Herbal Remedies - Fibromyalgia

The following is a listing of herbs commonly used to aid in decreasing the effects of Fibromyalgia symptoms. Below that is a list of herbal combinations.

Chamomile: Calming herbs that can help induce sleep, lessen anxiety, decrease menstrual cramps, and may boost the immune system.

Echinacea: Supports immune system and may help prevent infection. Take at first sign of colds to boost immune system.

Cayenne: Can help relieve migraine/tension headaches. Make into a salve or ointment for a muscle pain reliever.

Ginger: Can be used to calm upset stomachs. May have anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Ginsing: Increases energy and relieves stresses. The best is Panax Ginsent with ginsenocides of around 100% for a quality supplement.

Goldenseal: Can reduce inflammation. Also use to detoxify. Not for long-term use. Use for one month maximum.

Kava Kava: Helps with anxiety and nervousness. Adverse effects have been found with this herb, so use with caution.

Lavender: Relieves insomnia, depression, and help with headaches. A very popular herb in Aromatherapy.

Licorice: Supports adrenal glands, aids in digestion, acts as a sexual stimulant.

Pine Bark: Reduces inflammation. Can also help with circulation. Is the origin of aspirin.

Ephedra: Energizing stimulant that is no longer available on the market. Research is still ongoing.

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

Passionflower: Helps with insomnia, stress, and anxiety.

Dong quai: Can be effective in regulating female problem related to the menstrual cycle. Do not use will pregnant for it can trigger a miscarriage.

Saw Palmetto: Can help men with urinary flow problems.

St John's Wort: Can be as effective as Prozac for treating mild depression without as many side effects. Is only for mild depression.

Ginko, bilberry hawthorn, B-vitamins - Can improve memory and ability to make decisions.

Black cohosh, flaxseed, soy isoflavones - Can help with meopausal 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 alone.

Milk Thistle, turmeric, dandelion, 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. Alternative to Vioxx and other arthritis medicines.

Echinacea, black elderberry, larch tree, zinc - Support healthy immune response when you feel cold symptoms coming on.

Lavender with vanilla - Promotes deeper sleep through aromas (aromatherapy).

Valerian, chamomile, passionflower - Combination can be more effective than valerian alone for improved sleep.

Any herbal remedy you try should be taken for 1-4 months to give it time to work through your system and do its thing. Some work more quickly than others. You should consider a herb as a drug and thus take in the recommended doses. Some herbs, when taken in excess, can have negative side-effects.

And now for the disclaimer: Check with your doctor(s) when starting any herbal remedy because some herbs do not combine well with prescription medications. Do talk to your doctor about herbal remedies. Especially if you are with a Fibromyalgia-knowledgable doctor, many doctors do know the benefits of herbs and may be willing to delay prescribing medications if a herbal remedy may produce the desired results without side effects. Just make sure you do your research on the herbal remedy that appeals to you and bring in that information to the doctor. You MUST be pro-active in your own care.