Natural and Herbal Remedies

The Natural Approach To Fibromyalgia Pain

Fibromyalgia is accompanied with myriad symptoms and pains, and many fibro sufferers end up taking a fistful of medication to manage their pain every day. It is no secret that pharmaceuticals can lead to complications and toxic buildup in the body. Yet, without the pills, the pain can cause life to be stressful and difficult. The good news is that pharmaceuticals, while often helpful, are not the only way to deal with the symptoms of fibromyalgia.

Natural remedies for fibromyalgia tend to work on a holistic approach to healing, focusing on the overall health of the entire body rather than addressing only one aspect of the illness. A combination of herbal remedies, nutritional therapy, homeopathic remedies, stress management techniques, exercise, massage, biofeedback and deep heat therapies create a healing synergy that relieves symptoms of FMS without bogging the system down with drugs.

Herbal Remedies For Fibro

Plants have been a source of medicinal and nutritional benefit to mankind for centuries. It is a fact that more than 50% of medications used today are derived from plant sources. Herbs are parts of plants, like the leaves, buds, seeds, roots, and stems that can be used to alleviate symptoms of fibromyalgia by reducing inflammation, stimulating hormones, proving immune system support and eliminating pain. Some of the many herbal remedies available to address the symptoms of fibromyalgia syndrome include:

· Black currant seed oil (BCSO) – it is rich in gammalinolenic acid (GLA) and alphalinolenic acid (ALA), both effective in reducing inflammation in the joints

· Boswellia, meadowsweet and white willow bark – all contain natural pain-relievers and anti-inflammatory properties

· Pycnogenol extract of pine bark – anti-inflammatory, eases pain and depression

· Feverfew – traditionally used to treat headaches and migraines

· Turmeric – shown to be as effective as cortisol without the side effects

· Valerian root – useful in improving sleep patterns and alleviating fatigue

· Ginkgo biloba – improves circulation and restores cognitive ability

· Immune boosters – cayenne, Echinacea, goldenseal, myrrh, grape seed extract, and chaparral all boost immunities and improve circulation

Of course, there are many more herbs that are useful and effective for the treatment of fibromyalgia. Books and information can be obtained quite easily online or at a natural holistic center.

Nutritional Therapy For Pain

The body needs at least forty different vitamins and minerals on a daily basis to maintain health. The person who suffers with FMS generally has an issue with malabsorption of nutrients and may also be hypersensitive to certain foods. It can be useful to eliminate sugars and refined carbohydrates from the diet and well as examining the diet to see if there are food allergies. A test by the health care professional can often expose food allergens. Often, by eliminating the foods that cause problems, a person with FMS will see a lessening of pain, brain fog, and inflammation of muscles and joints. A healthy diet of organic fruits and vegetables and organic fish can be very beneficial.

Homeopathy

Homeopathy is another natural and effective aid to the treatment of fibromyalgia. In order to ensure the treatments are effective, it is important to seek the assistance of a homeopathic doctor. The following homeopathic remedies have been found to be effective for the treatment of FMS:

· Gorse – helps with depression

· Aspen – alleviates stress and anxiety

· Impatiens – relieves nervousness and tension that exacerbates pain and fatigue

Exercise for Fibromyalgia

Although many people with fibromyalgia can’t see how they can possibly take on an exercise program, the truth is that mild exercise goes a long way to controlling pain and increasing mobility. Reducing movement can quickly increase pain and fatigue. It is important for all people, but especially people with FMS to keep moving – even if it is only stretching for short periods of time through the day. Lack of movement, beside causing stiffness, joint and muscle pain, can also lead to weight gain. A brief workout of 30 minutes a day can alleviate sleep disturbances, increase mobility, and reduce some of the symptoms of FMS. See a physical therapist to develop a program that is effective and specific.

The combination of therapies not only covers many of the symptoms of FMS, it addresses the whole body. There are many ways to incorporate the various modalities. Find out more about them and how to make them work for your good.