How to Ease Fibromyalgia Pain With Herbs
As many as six million people in the United States have fibromyalgia syndrome, most of them women of child-bearing age. Symptoms can include muscular and whole-body aches and pains, nervousness, irritability, headaches, depression, tinnitus, dizziness, nasal congestion, irritable bowel syndrome and insomnia or other sleep disturbances. The causes are uncertain, and there is no certain cure. Typical medical treatments involve antidepressants, muscle relaxants, pain-relief injections and anti-anxiety drugs such as lorazepam. Alternate treatments exist, including dietary changes, exercise, nutrient therapy, homeopathic remedies and herbal treatments.
Instructions
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Treat the pain of fibromyalgia with willow bark or pine bark, both of which contain salicylates, the substance found in aspirin. These herbs have been used for centuries for pain and do not carry the risks of stomach upsets or bleeding associated with aspirin. Boswellia, taken as directed on the label, may also reduce joint pain and morning stiffness. Applying capsaicin ointment containing cayenne pepper to specific pain areas may block the pain signals.
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Reduce morning pain caused by poor sleep and associated restlessness by taking St. John's wort capsules for 2 to 3 months. Depending on the individual capsule dose, try to get 900 mg per day. This should help with the depression associated with fibromyalgia and may also improve sleep quality. Chamomile is another herb that promotes healthy sleep. Kava capsules in 60 to 120 mg dosage along with passionflower or valerian will aid in getting to sleep. However, do not take kava with alcohol, prescription sedatives or tranquilizers or if pregnant or nursing.
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Improve inflammatory conditions that may contribute to fibromyalgia pain by taking anti-inflammatory herbs such as black cohosh, turmeric (curcumin) or goldenseal. Do not take goldenseal for longer than 1 or 2 weeks. Adding pomegranate fruit or juice will increase anti-inflammatory effects of the herbs.
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Boost the immune system and energy levels by taking herbs such as ginseng (only Panax ginseng), red clover, astralagus and garlic. Rhodiola, an adaptogen which balances body conditions, may also improve energy levels. Better energy levels can increase the ability to tolerate exercise, which may lead to higher endorphins and decreased pain levels.
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Massage painful areas of the body with a mixture of calendula or rosemary oil diluted with an equal amount of vegetable oil. Relax tension-causing pain by taking a bath in moderately hot water mixed with 4 to 6 oz. ginger powder.
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Tips & Warnings
Herbal remedies take longer to work than prescription medications. Allow at least 1 month and in some cases up to 6 months to determine whether any herbal therapy is really helping. Do not start out on any alternative treatments for serious conditions without first consulting with a medical practitioner. Doctors of Naturopathy (N.D.) are often more knowledgeable about complementary and alternative medicine than M.D.s, but many states do not adequately regulate naturopathy. Locate an N.D. with a degree from a recognized naturopathic university such as Bastyr University in Seattle, Washington.
Herbal or other supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. Tests have shown that many such products may not contain the labeled amount of ingredients or may be contaminated with harmful substances such as lead. Buy products from reputable pharmacies or herbal stores. Better still, check out a testing site such as Consumer Lab (see Additional Resources). The information in this article is not intended to treat, diagnose, recommend or cure any illness. Always check with a physician before taking any products or following any medical advice on the Web. Certain herbs and holistic remedies may not be advised if pregnant or nursing and should be approved by a doctor before use.
Resources
- Photo Credit Charles R. Anderson
