Herbs & Minerals to Help Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia syndrome is a perplexing disease that baffles the medical community and causes its sufferers a great deal of physical and emotional pain. If you are a fibromyalgia sufferer, then you need to be aware of the benefits of herbal and mineral supplementation and how their use can aid you in symptom management. However, before you begin an herbal and mineral supplementation regimen, consult with your doctor to ensure that the minerals and herbs are safe to take with your current medications.

Astragalus

• Astragalus is an adaptogenic herb that has been used in traditional chinese medicine for centuries. Adaptogenic herbs protect your body from emotional, mental and physical stress by helping your body adapt to difficult situations. Astragalus has anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antibacterial properties that may help fibromyalgia sufferers better handle debilitating symptoms, including chronic fatigue. Dr. Elizabeth Wotton, a naturopathic doctor practicing in Massachusetts, says that over time, astragalus can build up the immune system and provide long-term support.

  According to University of Maryland Medical Center, overuse of the herb astragalus can suppress the immune system, so standardized astragalus supplements are recommended. Take a 250 to 500mg standardized extract with 0.4 percent 4-hydroxy-3-methoxy isoflavone 7-sug. three to four times per day.

Magnesium and Malic Acid

• Dr. Wotton also states that many fibromyalgia sufferers have low magnesium levels, which may be indicative of muscle pain. Magnesium works with calcium to relax muscles. When your body lacks magnesium, your muscles stay tense and inflammation may build up and cause pain. Magnesium supplementation opens up blood flow to the restrictive areas, and flushes out waste products built up by inflammation.

  Dr. Wotton suggests taking a magnesium supplement that contains malic acid. Malic acid is a naturally occurring substance in foods such as apples. Malic acid propels energy production in the body, and when paired with magnesium, malic acid increases the production of ATP, your muscles basic energy source.

  Take 200 mg of a magnesium supplement with malic acid three times per day for about four to six months.

Ginseng

• Ginseng is also an adaptogenic herb that, like astragalus, helps the body adapt to particular situations. Ginseng supports the adrenal glands, one of the body's main hormone producers. Taking ginseng helps regulate the adrenal glands when they are over or under-producing hormones and helps provide a much-needed energy lift.

  Take a 200 mg ginseng supplement or 1 to 2 tsp. of a liquid ginseng extract twice per day. Do not take ginseng after 2 p.m. and do not pair it with caffeine or other stimulants.