Aching muscles, anxiety, depression, fatigue and insomnia are common symptoms of fibromyalgia, a chronic pain disorder. It may be triggered by trauma, but the exact cause is unknown, so doctors generally treat the symptoms.
Conventional treatment may include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and anti-seizure drugs for pain, muscle relaxants for spasms and antidepressants to promote sleep. These drugs don't work for everyone, and can cause unpleasant side effects with long-term use. Herbs may be effective alternatives to relieve fibromyalgia symptoms. Patients should consult a health care professional before using herbs for fibromyalgia.
Chlorella
Chlorella, or Chlorella pyrenoidosa, is a fresh-water green alga that contains high amounts of chlorophyll, vitamins, minerals, fiber, amino acids and enzymes. Traditional healers use chlorella to treat a wide range of disorders, including fatigue, abnormal blood pressure, digestive problems, memory loss, joint pain and sleep disorders. A study published in the May 2001 issue of "Phytotherapy Research" tested chlorella supplements on 18 fibromyalgia patients. After two months, patients experienced an average 22 percent reduction in pain intensity, and a majority cited an improvement in bowel function, activity and mood. This small study supports some of the traditional uses of chlorella. Larger studies and placebo-controlled clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings.
Griffonia
Griffonia, or Griffonia simplicifolia, is a tropical shrub native to West Africa. The seeds contain 5-hydroxytryptophan, also known as 5-HTP, an amino acid involved in the production of serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter, or chemical messenger, that regulates mood, sleep, appetite and pain. Low serotonin levels are common in people with fibromyalgia, and doctors often prescribe antidepressants that increase serotonin, even though the effect may only last for a few months. The University of Maryland Medical Center states on its website, umn.edu, that 5-HTP may relieve some symptoms of fibromyalgia, including pain, anxiety, stiffness and fatigue. Studies are needed to determine if griffonia seeds can be an effective and safe remedy for fibromyalgia.
Valerian
Valerian, or Valeriana officinalis, is a perennial herb with clusters of tiny white or pink flowers native to Europe and Asia. The roots and rhizomes, or underground stems, contain a volatile oil, alkaloids and terpenoids, and valerian has sedative and antispasmodic actions. In his 2003 book, "Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine," herbalist David Hoffmann cites valerian as a specific remedy for anxiety and sleeplessness, and notes that it is an effective muscle relaxant and mild pain reliever. Ben-Erik van Wyk and Michael Wink state that valerian extracts interact with GABA-A and benzodiazepine receptors, effectively reducing anxiety and promoting sleep. Phyllis Balch and Dr. James Balch recommend valerian for fibromyalgia patients to improve sleep.
References
- "Phytotherapy Research"; Nutritional supplementation with Chlorella pyrenoidosa for patients with fibromyalgia syndrome: a pilot study; Merchant RE, Carmack CA, Wise CM; May 2001
- University of Maryland Medical Center
- "Medicinal Plants of the World"; Ben-Erik van Wyk and Michael Wink; 2009
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC, and James F. Balch, M.D.; 2000
