieve minor aches and pains. Ginger boosts the anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties of other herbs and mobilizes the body's own healing agents to ease the pain of fibromyalgia and arthritis. Ginger can be taken as a tea, used as a bath additive, or infused in olive oil for a herbal oil treatment. Steep 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger root in 8 ounces of hot water for 10 minutes. Strain adds honey to taste, if you like and drinks it three times daily. Alternatively, take 1,000 to 2,000 milligrams of powdered ginger a day in capsule form with food.

6.Rosemary

This herb has powerful analgesic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It has been used since thousands of years for relieving spasms and all sorts of other pains including musculoskeletal pain. Rosemary infused oil and rosemary essential oil are both used in massage oil formulations to relieve the pain of arthritis and of sore aching muscles. Rosemary used as a massage oil also helps to tone the circulatory system. Boil a cup of water and add two teaspoons of dried rosemary to it. After ten minutes strain the tea and drink three cups of it daily.

7.Cayenne

Cayenne contains capsaicin is the active ingredient in chili peppers, a substance that appears to inhibit the release of neurotransmitters responsible for communicating pain sensations. It is thought to temporarily relieve pain and may be one of the best topical therapies for fibro. Using cayenne oil in combination with menthol works like an herbal "icy/hot" treatment. Topical applications of cayenne (capsicum) powder mixed with wintergreen oil can help relieve muscle pain. Use 1 part cayenne powder to 3 parts wintergreen oil. Cayenne can also be taken orally, in capsule form.

8.St. John’s wort

St. John’s Wort, a natural antidepressant, is found to be used in fibromyalgia which helps to alleviate pain, stress and anxiety by inhibiting neurotransmitters. St. John's wort is a natural antidepressant and influences the adrenal gland hormones to help relieve stress. St. John's wort affects nerves and is effective for sharp, shooting nerve pains. It also has antiviral properties. St John's wort is usually well tolerated. The most common side effects are stomach upset, skin reactions, and fatigue. St. John's wort should not be mixed with antidepressants or any other supplement, as the combinations can cause illness. Choose a standardized extract containing 0.3 percent hypericin and take 300 milligrams three times daily. St. John's wort herbal oil, extracted by macerating the flowers in vegetable oil, is excellent applied externally for fibromyalgia and can ease the nerve pains.

9.Siberian Ginseng

Siberian Ginseng is an energizing herb that can help resolve the fatigue associated with fibromyalgia. Regular intake of ginseng extract can bring down the symptoms of fibromyalgia. It gradually eliminates the discomforts caused by fibromyalgia, and through time, all symptoms are relieved. Ginseng also works by restoring the energy lost during the attack of fibromyalgia. Choose a standardized extract containing 0.5 percent eleutheroside E and take 100 milligrams twice daily, one-half hour before breakfast and lunch. After two weeks, you can gradually increase the dosage as needed. After six weeks, take one week off, and then take the herb for another six weeks.

10.Devil's Claw

Devil's claw root is a natural anti- inflammatory and is known to be effective in reducing the inflammation of connective tissues, as it used to treat rheumatic disorders. Devil's Claw has performed well in trials studying lower back pain; it was most effective for people who had the most severe, radiating pain, with numbness in the extremities. Devil's claw comes in capsule, tincture, and tea form. For inflammation and pain, devil's claw is usually taken in capsule form. Based on the research, a daily dose of devil's claw should provide at least 50 mg of harpagosides per day (the amount of harpagosides in each devil's claw should be indicated on the bottle).Take one 400 mg devil's claw root tablet daily.

11.Turmeric

Turmeric helps to reduce pain and inflammation. Turmeric can have a blood thinning effect and can increase the effectiveness of blood thinning medications, such as aspirin and Coumadin. Take 400 to 500 milligrams three times daily.

12.Dandelion

Dandelion reduces frequency and intensity of pain and strengthens the connective tissue. Take 3 capsules daily, 1 tbs juice or 1 cup tea, twice daily for four to six weeks.

13.Dong quai

Dong quai is good for fleeting muscle and joint pains, especially if they are worse in damp conditions. Take 1 tbsp. of dried root juice three times daily. For women only take 1 capsule daily.

14.Green Tea

Green tea is believed to help with all types of ailments, making it one of the most popular herbal remedies of all time. For antioxidant and immune effects it has been used to treat everything from acne to inflammation. Green tea is taken orally as a beverage, tablet or tincture. You may also prepare teas from the leaf of this herb. Use caffeine-free products. You can also soothe your joints and entire body in a warm green tea bath. Green tea has been used for thousands of years as a medicinal supplement. Fibromyalgia is just one of the many diseases it can assist with.

15.Lavender oil, Rosemary oil

Lavender herb has a crucial part in treating fibromyalgia since it alleviates tension, anxiety and insomnia – all classic symptoms of fibromyalgia. Lavender relaxes the body in the presence of pain, most likely by reducing anxiety levels. A calm mental state makes pain more bearable, lessening its impact by reducing the perception of pain. Lavender is so easy and safe to use, it is quite easy to judge the effects yourself as they are immediate and quite apparent. Massage with lavender oil at tender trigger points reduces the pain and tension of fibromyalgia in long term sufferers. Lavender combines well with the analgesic power of rosemary to relieve all types of pain: arthritis, sore muscles, and nerve pain.
Rosemary essential oil helps alleviate water retention and increases circulation when used in massage blends. Add a whole body massage with lavender oil in the evening and rosemary oil in the morning to your daily routine. It is best to do yourself massage in a quiet, warm room, with awareness of how you feel emotionally as well a physically.

By: Natural Fitness Tips