Fibromyalgia -- a relatively common syndrome, especially in middle-aged women -- is associated with chronic and diffuse pain in muscles, joints, tendons and other tissues. PubMed Health states that fibromyalgia is linked with numerous factors, including fatigue, sleep difficulties, headaches, anxiety and depression. Herbs that help relax your muscles may be helpful in reducing some of the symptoms associated with this condition. Meet with your physician to review herb-related risks, benefits and procedures.
Fibromyalgia Information
Approximately 5 percent of the world's population may suffer from fibromyalgia, according to the National Health Service of the United Kingdom. Although this condition is characterized by a distinct pattern of tender points throughout the body, fibromyalgia may also cause sleeping problems, headaches, irritable bowel syndrome and muscle stiffness. The precise cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, and there is currently no cure for this painful, long-term condition. Fibromyalgia-related symptoms may vary in severity, or intensity, between individuals.
Herbal Muscle Relaxants
Herbal muscle relaxants usually possess antispasmodic action, which is the ability to decrease muscle spasms. Naturopathic physician and expert herbalist Sharol Tilgner, author of "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," states that there are numerous herbs that may possess antispasmodic action, including black cohosh, celandine, chamomile, cramp bark, dong quai, jimson weed, thyme, valerian, wild yam, kava kava, peppermint, lobelia and skunk cabbage. Other herbs that might help treat fibrolmyalgia include boswellia, calendula and cayenne. Many of these herbs have yet to be studied using contemporary scientific research methods and should be used judiciously.
A Helpful Herb
A helpful herbal muscle relaxant for fibromyalgia is kava kava. Kava kava -- a shrub indigenous to various islands throughout the Pacific Ocean -- is frequently prescribed by herbal medicine experts to encourage both physical and mental relaxation in people with fibromyalgia. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that kava kava may be particularly effective in treating insomnia and anxiety -- two symptoms that commonly occur in conjunction with fibromyalgia. The center notes that you should avoid taking this herb unless you are under the care and supervision of a trained health care professional.
Disclaimer
Although herbal remedies have long been used in treating fibromyalgia, the use of these natural substances does not guarantee a beneficial health outcome. Before including herbs as part of your fibromyalgia treatment plan, discuss the efficacy and safety of herbal medicines with your doctor. Herbs that have historically been used in treating this condition may not yet have been examined in scientific research studies. Discuss the possibility of side effects and drug interactions with your doctor before using herbs.
References
- PubMed Health: Fibromyalgia
- National Health Service: Fibromyalgia
- "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Kava Kava
