Chronic Fatigue and Herbs.

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Chronic Fatigue and HerbsJoAnn GuestFeb 15, 2004 01:05 PST [JoAnn Guest is now a member of our group - Jagannath] Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a condition that is debilitating with avariety of symptoms that resemble those of flu or other viralinfections.This is why it is mistaken many times for other disorders. Oftenmistaken by some to be a result of infection with the Epstein-Barrvirus, which is a member of the herpes family and the same virusthat causes mononucleosis. There can be many ways to find temporaryrelief.Medical specialists consider exercise and stress reduction asimportant as nutritional therapy. Chronic fatigue syndrome is not alifelong sickness. Many people have recovered well after being sick.Exercise,stress reduction and good nutrition all have amazingeffects and will help with the ups and downs, with the

downsbecoming less severe and less frequent.Herbs such as Garlic, raw or in tincture form, should be taken twicedaily. Take Echinacea or Astragalus root for its antiviral andimmunity-enhancing properties. Two doses daily.Newer research suggests that CFS may be partially due to low adrenalfunction resulting from different stressors such as mental stress,physical stress, and even viral illness impacting the normalcommunication between the hypothalamus,pituitary gland, and the adrenal glands.Licorice root is known to stimulate the adrenal glands and to blockthe breakdown of active cortisol in the body. It takes 2.5 grams oflicorice root daily to make a significant improvement in CFS.While there have been no large clinical trials to test licorice inpatients with CFS, it may be worth a trial of six to eight weeksusing 2–3 grams of licorice root daily.Adaptogenic herbs may also be useful for CFS

patients—they not onlyhave an immunomodulating effect but also help support the normalfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, the hormonal stress system of the body.These herbs are useful follow-ups to the six to eight weeks oflicorice root and may be used for long-term support of adrenalfunction in persons with CFS.Andrew Pacholyk LMT, MT-BC, CAPeacefulmind.comAlternative medicine and therapiesfor healing mind, body & spirit!---Natural Remedies for Mononucleosis & Chronic Fatigue SyndromeJoAnn GuestFeb 13, 2004 19:56 PST---Researchers are only beginning to target possible causes ofMononucelosis and CFS. Many suspect that it is caused by thyroid,adrenal, liver, or immune system dysfunction. Another theory is thatCFS and mono is caused by a

virus similar to the herpes virus, i.e.Epstein-Barr virus.Diet can play an important role in CFS and Mono treatment. Patientsoften discover that by modifying their diet, they can greatlyimprove their symptoms. By choosing organically grown nutrient-richfoods which are easily digested, patients can begin to take control.Good dietary choices include:Organic vegetables, fruits, Legumes, Whole grains, Seeds, Raw Nutsand cold-water Fish such as Alaskan Salmon. Patients may also findthat certain foods intensify theirsymptoms. Foods that require more energy to digest may increasefatigue in CFS and mono patients.Some foods that CFS patients may want to avoid include:Dairy products, Red meat and poultry, Alcohol, Refined Sugar,Processed foods containing hydrogenated fats, Caffeinated beveragesincluding regular and diet sodas, coffee (bothcaffeinated and decaf, and chocolate.The most debilitating

symptom of CFS is a complete lack of energy.Some herbs used for energy enhancement may include:GingerGinkgoLicorice RootDandelion RootAlfalfaNettleOrganic Blackstrap MolassesIn a study at the University of California Department of Medicine,Echinacea and Astragalus extracts enhanced cellular immune functionin both healthy individuals and patients with depressed immunesystems.Other herbs that are recognized for immune systemenhancement include:Reishi and Shitake MushroomsGarlicLeeks, Onions, & Scallions---IMPORTANT SUPPLEMENTS:Dietary supplements can provide great relief to individualssuffering from CFS and Mononucleosis. In a study of fibromyalgia CFSand Mono, patients reported a significant improvement in symptomsafter taking nutritional supplements. Experts

recommend thefollowing nutritional supplements for thesepatients.Vitamin C is an important antioxidant known to support immunefunction. Under stressful conditions, the body needs additionalvitamin C to help the immune system function normally.Vitamin C - promotes healthy adrenal function, which is especiallyhelpful for women who suffer from stress. In one study of 411couples,researchers found a clear correlation between fatigue and low levelsof vitamin C.Magnesium- is important for energy production, protein formation,and cellular replication. A majority of Americans are deficient inthis mineral.Iron deficiency can lead to chronic fatigue and anemia.Spinach, kale, dandelion, beets and asparagus are important foodsources.Vitamin B-complex- consists of 11 B vitamins, including folic acid,vitamin B6, and vitamin B12.Vitamin B6 deficiency has been implicated in fatigue and

anemia.Vitamin B12 deficiency is implicated in elevated homocysteinelevels.High levels of homocysteine are believed to contribute to heartdisease, the number one killer in the U.S. Elevated levels ofhomocysteine are characteristic of CFS and Monopatients. Researchers have also discovered that CFS patients havelower levels of B vitamins than healthy patients.Vitamin E--an important antioxidant, protects cells against damagefrom toxins. It can enhance imune function and has antihistamineproperties.Potassium-- deficiency has been linked to fatigue and muscleweakness. Potassium may help restore energy in some CFS patients.Pantothenic Acid helps our body make its own thyroid glandular.Blackstrap molasses, Brewers Yeast, coconut milk and pineapple arerich in pantothenic acid.Stress Reduction:Most experts agree that stress plays a part in CFS.Meditation induces relaxation. Try thinking

affirmative thoughts.Visualization may be combined with calming music to reduce stressFocus on positive imagery.Yoga can improve circulation and may increase energyMassage can also improve circulation and reduce stress as well. "Our ideal is not the spirituality that withdraws from life but the conquest of life by the power of the spirit." - Aurobindo.

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