As defined in "Taber's Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary," fibromyalgia is a chronic muscle and soft tissue condition resulting in pain that surrounds the joints. Fibromyalgia is believed to be associated with chronic fatigue syndrome, stress, anxiety and possibly depression. Symptoms occur as a burning, throbbing pain in the muscles of the thigh, elbows and knees. Conventional treatment includes corticosteroid injections into the tender regions to provide pain and inflammation relief. Herbal remedies are reported to provide moderate relief from painful fibromyalgia flare-ups with less adverse reactions.
Devil's Claw
Native to Namibia, the roots of this herb are collected for its natural anti-inflammatory capabilities. Found to be effective in treating some arthritic, liver and gall-bladder conditions, devil's claw can provide relief from the inflammatory response associated with fibromyalgia. According to "The New Holistic Herbal," a glycoside known as harpagoside produces this anti-inflammatory reaction. Devil's claw may be administered as a tincture with dosages of 1 to 2 mL, three times daily. Do not utilize this herb if gastrointestinal ulcer or duodenal ulcers are present, or if the patient is possibly pregnant. Medical supervision is recommended when taking devil's claw as with all herbal medications, especially with patients suffering coronary disease. Results may vary with each individual.
St. John's Wort
Famous for providing relief to patients suffering from anxiety and moderate depression, St. John's wort has been utilized for centuries as a mild tranquilizer. This relaxing capability is found to alleviate muscular spasm and tension with no adverse side effects. This allows this popular herb to be effective at alleviating the muscle tension and pain experience by fibromyalgia patients. Harvested during the early flowering season, the early buds and flowers possess the volatile oil regarded for its medicinal properties. Mixing 10 to 15 drops of the liquid extract into a cup of tea will produce a calming drink according to "Herbal Cures for Common Ailment." Professional consult is highly recommended as results may differ and reactions with other depression medications must be evaluated.
Grape Seed Extract
Since ancient times, the benefits of grapes and the seed extract have been utilized to provide relief from heart disease, inflammation and arthritic pain. This extract also holds potential in treating patients suffering similar symptoms associated with fibromyalgia. According to "Encyclopedia of Natural Healing," the extract obtained from grape seeds contains procyanidolic oligomers, a plant flavonoid. This flavonoid is the only proanthocyanidin containing the gallic ester, a powerful and highly potent scavenger of free-radicals. A typical dose consists of 50 to 300 mg per day. Initially a therapeutic dose is required, and a gradual tapering off to lower prescribed levels. When properly administered, no adverse side effects have been documented.
References
- "Taber's Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary"; Edition 18; 1997
- "The New Holistic Herbal"; David Hoffmann; 1995
- "Herbal Cures for Common Ailment"; James e. O'Brien; 2000
- "Encyclopedia of Natural Healing"; Siegfried Gursche, MH; 1997
