Fibromyalgia Herbs
Relieve Symptoms, No Side Effects

Learn about fibromyalgia herbs. Also, discover which combinations of herbs can be more effective for your fibromyalgia symptoms than herbs taken singularly. Find out how long you should take an herbal supplement and which herbs are not safe.

Before modern medicine, herbs were the method many societies used to treat health problems.

As western medicine developed in the 20th century, people thought that herbs were just part of old wives tales and really did not work.

But, in fact, many of our current medications originated in the form of herbs, aspirin probably being the most common.

Now, science is finding that certain herbs really do work for alleviating many symptoms. Milk Thistle and St. John's Wort are among the most studied herbs. Research is increasing in the area of herbal supplements as people look for more natural remedies without the side effects of the prescription drugs used so extensively in modern western medicine.

Herbs do work at a slower pace than prescription drugs, so you must be patient in order to realize results.

Although herbs do contain nutrients, I recommend making sure you get your basic nutritional needs met first. For instance, make sure you have enough good oils in your diet, like found in The Blessed Seed , 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. First, go to the Solutions taby at the left and look for the links to the Symptoms Page and the Nutrition page of this website.

Below is a list I have compiled of the fibromyalgia herbs that I am most familiar with and the types of symptoms that may be helped by these herbs.

Normally, fibromyalgia herbs will be taken for the period of 1-4 months, until the symptoms that are 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.

I do not recommend herbs for children without the help of an herbalist. Studies are now showing that herbs may work differently in children. Chamomile (a very mild herb) and lavender (used as a therapeutic scent) are exceptions, which can safely be used on children because of their mild nature.

If you do wish to use herbal formulas on children, make sure that it states a dosage and you follow a dosage for children on the label. Make sure that the company you purchase from has high integrity, providing safe products, and not just out to make a buck off you without regard for your child's safety.

You should consider herbs a drug and 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.

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.

I trust one company for herbal supplements because of their extensive research standards and history of safety, purity, and effectiveness. You should have the same confidence in the manufacturer of herbs that you take so that you do not end up being harmed either by the type of herb you take (example: ephedra), the amount of an herb you take, or toxins (like pesticides) found in the herbs.

You may think I am being an alarmist, but the FDA does not regulate herbs or any supplements, for that matter. You have to be sure everything has been tested before it gets to you. A company can literally pick grass from their back yard, grind it up, make it into a tablet and sell it as alfalfa to you.

There are many examples of products tested where 80% of the products did not contain inside the bottle what was stated on the outside of the bottle. Either this was because the body could not absorb it in the form it was in, or there just were not the same contents as listed on the label, or there was less of an ingredient than was stated or there were extra ingredients, such as pesticides.

Remember, cover your basic nutritional needs first before trying to target symptoms with herbs. Food as medicine. You are what you eat.

Chamomile: This is a calming fibromyalgia herb that 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. This is a studied case where it is not recommended for children because the herb seems to work differently in children.

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 anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Ginseng: Increases energy and relieves stress. It is important to look for Panax Ginseng with ginsenocides of around 10% for a quality supplement. Be buyer aware! Studies show that some ginseng extract actually allow 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. Also used to detoxify. Not recommended for long-term use. One week to one month is all the longer I would use this.

Kava kava: Helps with anxiety and nervousness. Adverse effects have been found with the intake of this herb and I do not recommend using it.

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.

Pine Bark: Reduces inflammation. Can help with circulation.

Ephedra: An energizing stimulant. This herb has been taken off the market. Any company that has used this herb in the past tells you that they have not fully researched a product to make sure that it is safe before marketing and selling it to you.

Milk Thistle: Supports the liver and aids in its regeneration thus improving the immune system and hormone production.

Passionflower: Helps with insomnia, stress, and anxiety.

Dong quai: can be effective in regulating female problems related to the menstrual cycle. Do not use if you are or may become pregnant. It can cause the uterus to contract, triggering a miscarriage.

Saw Palmetto: can help men with urinary flow problems.

St. John's Wort: Can be as effective for some as Prozac for treating mild depression without as many side effects. It is not recommended for major depression, but can help lift your mood effectively if mild depression is your problem. There is increased risk of skin damage when exposed to the sun, so use lots of sunscreen when taking this. Do not combine St. John's Wort with any antidepressant medications.

Combinations of Herbs

Fibromyalgia herbs can sometimes be combined with other herbs plus key nutrients to be very effective in treating various conditions.

Ginkgo, bilberry hawthorn, with B-vitamins can improve memory and the ability to make decisions.

Black cohosh, flaxseed, and soy isoflavones can help with menopausal symptoms if low estrogen is your problem. May help balance all hormones.

Saw Palmetto combined with pumpkin seed oil and phytosterols can be more effective in supporting prostate health than saw palmetto by itself.

Milk thistle, turmeric, dandelion, with reishi mushroom can support liver health more than milk thistle alone.

Boswellia with safflower extract can help with pain relief without the adverse side effects of other pain relievers. This is an alternative to the recently pulled Vioxx and the other arthritis medications currently under investigation because of the long-term detrimental effects of Vioxx.

Side note: Don't you find it scary that the FDA has found adverse effects of a number of painkillers but has chosen to leave then on the market, just not advertise them. The advertising of prescription drugs is wrong in the first place, but leaving dangerous drugs on the market in ludicrous when there are natural options.

Echinacea, black elderberry, larch tree, and zinc combined all support a healthy immune response when you feel cold symptoms coming on.

Ginger and Licorice together can better help calm an upset stomach.

Lavender combined with vanilla can promote a deeper sleep through their aromas.

Valerian, chamomile, and passionflower in combination can be more effective than valerian alone for improved sleep.

Contact Me for a safe source for the above fibromyalgia herbs.

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Nutrition Page reveals basic nutritional needs for those who suffer fibromyalgia.


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