Fibromyalgia is a chronic syndrome that can cause a variety of symptoms, including muscle and joint pain, depression, lack of mental focus, sleep disturbances, and headaches. About 70 percent of fibromyalgia sufferers also experience gastrointestinal problems such as irritable bowel syndrome or ulcerative colitis, according to Dr. Joe Elrod, author of "Reversing Fibromyalgia." Although herbs cannot cure fibromyalgia, they may help control the symptoms of this syndrome. Check with your physician before taking any herb to treat fibromyalgia.
Red Clover
Red clover was originally used by ancient Chinese healers as an expectorant for coughs and congestion, and as a remedy for asthma. The chemical compounds in red clover may also help remove toxins from your bloodstream that cause muscle and connective tissue inflammation, according to Dr. Elrod. This may help reduce muscle pain and joint stiffness associated with fibromyalgia. Check with your doctor before using red clover -- this herb may increase your risk of internal blood clots and stroke.
Cayenne
Although cayenne is better known as a culinary ingredient than as a healing herb, this pepper may provide benefits for fibromyalgia sufferers. Cayenne contains capsaicin, a chemical compound that may provide relief from muscle pain, according to Phyllis Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." It may also dilate blood vessels, enhancing the delivery of nutrients to your bones, muscles and connective tissues. Consult your physician if you plan to use cayenne for fibromyalgia treatment -- it may cause skin rashes and nausea.
Turmeric
Turmeric root is commonly used to add an earthy flavor to Indian dishes such as dosa and curries. This herb also has a long history of use in herbal medicine. Ancient Ayurvedic physicians recommended turmeric for digestive distress and liver disorders. Turmeric may also help reduce muscle inflammation associated with fibromyalgia, according to Michael Castleman, author of "The New Healing Herbs." Talk to your doctor before treating fibromyalgia with turmeric. This herb may interfere with your body's ability to clot blood.
Ginkgo
Ginkgo is commonly sold in Western countries as a memory enhancer; however, it has been used in traditional Chinese medicine as an anti-inflammatory herb for more than 5,000 years, according to Castleman. Ginkgo may also improve blood circulation to your brain, which may help reduce "fibro fog," which is mental confusion common among fibromyalgia sufferers. Check with your doctor if you plan to treat fibromyalgia with ginkgo -- like turmeric, it may inhibit the production of platelets that aid in blood clotting.
References
- "Reversing Fibromyalgia"; Joe M. Elrod, M.D.; 2002
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.; 2010
- "The New Healing Herbs"; Michael Castleman; 2010
