Herbal Therapies for Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a painful condition that causes sufferers to feel tired and aching in their joints and muscles in every area of the body. It is a difficult condition to diagnose and even more difficult to treat. Alternative medicine such as herbal therapy may provide some relief from the symptoms of this debilitating disorder.

Anti-Inflammatory Herbs

• Herbal medicine treats fibromyalgia in various ways. Anti-inflammation herbs work on the body to reduce inflammation and joint pain.

  Turmeric is used as an anti-inflammatory herb to treat arthritis. The supplement is available in strengths from 400 mg to 600 mg. Take one of these supplements three times a day for the best results.

  Ginger is also widely recognized for its medicinal properties. It is an effective anti-inflammatory supplement and is used to treat gastrointestinal upset as well. Use ginger in a tea or you can take ginger supplements in doses of 500 mg to 1000 mg twice a day.

  Anti-inflammatory herbs may take a few weeks to a couple of months before you notice an improvement in your condition.

Energy Herbs

• Fatigue is one of the common symptoms of fibromyalgia along with widespread pain. Herbal remedies may be able to help restore your energy and eliminate the debilitating fatigue that is present with fibromyalgia.

  Siberian ginseng is widely used to increase energy and endurance. Start slowly with this herbal treatment and only use 100 mg twice a day. Increase your dosage after two weeks to relieve fatigue. Every patient responds differently to herbal remedies and you should judge your reaction to the herbs and increase your dose accordingly.

  Licorice root also promotes energy levels and is used to treat pain, which makes this herbal treatment a good choice for fibromyalgia treatment.

  You should not use herbal products for energy if you are being treated for high blood pressure or heart conditions.

Immune Boosters

• Use herbal remedies to give a lift to your immune system to treat your fibromyalgia. Herbs that are used to strengthen the immune system include cayenne, goldenseal, myrrh and astralagus. These herbs also improve your circulation.

  Use immune-boosting herbs as a tea for a complementary treatment for your fibromyalgia. There is no known cause for fibromyalgia and herbs such as St. John's wort can help improve your mood and aid in the depression that is sometimes present with the condition. St. John's wort is also used to treat nerve pain such as the type common in fibromyalgia patients.

  Discuss herbal remedies with your doctor before beginning your treatment. Herbs such as St. John's wort may interact negatively with prescription medications. You should also not use this herb if you are currently taking a prescription antidepressant medication.