Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, is a disease that targets nerve cells in your brain and spinal cord and affects your ability to voluntarily move your muscles. The National Center for Biotechnology Information states that ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is caused by a genetic defect in some people. However, most cases of ALS are caused by unknown factors. Certain herbal medicines may be helpful in controlling ALS symptoms, although you should discuss the use of herbal medicines with your doctor.
About ALS
ALS-related symptoms do not often develop before the age of 50. Although ALS usually does not affect your senses or your ability to think and reason, it may cause difficulties with breathing and swallowing, muscle cramps and contractions, speech problems, weight loss, and paralysis. ALS occurs in about five out of every 100,000 people throughout the world. There are no clear risk factors for this condition. Long-term complications associated with ALS include the inability to care for yourself, pneumonia and lung failure.
Important Herbal Medicines
Herbal medicines that provide your body with neurological support are among the most important in treating ALS. In her book "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician and noted herbalist, states that two herbs may be particularly effective in supporting and nourishing your nervous system: oats and St. John's wort. Other nerve tonics may include lavender, linden flower and motherwort. Herbal medicines are used as an adjunct therapy in the treatment of ALS.
Featured Remedy
Oats, or oat straw, is an herbal remedy that may effectively reduce the severity of your ALS-related symptoms. Oat straw, notes nutrition researcher Phyllis Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," functions as a restorative nerve tonic and possesses antidepressant action. Oat straw may also be helpful in improving your sleep quality and reducing stress levels. Oat straw, an herbal medicine with sedative effects, may be beneficial in treating various addictive habits too.
Additional Information
Although certain herbs may help treat your ALS-related symptoms, herbs will not cure ALS and should not be used in place of other therapies prescribed by your health care provider. The prognosis for ALS is not good. However, appropriate management of this condition may improve your quality of life and prolong your ability to function independently. If you have a family history of ALS and are experiencing ALS-related symptoms, report to your doctor as soon as possible.
References
- National Center for Biotechnology Information: ALS
- "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
