Herbs 101
Not a Nutritional Supplement
Although herbs do contain nutrients, make sure you get your basic nutritional needs met first. For instance, make sure you have enough good oils in your diet before trying to target certain symptoms with fibromyalgia herbs.
If your body is not able to function correctly because of nutritional deficiencies, herbs may not help as much. Many who deal with fibromyalgia also deal with vitamin deficiencies such as vitamin D and vitamin B-12. Make sure your doctor keeps an eye on these essential vitamins.
Time Restraints
Herbs are different than vitamins in that some of them are not meant to be taken indefinitely. Normally, fibromyalgia herbs will be taken for the period of one to four months, until the symptoms targeted improve.
Some herbs act more immediately, like the relaxing effects of chamomile. Some herbs can be taken for extensive periods in order to guard against future problems. Milk thistle and saw palmetto are two examples of herbs used safely long-term.
Consider Herbs a Drug
Take them with care. Check with your doctor or an herbalist before mixing fibromyalgia herbs and medications. Some herbs may not combine well with medications that are hard on your liver or if the herb acts in the same way as a medication you are taking.
Use With Caution
Many fibromyalgia herbs can help various ailments. Some of them can be quite potent and dangerous. Always be careful about the amount and frequency of herbs taken for relief of symptoms.
Not All Herbs Are Equal
Make sure you do adequate research on the manufacturer of the herbs you choose. Just because the label states they are safe and effective doesn’t make it so.
Validate their research standards, history of safety, purity and effectiveness. This is vitally important as the FDA does not regulate herbs or any supplements. You have to be sure everything has been tested before it gets to you.
Drill Down on Herbs
Just like prescription medications, there is a huge variety of natural remedies on the market. Below are some of the herbs used to treat the various symptoms of fibromyalgia, pain, fatigue and sleep disorders, as well as other conditions that are exasperated by fibromyalgia.
- Chamomile: This is a calming fibromyalgia herb can help induce sleep, lessen anxiety, decrease menstrual cramps, and may even boost the immune system.
- Echinacea: Supports the immune system and may help prevent infections. Take at the first sign of a cold to boost your immune system.
- Cayenne: Can help relieve migraine or tension headaches. It is used for muscle pain when made into a salve or ointment.
- Ginger: Can be used to calm an upset stomach. May have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
- Ginseng: Increases energy and relieves stress. It is important to look for Panax ginseng with ginsenocides of around 10 percent for a quality supplement. Be aware! Studies show that some ginseng extract actually allows very little to be absorbed by your system in order to get results. Consult your doctor because there are contraindications where you do not want to take this herb.
- Goldenseal: Can reduce inflammation and is also used to detoxify. Not recommended for long-term use. One week to one month is the recommendation.
- Grape seed extract: The oil in the seeds of wine grapes contains powerful antioxidants and natural anti-inflammatory compounds called procyanidins. They may help to inhibit the inflammatory response, which is responsible for muscle pain and soreness in some people.
- Lavender: Relieves insomnia, depression, and can help with headaches. Generally, this scent is inhaled to give the benefits of aromatherapy.
- Licorice: Supports the adrenal glands, aids in digestion, and can act as a sexual stimulant.
