Natural Remedies for Fibromyalgia

By Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, ND, DACBN
updated on 06/20/2007 at 11:06AM

Fibromyalgia is a complex and multi faceted disease. Fibromyalgia is characterized by chronic pain and fatigue as well as symptoms such as digestive disorders, disrupted sleep, headaches, and depression. Many people with fibromyalgia aim to relieve the pain associated with their condition with over-the-counter or prescription pain medications. These remedies may offer some relief, but are not effective at alleviating any of the other symptoms associated with fibromyalgia. Natural remedies for fibromyalgia tend to work with a holistic approach in the treatment of fibromyalgia that focuses on the overall health of the individual. Herbal remedies, nutritional therapy, homeopathic remedies, stress management techniques, exercise therapy, massage therapy, deep heat therapy, and biofeedback are all helpful in the relief of fibromyalgia symptoms.

Herbal Remedies

Plants have been used for centuries for their medicinal and nutritional benefits. In fact, more than 50 percent of the processed medications available today are derived from plant sources. Herbs are plant parts such as the seeds, leaves, roots and stems that can be used in their natural state to prevent illnesses and promote overall health. Herbal remedies can help to alleviate fibromyalgia by reducing inflammation, stimulating hormones, providing immune system support and eliminating pain. The following herbs can be used for the care and support of fibromyalgia.

St. John's Wort: This natural antidepressant helps to stimulate the adrenal gland hormones to help relieve stress.

For more help with stress and depression associated with fibromyalgia go to www.stress-anxiety-depression.org

St. John's Wort is also an effective anti-viral agent and helps to relieve pain.
Siberian Ginseng: This energizing herb helps to relieve the fatigue associated with fibromyalgia.
Turmeric: Turmeric is recommended by herbalists to reduce pain and inflammation.
Immune System Boosters: Herbs such as cayenne, Echinacea, goldenseal, astralagus, myrrh, grape seed extract, and chaparral help to boost the immune system and improve the circulation within the body.
Garlic: Garlic is a potent antioxidant that helps to enhance immune system function. It is also an excellent detoxifier.
Ginkgo Biloba: This herb works well at improving the circulation and restoring cognitive ability.
Devil's Claw Root: Devil's Claw Root is a natural anti- inflammatory that is used in the treatment of many rheumatic disorders.
Willow Bark: This anti-inflammatory herb helps to reduce the pain and swelling associated with fibromyalgia.
Licorice Root: Licorice root has pain relieving properties similar to cortisone, but without the harmful side effects.
Dandelion: Dandelion is excellent at reducing pain in the connective tissue.
Valerian Root: This herb is useful in improving sleep patterns and alleviating the fatigue associated with fibromyalgia.
Pine-bark: This natural anti-inflammatory helps to reduce swelling and ease the pain of fibromyalgia.
The most potent and successful Fibromyalgia treatment product is Fibro-Balance by Global Healing Center, www.ghchealth.com.

Nutritional Therapy

While there is no direct link between fibromyalgia and diet, most fibromyalgia sufferers have found that there symptoms are reduced when they follow a diet that is low in refined sugars and processed foods, and high in fiber and vitamins. Malabsorption of nutrients is common in fibromyalgia patients. Use a product called Oxy-Powder to clean the intestines - www.colon-cleanse-constipation.com. All essential nutrients are needed in greater amounts to be sure that the body receives an adequate supply. The body needs at least forty different vitamins and minerals on a daily basis. A healthy diet, rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, is essential in reducing the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Also, food allergies are common in those who suffer from fibromyalgia. Have your health care provider administer the appropriate tests to determine if there are any foods that you are allergic or hypersensitive to.

Homeopathic Remedies

The following homeopathic remedies have been found to be useful in the care and treatment of fibromyalgia.

Gorse: Gorse helps to ease the depression that is common among fibromyalgia sufferers.
Aspen: Aspen works to alleviate stress and anxiety, especially when the exact source of anxiety is unknown. This is helpful for fibromyalgia sufferers who also experience a great deal of nervous stress and anxiety
Impatiens: this flower helps to resolve the nervousness and tension that can exacerbate the pain and fatigue of fibromyalgia.

Exercise Therapy

Most people who develop fibromyalgia, respond to the pain and fatigue by reducing the movement of their bodies. Nevertheless, this can actually make the symptoms of fibromyalgia worse. It is very important to keep moving, even if it is just small steps and stretches each day, so that you can maintain some range of motion in your joints and strength in your muscles. In most cases lack of exercise can lead to unexpected weight gain, if this is a problem, a good resource is www.weightlossobesity.com

For those who can handle it, a workout of up to thirty minutes each day can greatly improve the overall health, alleviate sleep disturbances, and reduce the symptoms of fibromyalgia.

Work with your doctor or physical therapist to develop an exercise program that starts out slowly and gradually becomes more challenging. This will help reduce the risk of jarring your sensitive joints or traumatizing your muscles. Good exercises to choose from include: low-impact aerobics, walking, swimming, Pilates, riding a stationary bike, tai chi, yoga, and gentle stretching exercises.

DISCLAIMER: The statements enclosed herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products and information mentioned on this site are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Information and statements made are for education purposes only and are not intended to replace the advice of your treating doctor. Global Healing Center does not dispense medical advice, prescribe, or diagnose illness. We design and recommend individual nutritional programs and supplements that allow the body to rebuild and heal itself naturally. The views and nutritional advice expressed by www.fibromyalgia-support.org are not intended to be a substitute for conventional medical service. If you have a severe medical condition, see your physician of choice. This web site contains links to web sites operated by other parties. Such links are provided for your convenience and reference only. We are not responsible for the content or products of any linked site or any link contained in a linked site.