Alternative Medicines For Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder characterized by dull muscle pain throughout your body, sleep problems, stiff joints and intense pain when you apply pressure to one of the "tender points." The Mayo Clinic states that fibromyalgia may be partially genetic, or it could be the result of infection, trauma, stress or an abnormality in the neurotransmitters that control pain signals. Doctors prescribe analgesics, antidepressants or anticonvulsants, but these drugs may have unpleasant side effects. Herbal medicines offer an effective alternative for fibromyalgia sufferers.

Astragalus

Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus), also known as huáng qí, is one of the fundamental herbs in traditional Chinese medicine. In Western medicine, astragalus is used to strengthen the immune system. Stress, depression, sleeplessness and fatigue often accompany fibromyalgia, potentially weakening the immune system. In their 2000 book, "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," Dr. James Balch and Phyllis Balch state that patients with fibromyalgia typically have compromised immune systems, increasing the danger of an opportunistic bacterial or viral infection. They recommend astragalus to enhance the immune system in patients with fibromyalgia.

Cayenne

Cayenne (Capsicum annuum) is a stimulant herb used externally in lotions and liniments to reduce muscle pain. Cayenne contains a chemical called capsaicin, which blocks nerves from transmitting pain signals. In his 2003 book, "Medical Herbalism: the Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine," herbalist David Hoffmann states that capsaicin relieves pain by reducing levels of substance P, a neurotransmitter that sends messages about pain from skin receptors to the central nervous system. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends capsaicin cream to reduce the symptoms of fibromyalgia.

Green tea

Green tea (Camelia sinensis) is rich in the potent antioxidants known as polyphenols. Antioxidants help your body reduce oxidative stress, which is a metabolic imbalance that creates peroxides and free radicals, compounds that damage tissues and organs and are involved in many chronic diseases. People with fibromyalgia have higher levels of oxidative stress. A study published in the April 2005 issue of "Rheumatology International" found an imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants in fibromyalgia patients. The researchers found increased levels of free radicals, and concluded that these may be responsible for the disorder. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends green tea, with its high antioxidant content, as an herbal treatment for fibromyalgia.

Boswellia and Myrrh

Boswellia (Boswellia serrata), also known as frankincense, is a gum resin used in Indian ayurvedic medicine to treat arthritic problems. Myrrh (Commiphora mukul, C. myrrha) is also a gum resin used in Indian and traditional Chinese medicine to treat a range of disorders, including arthritis and rheumatism. Balch and Balch recommend boswellia to relieve the stiffness and joint pain associated with fibromyalgia. The Institute for Traditional Medicine recommends an ayurvedic formula called rumastal, which is composed of ten herbs including myrrh, to relieve fibromyalgia pain.