FIBROMYALGIA SYNDROME (unexplained muscle aches)
BENEFICIAL HERBS
- Angelica (dong quai), astragalus, garlic, ginger and echinacea have immune enhancing properties
- Ginkgo biloba promotes good blood circulation, especially to the brain. It is also has antidepressant effects.
- Passion flower is an antispasmodic that also aids in sleep
- St. John’s wort and hops are great for insomnia. St. John’s wort is also an effective anti-depressant. Hops is a great pain reliever and aids in digestion.
- Red clover tea improves overall health and relaxes the body
- Burdock soothes pain caused by arthritis, rheumatism, and backache
- Wild yam is useful in that it helps relax muscle fiber
- Seaweeds such as Irish moss, blue-green algae, and brown algae have demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties.
- Crampbark is considered a natural muscle relaxant
- Mustard oil can be applied externally for the relief of minor aches and pains. Caution: Poultices should be carefully attended, as too long an application can result in tissue damage and pain.
- Cayenne (capsicum) pepper relieves muscle pain when applied externally. Try mixing cayenne powder with wintergreen oil.
- Enteric-coated peppermint oil is an effective remedy for indigestion. Peppermint is a great digestive aid, and relieves upset stomach and gas. Caution: Do not take any other form, or esophageal reflux and heartburn may result.
- Blue cohosh is an antispasmodic that contains calcium, magnesium, and potassium.
- Turmeric and white willow bark have anti-inflammatory properties, useful for joint pain and swelling
- Chaparral works to help alleviate leg cramps
- Valerian root, lobelia, skullcap, and myrrh gum may be useful when used in combination.
- Dandelion has been found effective in relieving joint stiffness and inflammation
- Other herbs that may be useful are horsetail, alfalfa, oat straw, slippery elm, papaya, star anise, and Panax ginseng
DIETARY RECOMMENDATIONS
- Include nettle and fresh chives in your diet, which are rich in iron and vitamin C.
- Increase dietary intake of magnesium
NUTRIENT SUPPLEMENTATION
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.
- High-potency multiple vitamin/mineral formula
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.