Medicinal Herbs For Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia affects approximately 10 million people in the United States, according to the National Fibromyalgia Association. Its most characteristic symptom is chronic, widespread body pain. However, the pain of fibromyalgia is often accompanied by other diverse and troubling symptoms, including depression, fatigue, headaches and cognitive dysfunction. Certain medicinal herbs may help ease fibromyalgia symptoms. Use them under the supervision of a trusted and qualified health care provider.

Ashwagandha

Adaptogens are herbs that normalize the physiology and boost the body's resistance to stresses, whether chemical, emotional or physical in origin. In the book "Adaptogens: Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief," herbal expert David Winston and researcher Steven Maimes write that the adaptogen known as ashwagandha is helpful in addressing the symptoms of rheumatic disorders, including fibromyalgia. Ashwagandha has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for millenia as a brain tonic. According to Winston and Maimes, adaptogens usually have stimulating properties, but ashwagandha is relaxing instead. At the same time, however, ashwagandha sharpens cognition. That quality makes it especially beneficial for the fibromyalgia symptom called "fibro fog," an often debilitating state characterized by confusion and short-term memory loss. Consult a qualified health care professional before using ashwagandha to treat fibromyalgia or any other condition.

Bromelain

Bromelain extract may be helpful for the pain and inflammation of fibromyalgia, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Made from the stem and juice of pineapples, bromelain has been used for hundred of years by Central and South American healers as an anti-inflammatory remedy and as a treatment for gastrointestinal distress. Scientific research on this herb has yielded mixed results. However, according to the Center, some preliminary studies have shown bromelain to be beneficial in relieving the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, rheumatic diseases related to fibromyalgia. Bromelain may interfere with certain medications, including anticoagulants and antibiotics. Consult a qualified health care practitioner before adding bromelain to your regimen.

Cat's Claw

The University of Maryland Medical Center states that cat's claw's antifungal, anti-inflammatory and immune system-stimulating properties may be of benefit to fibromyalgia patients. Native to the tropical jungles of South and Central America, cat's claw is a high-climbing vine with claw-like thorns. The roots and bark of this medicinal herb have been used since the time of the Incas to combat stomach ulcers, dysentery, fevers, inflammation and arthritis. It is rich in antioxidants, substances that protect cells against damage from the free radicals generated by pollutants, stress and normal metabolic processes. More clinical trials are necessary before cat's claw can be recommended for widespread use in fibromyalgia.