How To Treat Fibromyalgia Symptoms Naturally

Herbs & Herbal Natural Treatments for Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a common diagnosis in women between the ages of 20-50. It consists of body wide pain, tender joints, and muscle pain and stiffness. No known cause for fibromyalgia has been determined. Possible causes are physical or emotional trauma, or virus. No virus has been linked to the disease.

Fibromyalgia can cause pain throughout the body. It can be mild to severe depending on the patient. The painful areas are called tender or trigger points. The pain may lead to some sleep disturbances. There is no cure for fibromyalgia, but you can help relieve the symptoms.

The following is a list of herbs that may aid in relieving the different symptoms of fibromyalgia. Most would be combined for best effect. Be sure to seek professional guidance before taking herbs. Cautions are at the end of each herb, and have been italicized.

You will find that some of the herbs end up in more than one category.

Anti-inflammatory Herbs

Black Cohosh (Cimifuga racemosa) with an estrogen like performance, this herb normalizes female hormones as well as being an anti-inflammatory and a muscle relaxant. A menopause must!

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is a powerful herb with many therapeutic benefits, including immune system stimulation and anti-inflammatory properties. Ginger relieves muscle aches as well as secondary fibromyalgia symptoms such as headaches and nausea. You can mix it into an oil and use on sore achy muscles. When taken internally, ginger can cause stomach upset

Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) has long been used in Indian medicine, gotu kola strengthens tissues and blood vessels. It also acts a rejuvenator and anti-inflammatory.

Olive Leaf (Olea europaea) has been shown to have strong anti- viral and anti -bacterial properties. It has immune boosting and anti-inflammatory properties to help the body. Olive leaf should not be used by those with auto immune disorders.

Seaweeds such as Irish Moss, have been shown to demonstrate anti-inflammatory properties. You can buy seaweed as capsules in health food stores. Use with caution with thyroid issues.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) contains curcumin, which is a powerful anti-inflammatory for treating mucle pain and swelling. Turmeric also contains powerful antioxidants which can ward off illness by ridding the body of toxins. Turmeric should be avoided by people who have kidney stones. It may cause stomach upset.

White Willow Bark (Salix sp) is a safe natural anti-inflammatory. It quiets the pain in the connective tissue because it is a source of salicylates. It is mild on the stomach. It is the modern version of Aspirin. Willow bark should not be taken by persons who are allergic to aspirin, or who take blood thinning medications.

Muscle Relaxing Herbs

Crampbark (Viburnum opulus) is considered a natural muscle relaxant. It can be used both internally and externally to relieve muscle cramping.

Red Clover (Trifolium pratense) makes a wonderful tea and improves overall health. It helps in relaxing the body, which can alleviate some pain. Red clover should be avoided by those being treated for estrogenic cancers.

Valerian Root (Valeriana officinalis) acts as a sedative for the body. It is truly nature’s Valium. It helps to reduce anxiety, relieves muscle spasms and relaxes overly contracted muscles. Valerian should not be used by persons who are taking other sleep inducing medications.

Herbs That Reduce Pain

Cayenne (Capsicum annum) relieves muscle pain when applied externally. You can mix it into an oil or ointment and rub onto affected area. Try mixing cayenne powder with wintergreen oil. Just be sure to use it sparingly as it can burn the skin. Can cause upset stomach.

Peppermint essential oil, when added to a carrier oil, can be very effective in reducing pain. Peppermint is a rubefacient, which means it brings blood to the surface. This helps in the healing process.

White Willow Bark (Salix sp) is a safe natural anti-inflammatory. It quiets the pain in the connective tissue because it is a source of salicylates. It is mild on the stomach. It is the modern version of Aspirin. Willow bark should not be taken by persons who are allergic to aspirin, or who take blood thinning medications.

Detoxifying Herbs

Herbalists use detoxifying herbs to help reduce the amount of waste in the system. Waste can cause a toxic build up at a cellular level, and cause many symptoms to be worse.

Burdock Root (Arctium lappa) a superior blood cleanser. An anti-microbial, it soothes the kidneys during detoxification. Burdock benefits skin problems, especially ones related to the discharge of wastes. Should be avoided by those with auto immune issues.

Dandelion Root (Taraxacum officinale) helps to detoxify the liver and has been found effective in relieving joint stiffness and inflammation.

Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) is the angel protector of the liver, cleansing and amending it. So favorable to regenerating damaged liver cells, milk thistle is a must for recovering from drug or alcohol abuse.

Pau D’ Arco (Tabebuia avellanedae) is a powerful antibiotic. It contains iron which assists the body in the assimilation of nutrients and helps to eliminate waste from the body.

Other Effective Herbs For Fibromyalgia

Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) is said to promote good blood circulation, especially to the brain. It is also has antidepressant effects for those suffering from depression of Fibromyalgia.

Oregon Grape Root (Berberis aquifolium) was named by Lewis and Clark on their expedition across America. This herb rejuvenates the liver and thyroid. It is loaded with minerals and aids in the elimination process while strengthening the immune system. This should be used with caution with those who have auto immune disorders.

Peppermint (Mentha sp) is an effective remedy for indigestion. Peppermint relieves gas and cramping in the stomach. Use as a tea after meals.

Herbs That Aid In Better Sleep

Oatstraw (Avena Sativa) helps to lower cholesterol and is considered an herbal nervine. A nervine helps to soothe irritated nerves and is calming to the nervous system

Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) acts as an anti-spasmodic and also aids in sleep. It is usually mixed with other herbs for effectiveness. Passionflower should not be combined with sleep medications.

St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is very useful for insomnia that any pain is causing. St. John’s Wort is also used for depression. People taking MAOI’s or SSRI’s should not take St. John’s Wort. St. John’s Wort can interact with many meds. Seek advice before taking. St. John’s Wort can cause sensitivity to sunlight. Read about interactions of St John’s Wort

Valerian Root (Valeriana officinalis) acts as a sedative for the body. It is truly nature’s Valium. It helps to reduce anxiety, relieves muscle spasms and relaxes overly contracted muscles. Valerian should not be used by persons who are taking other sleep inducing medications.

Note: Before starting any herbal regimen for fibromyalgia or any other illness, consult your health care practitioner. Be sure to know all aspects of any herb before taking it.

This is not meant to diagnosis, treat or cure but to inform. Be sure to research each herb on it’s own before taking any. Be sure to check with your health care professional before starting an herbal regimen. Although natural, they can interact with certain drugs, food and even other herbs and have side effects.

See our Cloverleaf Farm product, Painz Away for a natural, herbal infused oil designed to help with the symptoms of fibromyalgia.