FIbromyalgia is a health condition that affects women more often than men. The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases states that fibromyalgia often causes pain and fatigue that disrupt normal daily activities. Fibromyalgia is classified as a syndrome, or a collection of symptoms. Before taking herbs to treat your fibromyalgia, speak with your doctor about herb-related topics, including dosage, how to take the herbs and what side effects might occur.
Fibromyalgia
The Mayo Clinic states that fibromyalgia -- a condition characterized by diffuse pain throughout your body and chronic exhaustion -- develops in approximately 2 percent of American adults. The risk of developing fibromyalgia increases as you age. If you have fibromyalgia, note the experts at the Mayo Clinic, you may experience certain symptoms, including headaches, stiffness that is worse in the morning, painful menstruation, numbness and tingling in your extremities and sleep disruptions. The causes of fibromyalgia are unknown.
Helpful Herbs
Some herbs may be beneficial in treating your fibromyalgia-related symptoms. Joseph E. Pizzorno, Jr., a naturopathic doctor and author of "The Clinician's Handbook of Natural Medicine," notes that your fibromyalgia may be caused by many factors and often requires multiple therapies to help decrease symptoms and improve your quality of life. According to Pizzorno, two botanical medicines, Siberian ginseng and licorice, may be especially helpful in treating fibromyalgia. Other helpful herbs include chamomile, echinacea and lavender.
A Popular Herbal Treatment
Siberian ginseng is a popular herbal treatment for fibromyalgia. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that Siberian ginseng is an adaptogen, or a substance that may help your body better handle physical or mental stress. Besides fibromyalgia, Siberian ginseng has been used to treat colds and flu, herpes viral infection and sluggish physical and mental performance. This herb has also been used to boost overall quality of life. Siberian ginseng is a plant indigenous to northeastern Asia.
Disclaimer
Exercise caution when using herbs to treat your fibromyalgia. Herbs may contain substances that alter your physiological processes, and they may cause negative side effects if they are not taken according to the instructions provided by your physician. For the most relevant information about herbs and botanical medicine, and to find out what herbs may benefit you the most, consider meeting with a qualified health care professional who has advanced training in herbal medicine.
