Multiple sclerosis is a potentially debilitating autoimmune condition. Mayo Clinic states that multiple sclerosis is a condition in which your body's immune system destroys the fatty sheath that protects your nerves and helps transmit nerve impulses throughout your body. The nerve damage caused by multiple sclerosis is irreversible. Gather as much information about herbal supplements as possible before using herbs to treat your multiple sclerosis. Your physician may help you choose the appropriate herbs and dosage.
Multiple Sclerosis
According to Dr. Russell B. Marz, a naturopathic physician, nutrition specialist and author of "Medical Nutrition From Marz," 67 percent of multiple sclerosis cases begin between the ages of 20 and 40. Women have a significantly greater chance of developing this condition than men. Marz notes that multiple sclerosis is associated with sudden, transient motor and sensory disturbances, including vision problems. Multiple sclerosis is also characterized by diffuse neurological signs that undergo periods of remission and exacerbation.
Herbal Supplements
Dr. Joseph E. Pizzorno, Jr., a naturopathic physician and author of "The Clinician's Handbook of Natural Medicine," states that ginkgo is one of the most helpful herbal supplements for those with multiple sclerosis. Ginkgo, notes Pizzorno, minimizes the damage to your central nervous system caused by free radicals. Other beneficial herbs for multiple sclerosis include lobelia, skullcap and valerian, which help relax your nervous system. Cordyceps, a Chinese herb, helps increase your energy and helps you use nutrients more effectively.
A Commonly Used Supplement
Skullcap is a commonly used herbal supplement to help treat your multiple sclerosis. According to Phyllis A. Balch, a certified nutritional consultant and author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," skullcap has been prescribed to treat a wide variety of health complaints, including muscle cramps and spasms, stress, anxiety, cardiovascular problems, nervous system disorders, headache and rheumatic conditions. Skullcap helps restore nerve tone and has sedative and antispasmodic action. The skullcap plant grows throughout the world's temperate regions.
Warning
Multiple sclerosis is a progressive condition for which there is no known cure. Although herbal supplements may help slow the progression of this condition or treat your symptoms, they will not cure your condition. Herbal supplements should be used in combination with dietary changes, non-herbal supplements and other appropriate treatment measures prescribed by your physician. Herbal supplements should be used under the supervision of a qualified health care professional, as some herbs can cause health problems when taken incorrectly.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Multiple Sclerosis
- "Medical Nutrition From Marz"; Russell B. Marz, N.D.; 1999
- "The Clinician's Handbook of Natural Medicine"; Joseph E. Pizzorno, Jr., N.D.; 2002
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
