Fibromyalgia is a painful condition that commonly affects your usual daily activities. It is a chronic disorder that involves diffuse musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep problems, memory problems and mood issues. Fibromyalgia is thought to intensify painful sensations by interfering with the way your brain manages pain impulses. Herbal treatments for fibromyalgia may be effective, but you should consider discussing the benefits and limitations of this health measure before using herbs to treat your fibromyalgia.
About Fibromyalgia
Nobody knows the exact cause or causes of fibromyalgia. Although anybody can develop this condition, women -- especially middle-aged women -- are most susceptible. If you have rheumatoid arthritis or other autoimmune conditions, you may have an increased chance of developing fibromyalgia. Indications that you have fibromyalgia include the presence of distinct tender points throughout your body, stiffness in the morning upon waking, headaches and memory impairment. Improved sleep, exercise and other health measures may help treat this condition.
Useful Herbal Treatments
According to Dr. Joseph E. Pizzorno, Jr., a naturopathic doctor and author of "The Clinician's Handbook of Natural Medicine," two of the most useful herbal treatments for fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome and multiple chemical sensitivities are licorice root and Siberian ginseng. There are many other herbs that may help treat your fibromyalgia-related symptoms. Skullcap and valerian can improve your sleep quality, and boswellia can treat morning stiffness and joint pain. Cayenne and wintergreen oil, which are applied topically, may help treat muscle pain.
Highlighted Herb
Boswellia is one of the most effective and commonly used herbs in the treatment of fibromyalgia. Boswellia, notes the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, is an herbal treatment often used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat inflammation, arthritis and other conditions. Boswellic acid is the principle constituent of this herb and is believed to account for boswellia's pharmacological action. Boswellia has been used in treating fibromyalgia, myositis and back pain. The gum resin of the boswellia tree is the part used in herbal treatments.
Additional Information
There are numerous disorders that cause symptoms similar to fibromyalgia, including anemia, depression, hepatitis, Lyme disease and others. If you develop muscle pain and fatigue that lasts for more than a week or two, you should visit a qualified health care professional for a full evaluation. You may have an underlying condition that requires immediate treatment. Your physician can determine the cause of your complaints and suggest effective treatment methods to help resolve your problem.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Fibromyalgia
- MedlinePlus: Fibromyalgia
- "The Clinician's Handbook of Natural Medicine"; Joseph E. Pizzorno, Jr., N.D.; 2002
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Boswellia
