Chronic Fatigue Herbal Remedies

CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME

BENEFICIAL HERBS

  • Echinacea has profound immune enhancing effects and anti-viral properties.
  • Astragalus promotes resistance against disease. Caution: Do not use astragalus in the presence of a fever.
  • Suma is a tonic and been used in treating debilitating viral conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome and Epstein-Barr disease.
  • Siberian ginseng is effective in the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome. Caution: Do not use ginseng if you have high blood pressure
  • Gotu kola has anti-fatigue properties
  • Burdock root facilitates blood purification and removes toxins which are released by viral organisms
  • Panax ginseng and American ginseng can help combat fatigue. Caution: Do not use ginseng if you have high blood pressure
  • Schizandra has antidepressant activity as well as stimulating effects
  • Red clover can improve overall health
  • Ginger root can produce a generalized stimulant effect on the entire body
  • Cayenne tea is good when you are feeling tired and run-down
  • Ginko biloba helps improve blood supply throughout the body, especially the brain.
  • Skullcap, passionflower and valerian root can be used as a sleep aid.
  • Garlic, seaweed such as Irish moss, agar agar, blue-green algae, and brown algae, and shiitake and reishi mushrooms may increase the body’s ability to fight unwanted invaders.
  • Cinnamon tea and sage tea clears the mind and improves thought processes
  • Borage tea may help “lift your spirits”
  • Dandelion helps stimulate the liver and kidneys
  • St. Johnswort has been used to treat depression and has antiviral properties
  • Try drinking kombucha tea. Many people have reported new energy and feelings of well being after drinking kombucha tea.
  • Licorice root has anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antiallergenic properties. Caution: Do not use this herb on a daily basis for more than seven days in a row. Avoid it completely if you have high blood pressure.
  • Milk thistle rejuvenates the liver. The liver plays a critical role in maintaining good health.

DIETARY RECOMMENDATIONS

  • Decrease your intake of concentrated sugars
  • Don’t depend on caffeine
  • Decrease your fat intake
  • Increase your intake of omega 3 fatty acids (mackerel, salmon, tuna, whitefish, bluefish, anchovies, and herring) or a supplement–1 gram daily.
  • Get tested for allergies–the three most common culprits incriminated in chronic fatigue are wheat, milk, and corn.

BENEFICIAL NUTRIENTS

A well balanced diet is a more natural source of nutrients and it is best to get as much as possible from food. If you are not eating a varied mixture of the main food groups or foods high in a certain nutrient needed for your health situation then make up the remaining through vitamin and mineral supplementation.

  • B vitamins are recommended for chronic fatigue syndrome. Take a B complex vitamin daily that includes the following four B vitamins:
  1. Pantothenic acid: 50 milligrams
  2. Thiamin:50 milligrams
  3. Vitamin B12: 50 milligrams
  4. Vitamin B6:50 milligrams
  • Calcium:1,000 milligrams (2 milligrams for every 1 milligram of magnesium)
  • Magnesium: 350 milligrams for males, and 280 milligrams for females (magnesium glycinate). Caution: If you have heart or kidney problems, you should always check with your doctor before taking magnesium supplements
  • Coenzyme Q10:200 milligrams taken in divided doses under the tongue
  • Beta-carotene: 25,000 IU. Caution: Do not take if you are pregnant. Note: Recent studies have cast doubt on the benefits of getting beta-carotene through supplementation. The best way to take beta-carotene into your body is through foods high in beta-carotene, such as carrots, apricots, cantaloupe, papaya, mangoes, and sweet potatoes.
  • Selenium: 50 micrograms
  • Vitamin C: 500 milligrams taken in divided doses
  • Vitamin E: 400 IU. Caution: If you are taking anticoagulants, you should not take vitamin E supplements

In some cases, herbal products can interact negatively with other medications.  Such interactions can be dangerous.  Herbal remedies are not regulated and their quality is not controlled.  Moreover, while there is an abundant supply of information circulating about herbs, not much of it has been scientifically proven.  Consult your physician.  Informing your doctor and pharmacist of what herbal products you are using is just as important as letting them know what drugs you are taking.  Your physician and the pharmacist on duty at your pharmacy can assist you in deciding which herbs
are safe.