Chronic Fatigue Syndrome- Herbal Remedies

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Chronic Fatigue Syndrome- Herbal Remedies

JoAnn Guest

Dec 30, 2004 12:06 PST

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Chronic Fatigue Syndrome- Herbal Remedies

 

Herbs are useful for treating viral infections and immune suppression

found in CFS patients.

 

Many practitioners suggest starting with antiviral herbs, combined with

herbs which stimulate the immune system. Useful herbs in this phase are:

echinacea, goldenseal, and licorice.

 

Once the virus is fairly well eliminated, begin to address some of the

secondary factors that cause the weakness in the immune system, such as

stress-induced weakness, problems in the intestinal tract, heavy metal

poisoning (such as dental mercury), and low- level pesticide poisoning.

 

For the convalescent or chronic phase of CFS, useful herbs include

goldenseal, astragalus (dried root), licorice and Siberian ginseng.

 

In the recovery phase of CFS Panax ginseng and Siberian ginseng are

especially useful.

 

Herbal medicines are slow to act. The time necessary to completely

resolve the situation can vary from as short as four to six weeks to as

long as twelve to eighteen months depending upon the duration of the

illness and other accompanying health problems.

 

The following herbs are especially useful for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome:

 

Echinacea helps protect cells during infection and prevents pathogens,

bacteria and viruses from entering. There are many examples of how

echinacea was successfully used in strengthening the immune system,

warding off the EBS virus and providing relief to the user. Take 15-20

drops in liquid, three times daily for two days. Or, 300 to 325 mg three

times daily.

 

Licorice-300 mg three times daily (20-28 percent glycyrrhizic acid)-do

not take with high blood pressure

 

Lomatium-25 to 35 drops three to four times daily

 

Astragalus enhances immune function and are good for cold and flu

symptoms. It helps to strengthen the production of white blood cells,

required for fighting infection and inflammation. Take 150 - 250

milligrams three or four times daily.

 

Caution: Do not use astragalus in the presence of a fever.

 

Teas brewed from burdock root, dandelion, and red clover promote healing

by cleansing the blood and enhancing immune function.

 

Combine or alternate these herbal teas, and drink 4 to 6 cups daily.

 

Ginkgo biloba improves circulation and brain function.

 

Chinese (or Korean) ginseng helps the body fight stress and enhances

energy. It also fights viral infection and helps support the immune

system. This herb is very powerful. Use caution.

 

Select a standardized extract containing 7 percent ginsenosides and

begin by taking half the manufacturer's recommended dose, then gradually

increase the dosage until you are taking it as directed on the product

label.

 

Note: Do not use Chinese ginseng if you have high blood pressure, heart

disease, or hypoglycemia.

 

If you are sensitive to the effects of caffeine and other stimulants,

you may want to consult with a qualified herbalist before using ginseng.

 

 

Siberian ginseng increases the body's resistance to stress, fatigue, and

disease. It also has been shown to increase mental alertness, and

possesses strong antioxidant properties. Choose a standardized extract

containing 0.5 percent eleutheroside E and take 100 to 200 milligrams

twice daily, in the morning and again in the afternoon.

 

Carrot juice, kelp and bee pollen provide energy if fatigue is due to

low blood pressure.

 

Use goldenseal to control infection.

 

At the first signs of a sore throat, take a few drops of alcohol-free

goldenseal extract, hold it in your mouth for a moment, then swallow.

Caution: Do not take goldenseal on a daily basis for more than one week

at a time, and do not use it during pregnancy. If you have a history of

cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or glaucoma, use it only under a

doctor's supervision.

 

Licorice root supports the endocrine system.

 

Caution: Do not use this herb on a daily basis for more than seven days

in a row. Avoid it completely if you have high blood pressure. If

licorice is to be used for an extended period of time, increase the

intake of potassium rich foods.

 

Milk thistle protects the liver.

 

Pau d'arco is good for treating candida infection.

 

St. Johns wort has antiviral properties. It also is good for mild

depression that is the bye product or CFS. Select a product containing

0.3 percent hypericin and take 300 milligrams three times daily.

 

Skullcap and valerian root improve sleep. Insomnia is another associated

condition of CFS.

 

Ashwaganda is a rejuvenating tonic instrumental in boosting strength,

stamina, vigor and sexual energy. It is believed to be useful for

balancing life forces. Take-25 mg three times daily (1.7 percent with

anolides, 1.5 percent alkaloids)

 

Cat's claw has anti-inflammatory and immune-promoting properties.

 

Start by taking 250 milligrams of standardized extract three times a

day, and gradually increase the dosage over a period of four weeks until

you are taking 1,000 milligrams three times daily.

Caution: Do not use cat's claw if you are pregnant or nursing, or if you

are an organ-transplant recipient. Use it with caution if you are taking

an anticoagulant (blood thinner).

 

Take one dose of an echinacea and goldenseal combination formula

supplying 250 to 500 milligrams of echinacea and 150 to 300 milligrams

of goldenseal three times daily for five to ten days. This formula is

especially valuable if you are battling an acute infection, such as a

sore throat.

 

Kava kava is a calmative herb that helps ease the anxiety associated

with CFS. Choose a product containing 30 percent kavalactones and take

250 milligrams twice daily, the first dose in the middle of the day and

the second before bedtime.

Caution: In excess amounts, this herb can cause drowsiness. Do not

exceed the recommended dose. Do not use kava kava if you are pregnant or

nursing, if you have Parkinson's disease, or if you are taking a

prescription medication for depression or anxiety.

 

Olive leaf has antifungal and antiviral effects. Take 250 milligrams of

standardized extract two or three times daily.

 

Valerian is a good relaxant that improves the quality of sleep. If

insomnia is a problem, valerian can help. Studies show that people

taking this herb fall asleep faster, wake up fewer times during the

night, and feel refreshed upon awakening in the morning. Select a

standardized extract containing 0.5 percent isovalerenic acids and take

200 to 400 milligrams half an hour before bedtime.

 

http://holisticonline.com/Remedies/CFS/cfs_herbs.htm

 

Ayurvedic Medicine

 

Ayurvedic practitioners manage CFS by improving digestion and

eliminating toxins and allergies. Diet modification and cleansing

programs are used to get rid of toxins. They also improve sleep patterns

by their action on the psychosomatic elements. Sleeping is very

important in health. Some of the herbs used ashwaganda, amla, bala,

triphala, and lomatium. The proportion and combination of the herbs used

is custom designed for each patient based on his or her mind-body

constitution.

 

Before coming up with a remedy, it is important to decide the cause of

the fatigue. Ayurveda suggests that fatigue can come form both physical

and mental stress. Fatigue does not necessarily has to come from

overwork. People can feel tired when they are not working hard. In this

case fatigue has its genesis from boredom or lack of motivation.

 

If the fatigue is due to boredom and lack of physical effort, an

ayurveda practitioner may recommend walk or some physical work in order

to get rid of fatigue and to increase their energy level. So the first

thing to determine is whether the tiredness is due to too much physical

work or too much idleness!

 

Ayurveda suggests that fatigue may be due to low gastric fire, weakness

of the liver, low adrenal energy, or anemia. It may be caused by immune

deficiency that results in virus infection such as Epstein-Barr virus.

The immune deficiency and the virus arises due to high stagnant pitta in

the liver.

 

So, it is critical to determine what is the cause of the fatigue before

prescribing remedies for it. We will examine some of the common remedies

prescribed for CFS.

 

For Fatigue After Exercise Or Hard Physical Work.

 

Dr. Vasant Lad, author of " The Complete Book of Ayurvedic Home

Remedies, " recommend drinking a cup of fresh orange juice with a pinch

of rock salt. Add 10 drops of fresh lime juice to help pacify pitta.

 

Alternatively, drink 1 cup of ginseng or ashwagandha tea once or twice a

day.

 

For Anemia

 

If the fatigue is due to anemia, treat the anemia with blood builders

such as pomegranate juice, grapes and/or grape juice, beets or beet and

carrot juice, or the herbs abrak bhasma and loha bhasma

 

For Epstein-Barr Virus and Immune Deficiency

 

Ayurveda suggests that depleted immune system is one of the causes of

fibromyalgia. From the mind-body constitution, this is viewed as a Pitta

excess, often caused by burn-out and overwork. Swami Sada Shiva Tirtha

(The Ayurvedic Encyclopedia, Ayurveda Holistic Center Press, NY)

recommends a two-fold therapeutic approach to treat CFS:

 

I) Immune-boosting herbs that do not aggravate Pitta (e.g., shatavari,

shilajit).

 

2) Pitta-reducing herbs to reduce infection and virus, and cleanse the

blood, liver, gall bladder, spleen, and lymphoid system (e.g.,

manjishtha, turmeric, bhumldmalaki, kajuka, yellow dock, and

bhringaraj).

 

A Pitta-reducing diet and lifestyle are also essential for healing and

rejuvenation.

 

Dr. Lad recommends the following herbal formula:

 

Shatavari 5 parts

Bala 4 parts

Vidari 3 parts

Kama dudha 1/4 part

 

Take 1/2 teaspoon of this mixture 2 or 3 times a day with 1 teaspoon of

shatavari ghee. This will strengthen the liver and help to remedy

chronic fatigue syndrome.

 

To Strengthen Gastric Fire

 

Ayurveda pays special importance to the metabolism and indigestion. For

your digestion to work properly, you should have adequate agni or

gastric fire. When your agni (gastric fire) is low and your digestion

slow, nourishment from the food you eat will be poorly absorbed and

assimilated. If the nourishment you derive from eating is insufficient,

naturally your energy will be low.

 

To maintain gastric fire, avoid cold and iced drinks, especially during

or after meals. Instead of drinking ice cold water, drink warm water

(preferably herbal tea.) during the meal.

 

Ginger is an excellent herb to kindle your agni. Before each meal, chop

or grate a little fresh ginger, add a few drops of lime juice and a

pinch of salt, and chew it up. You can also cut a thin slice of fresh

ginger, put on a pinch of salt, and chew it.

 

Yoga Postures And Pranayama

 

Unless fatigue is due to idleness, Ayurveda does not recommend much

exercise for cases of fatigue. The reason is that exercise will burn

ojas and may increase rather than decrease the feelings of fatigue.

Gentle stretching exercises of yoga are preferred to strenuous

exercises. Breathing is also very important. Alternate Nostril Breathing

and some gentle yoga stretching can be beneficial to kindle the gastric

fire.

 

To Build Strength And Energy

 

Chronic fatigue syndrome is accompanied by lack of strength and energy.

A few common sense techniques can be used to improve your strength and

energy.

Soak ten fresh dates in a quart jar of ghee. Add one teaspoon ginger,

1/8 teaspoon cardamom, and a pinch of saffron. Cover and keep in a warm

place for at least two weeks. Then eat one date daily, in the early

morning. This is great for anemia, sexual debility, and chronic fatigue.

 

 

Drink one cup of fresh mango juice, followed an hour or so later by 1/2

cup of warm milk with a pinch of cardamom, a pinch of nutmeg, and one

teaspoon of ghee.

 

 

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome- Sources of Fatigue

 

Fatigue can result from a variety of conditions. Chronic fatigue

syndrome is only one of these. Other sources for fatigue include:

 

Adrenal insufficiency caused by the overuse of stimulants (tea, coffee,

chocolate, cola, alcohol, tobacco, drugs) and/or excessive stress.

 

Allergies.

 

Anemia (low levels of iron or vitamin B12 in the blood result in

anemia).

 

Candidiasis This is often misdiagnosed as CFS in women.

 

Cardiovascular causes (if breathlessness and or chest pain on exertion

accompanies fatigue, the heart may be involved).

 

Depression.

 

Diabetes.

 

Headaches.

 

Hypoglycemia

 

Infections

 

Nutritional deficiency.

 

Obesity.

 

Premenstrual syndrome

 

Sleep disturbance or inadequate sleep.

 

Stress.

 

Thyroid problems (over or underactive thyroid activity can lead to

fatigue).

 

Toxicity (environmentally acquired toxins such as lead, aluminum, and

mercury).

 

Common Sense Recommendations

 

Make sure you don't attempt more activity than you can handle. Get

plenty of rest, pay attention to your diet, and exercise lightly on a

regular basis.

 

Eat a well-balanced diet of 50 percent raw foods and fresh juices. The

diet should consist mostly of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, plus

raw nuts, seeds, skinless turkey, and some deep-water fish. These

quality foods supply nutrients that renew energy and build immunity .

 

Add some form of acidophilus to your diet, and regularly consume soured

products such as yogurt and kefir. Acidophilus helps to keep candida

under control.

 

Consume at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day plus juices.

Freshly made vegetable juices are preferred. Water flushes out toxins

and aids in reducing muscle pain.

 

Avoid shellfish, fried foods, junk foods, processed foods, coffee, tea,

soft drinks, sugar and foods made with white flour such as bread and

pasta.

 

Good bowel movements are important. Make sure that your diet consists of

sufficient fiber. Occasional cleansing enemas are also useful.

 

Get plenty of rest. Do not over- exert.

 

Do not take aspirin. If a viral infection is present, Reye's syndrome

may result.

 

 

A definitive cause for CFS has not been determined, although it was

first (in the early 1980s) thought to be caused by the Epstein-Barr

virus, which causes mononucleosis, or other viruses such as herpes and

polio.

 

Scientists have discarded that theory and now believe that CFS may be

an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system reacts (or overreacts)

to a perceived threat (such as a virus) by attacking otherwise healthy

tissues.

That has led to CFS sometimes being referred to as chronic fatigue and

immune dysfunction syndrome, or CFIDS.

 

CFS is a multi symptomatic condition. Not any single factor contributes

to it. It is the result of a number of different factors. This also

suggests that the treatment of CFS needs to be multidimensional to take

care of the various causes. The majority of people who develop CFS have

led exceedingly busy, productive, and often stressful lives. Many

experts believe that CFS develops as a combined result of:

 

Nutritional deficiency: Poor diet, especially excessive sugar,

caffeine, alcohol, or chronic nutrient deficiency.

 

Acquired toxicity (from environment, food, and drugs). A history of

recurrent courses of antibiotics, NSAIDS, or other medications.

 

Poor stress-coping abilities. Adrenal exhaustion and low DHEA from

chronic stress or following a serious illness

 

Acquired systemic infections (from excessive use of antibiotics causing

candidiasis, parasite overgrowth, etc.)

 

Chronic infection-sinusitis, prostatitis, or dental abscesses

Inhalant and food allergies and sensitivities

 

Recurrent viral and bacterial infections (such as acne, sinusitis,

cystitis)

 

The effect of vaccination and immunization on the immune system

 

Bowel toxemia and infestation of fungi, protozoa, and parasites

 

Lifestyle factors (inadequate exercise, sleep, and relaxation)

 

Significant emotional stress and/or excessive work

 

Hormonal imbalances (particularly in the thyroid)

 

Increased muscle tensions and breathing pattern changes

(hyperventilation)

 

Genetic factors

 

Hypoglycemia

 

Clinical hypothyroidism

 

Alcohol, drug, and tobacco abuse

 

Chemical exposure or sensitivity (can be triggered by paints,

refinishing oils, or other chemicals)

 

Mercury toxicity from amalgam dental fillings (they contain over 50

percent mercury)

 

Dysbiosis/leaky gut syndrome

 

Immune System

 

Many experts believe that a depressed level of immune function lies at

the heart of CFS. There is considerable disagreement as to whether the

immune system is the cause of CFS or is the result of CFS.

 

CFS and Heart Connection

 

A Johns Hopkins University study found that 22 out of 23 subjects with

CFS suffered a drop in blood pressure and a marked slowing of the heart

rate after standing for a prolonged period of time. The result was a

feeling of dizziness and exhaustion that lasted for days after the study

was concluded. Many patients in this study found their symptoms improved

after their blood pressure was stabilized.

 

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome And Biological Dentistry

 

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) can be due, at least in part, to amalgam

fillings in the teeth, which contain over 50 percent mercury, a highly

toxic substance.

 

Viruses

 

A number of viruses have been implicated in CFS.

 

The herpes family of viruses (which includes the Epstein-Barr virus and

oral and genital herpes viruses) has been a primary focus of interest.

The Epstein- Barr virus (EBV), the cause of infectious mononucleosis,

has received the most attention since its symptoms are duplicated in CFS

sufferers, who also have very high EBV antibody levels.

 

According to National Institutes of Health (NIH) there is no clear-cut

evidence that the Epstein-Barr virus, or any other virus, is the primary

cause of CFS .

 

It is possible that EBV is a major factor in CFS cases. But it is not

the sole cause.

 

It is possible that EBV might be reactivated due to other weaknesses in

immune function. Other research has linked CFS to retroviruses, a group

which includes the leukemia and AIDS viruses.

 

Since more than one virus can be a factor in CFS, we can conclude that

CFS is not caused by any particular virus pre se. The immune system of

CFS victims is compromised to such an extent that the virus takes

advantage of the situation.

 

Psychological Factors

 

In the past, many doctors have suggested that CFS is a psychosomatic

disease. ( " It is all in your head. " ) In some instances mental-emotional

factors contribute to the condition, since we know that negative

emotions and depression lower immune function.

 

There is no doubt that a positive or negative attitude greatly affects

physical health. But the current theory is that anxiety and depression

are the result of CFS rather than the main cause of CFS.

 

Many CFS sufferers are over achievers with ambitious goals.

 

The onset of CFS cripple them emotionally leading to the onset of

anxiety and depression. So, treating CFS patients with antidepressants

won't cure the underlying problem. It just treats the symptoms.

 

There are other sources of fatigue other than CFS. These are listed in

Sources of Fatigue. Some drugs are also associated with a high incidence

of CFS.

 

http://holisticonline.com/Remedies/CFS/cfs_ayurveda.htm

 

 

 

 

AIM Barleygreen

" Wisdom of the Past, Food of the Future "

 

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