Fibromyalgia is a disorder marked by chronic pain, especially around specific tender points. Patients may also experience fatigue, insomnia, depression and stiffness in muscles and joints. Doctors don't know the exact cause, but fibromyalgia may be related to stress, infection or trauma. Conventional treatment includes the use of antidepressants and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Herbs can be useful in relieving fibromyalgia pain by boosting the immune system and reducing depression. It is important to consult a professional before beginning herbal therapy.
Chlorella
Chlorella, or Chlorella pyrenoidosa, is a freshwater green algae found throughout the world. It contains high levels of chlorophyll, protein, vitamins and minerals. Herbalists use it to prevent and treat cancer, enhance the immune system and detoxify the body. Chlorella contains potent polysaccharides that have an immunostimulating effect. A report published in the May-June 2001 issue of Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine found that chlorella reduced pain in the tender points and improved other symptoms in test patients with fibromyalgia.
Boswellia
Boswellia is a small tree that exudes an aromatic resin. Various species are native to Africa, the Middle East and south Asia. Boswellia resin, also known as frankincense, is used in ayurvedic medicine to treat joint pain. The resin contains potent volatile oils and boswellic acids that have anti-pain actions. In their book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," clinical nutritionist Phyllis A. Balch and Dr. James F. Balch recommend boswellia for fibromyalgia to relieve pain and stiffness in the joints.
Chinese Angelica
Chinese angelica, or Angelica sinensis, is also known as dong quai in traditional Chinese medicine. The root is used to treat a range of disorders, including fatigue and pain. Chinese angelica is a restorative herb---it restores the body's energy and proper functioning. The root contains the potent coumarin scopoletin, which plays a role in regulating the secretion of serotonin---the hormone that affects levels of anxiety and depression. Chinese angelica also contains polysaccharides and flavonoids, which may help reduce muscle pain and soreness. In his book "The One Earth Herbal Sourcebook," herbalist Alan Tillotson recommends Chinese angelica root as an effective treatment for fibromyalgia.
Myrrh
Myrrh, or Commiphora mukul, is a thorny tree that exudes a bitter resin from the bark. It is used in ayurvedic medicine to treat nerve, muscle and joint pain. The main active principles are complex polysaccharides and essential oils. Myrrh is an ingredient in the ayurvedic anti-pain formula known as rumastal, recommended by the Institute for Traditional Medicine for fibromyalgia. Besides myrrh, rumastal contains chaste tree, black myrobalan, puncture vine, ginger, garlic, castor root, Indian fleabane, madder and horseradish. Rumastal has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties and is prescribed for patients with rheumatism, arthritis, fibromyalgia and lower back pain.
References
- "Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine"; A review of recent clinical trials of the nutritional supplement Chlorella pyrenoidosa in the treatment of fibromyalgia, hypertension, and ulcerative colitis; Merchant RE, Andre CA; May-June 2001
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC and James F. Balch, M.D.; 2000
- "The One Earth Herbal Sourcebook"; Alan K. Tillotson, Ph.D., A.H.G., D.Ay.; 2001
- Institute for Traditional Medicine
