Fibromyalgia is a condition occurring in 2 percent of the American population, mostly impacting women, but also present in men, notes MayoClinic.com. Symptoms include unexplained and widespread pain in the muscles and tendons, as well as bouts of fatigue and sleep disturbance. Fibromyalgia has no known cause; however, various factors such as post-traumatic stress disorder, genetic mutations or infections are thought to increase risk of developing this condition. Medical interventions such as pain relievers, physical therapy and psychological counseling are among the primary treatments for fibromyalgia. Due to the chronic nature of this condition, alternative approaches, such as using herbs, are useful in alleviating the stress and pain associated with moderate symptoms. Consult your physician prior to using any herbal remedy to treat your condition.
Step 1
Take turmeric capsules for inflammation and pain management. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, turmeric is helpful in reducing inflammation by lowering inflammatory enzymes in the body. Buy capsules containing the powder for easiest use and take 400mg to 500mg, three times daily, when pain is most bothersome. Take this herb under the care of a health provider or homeopath to ensure appropriate use for your symptoms.
Step 2
Make pain-relieving tea with an herbal mixture. Cayenne, echinacea and goldenseal combined, aid in boosting the immune system, alleviating pain and improving circulation, notes the Holistic Online website. Filter one dab of each herb in a tea ball and seep in hot water for 10 minutes. Add some lemon juice for taste and sip the tea once daily for best results. Consult your physician or homeopath prior to using herbal tea for symptom relief to ensure appropriate use.
Step 3
Mix valerian and skullcap for relaxation and to resolve sleep disturbance. The Office of Dietary Supplements notes that using valerian is beneficial for inducing sleep. Skullcap is also helpful in calming the anxiety associated with fibromyalgia symptoms. Take 450mg to 600mg of valerian capsules a night when you are unable to sleep. Make a tea with 1 tsp. of dried skullcap and 1 cup of boiling water. Drink the tea and take the valerian capsule prior to bedtime for best results. Consult your physician or homeopath regarding use of these herbs to ensure safety and appropriateness for your symptoms.
Step 4
Take Saint-John's-wort to decrease nerve pain and improve symptoms of depression. Holistic Online notes that Saint-John's-wort is helpful in treating low levels of depression in people with fibromyalgia. Take 300mg a day, three times a day, for best results. Do not take Saint-John's-wort if you are currently taking a prescribed antidepressant. Explore this option with your physician or counselor to determine if this herb is the best choice for your symptoms.
Tips and Warnings
- Try ginger instead of aspirin for minor aches and pains. Use 1,000mg capsules or make a tea with 1 tsp. of grated ginger root and 8 oz. of hot water.
- Do not take turmeric if you are on blood-thinning medications, as this causes a drug interaction. Women who are pregnant and breast-feeding should not take skullcap or valerian.
Things You'll Need
- Turmeric capsules
- Cayenne
- Echinacea
- Goldenseal
- Valerian
- Skullcap
- Saint-John's-wort
- Ginger
