What herbal remedies have been used to treat fibromyalgia ?
Some fibromyalgia patients, particularly those who have been unable to tolerate prescription medications, may find that taking herbs helps them feel better. However, it is important to remember that, like synthetic drugs, herbal medicines can cause reactions in the body, and interact with other medications in ways that may be detrimental to your health. If you wish to try herbal treatments, be sure to inform your medical practitioner; better yet, seek out holistic doctors who use alternative and conventional medicines for treatment of fibromyalgia symptoms. Some herbs that have been used to treat fibromyalgia include the following:
Black currant seed oil (BCSO), which is rich in gammalinolenic acid (GLA) and alphalinolenic acid (ALA). Studies have shown that both GLA and the eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) contained in ALA help reduce inflammation in the joints. Boswellia , meadowsweet and white willow bark (herbs containing natural pain-relieving salicins), feverfew and pycnogenol extract of pine park have been used to treat inflammation. Feverfew has also been traditionally used to treat headaches and migraines (common fibromyalgia symptoms), and pycnogenol is thought by some herbalists to help ease pain and depression symptoms by increasing blood circulation and boosting serotonin levels in the body. Turmeric and powdered ginger are natural anti-inflammatories. Studies have shown that turmeric may be just as effective as cortisone without the side effects.
Chamomile is thought to help calm the central nervous system and promote sleep. It may help treat fibromyalgia symptoms of insomnia, anxiety, gastrointestinal upset, and menstrual cramps. Passionflower, valerian root, and St. John’s wort may also help restore sleep and alleviate stress and nervousness. St. John’s wort may help regulate levels of the neurotransmitters serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine and thus relieve pain and depression.
Bromelain cream may be applied topically to help reduce swelling and pain caused by inflammation, and capsaicin creams act as a counterirritant when massaged into the affected painful areas. Some studies have shown that capsaicin can help lower substance P levels in the body.
Ginseng has been used for centuries to increase energy and relieve stress. Some researchers think that fibromyalgia stems from low levels of cellular ATP (energy), so Ginseng may be useful for relieving feelings of chronic fatigue. Chinese and American ginseng have been used as general health tonics, while some herbalists use Siberian Ginseng (a different species of plant altogether), to treat inflammation. Ginseng may also promote elimination of toxic foreign substances from the body, and boost immune system function. It has also traditionally been used to stimulate memory, which may be especially helpful to fibromyalgia patients suffering with episodes of memory loss (fibrofog).
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