Arachnoiditis is a chronic inflammation of the arachnoid mater, one of the membranes that covers and protects your brain and spinal cord. If you suffer from this condition, your symptoms may include burning pain, throbbing in your lower back, legs and feet, incontinence, numbness in your fingers and toes, headaches, depression, muscle spasms and insomnia. Herbs may help relieve some of these symptoms naturally. Consult your health care provider for a diagnosis before starting herbal treatment.
Herbal Actions
Herbs for arachnoiditis work in different ways. Anti-inflammatory and analgesic herbs for inflammation and pain are central to treatment. Nervine herbs may help with headaches, depression and insomnia. Antispasmodic herbs are useful for muscle spasms and may help counter incontinence caused by bladder muscle spasms. Check with an experienced practitioner for advice about dosage and preparation of herbs for arachnoiditis.
St. John’s Wort
St. John’s wort, or Hypericum perforatum, is a perennial native of Europe and Asia. Herbalists use the flowers for mild depression and healing wounds. The herb is rich in phenolic acids, hyperforin and hypericin, and has anti-inflammatory, nervine and analgesic actions. St. John’s wort may relieve several symptoms of arachnoiditis. In his 2003 book, “Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine,” clinical herbalist David Hoffmann, FNIMH, AHG, recommends it for anxiety, inflammation and pain, especially nerve and muscle pain. St. John’s wort can also help with mild depression. Do not combine this herb with other antidepressants or sedatives or with some antiviral medications. Be sure to consult your health care provider before using this or any other supplement.
Vervain
Vervain, or Verbena officinalis, is a Mediterranean perennial with spikes of purple flowers. Traditional healers use the aerial parts to treat wounds, skin disorders, rheumatism, fever, pain, convulsions and exhaustion. Active ingredients include iridoid glycosides, essential oil and caffeic acids, and the herb has anti-anxiety, analgesic and antispasmodic actions. If you suffer from arachnoiditis, vervain can help in several ways. Herbalist David Hoffmann recommends it for depression and muscle spasms. In their 2001 book, “Herbal Remedies,” naturopathic doctors Asa Hershoff and Andrea Rotelli advise using it for headaches, including migraines, and long-term illness. Do not use vervain if you are taking sedatives or antidepressants.
Skullcap
Skullcap, or Scutellaria laterifolia, is a North American perennial with pale purple flowers. It’s a potent sedative and traditional remedy for epilepsy and nervous conditions. The aerial parts contain an abundance of antioxidant flavonoids. Herbalist David Hoffmann calls skullcap the most important nervine herb in Western materia medica. He states that it will renew and revive your central nervous system, which includes your brain and spinal cord. Naturopathic doctors Asa Hershoff and Andrea Rotelli note that it will relieve muscle spasms, relieve pain and nourish nerves. Do not combine skullcap with other sedatives or antidepressants.
References
- “Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine”; David Hoffmann; 2003
- “Herbal Remedies”; Asa Hershoff, N.D. and Andrea Rotelli, N.D.; 2001
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