Fibromyalgia and Herbal Remedies

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Fibromyalgia and Herbal Remedies

 

Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder characterized by widespread

musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and multiple tender points. " Tender

points " refers to tenderness that occurs in precise, localized areas,

particularly in the neck, spine, shoulders, and hips. People with

this syndrome may also experience sleep disturbances, morning

stiffness, irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety, and other symptoms.

 

According to the American College of Rheumatology, it's estimated

that 3 million to 6 million Americans are living with this

musculoskeletal disorder two thirds of them women, most of them white

and most between 20 and 60 years old when first affected.

 

The Merck Manual defines Fibromyalgia as used to describe several

related disorders. Various alternative terms for these disorders have

been used, including generalized fibromyalgia, which is 7 times more

common in women than in men, the pain and stiffness are widespread,

occurring throughout the body. Primary fibromyalgia syndrome is the

most common variation of generalized fibromyalgia; it usually occurs

in young or middle-aged women who have no associated or contributing

underlying disorder. Secondary fibromyalgia syndrome is a type of

generalized fibromyalgia and refers to fibromyalgia symptoms in a

person who has another underlying disorder that is causing the

fibromyalgia symptoms, such as hypothyroidism. Other disorders, such

as systemic lupus erythematosus or rheumatoid arthritis, may be

associated with fibromyalgia, but may not be the underlying cause.

 

Localized fibromyalgia expresses as pain and stiffness occurring in a

particular area, or at a few sites, such as the jaw, neck, and/or

shoulder muscles. Localized fibromyalgia is somewhat more likely to

occur in men, possibly because they are more likely to engage in more

physically muscular activities in occupational or sports situations.

Sometimes, localized fibromyalgia gradually spreads to become

generalized fibromyalgia. Myofascial pain syndrome is a type of

localized or regional fibromyalgia, which may occur in various sites

and differentiated as temporomandibular type and myofascial pain

syndrome. Previously, these disorders were collectively called

fibrositis or fibromyositis syndromes, but because inflammation is

not present, the " itis " suffix was dropped.

 

Often considered the " garbage pail diagnosis " , the term fibromyalgia

is used when doctors often do not know how to categorize or quantify

these combinations of symptoms. There is no firm physical evidence of

disease that can be detected by blood tests or X rays. Doctors

diagnose fibromyalgia by testing 18 tender points, starting between

the shoulders. People complain they are tender all over the body, but

these areas, all where muscles attach to ligaments or bones, tend to

have pain with just the pressure of a thumb.

 

Symptoms that seem to be associated with fibromyalgia include

irritable bowel syndrome, headaches with facial pain, heightened

sensitivity, chronic fatigue and insomnia. Anxiety is a common

problem in fibromyalgia and contributes to pain, muscle tension, and

irritability. It can make depression and insomnia worse.

 

Finding Balance: in a modern society we tend to " burn the candle at

both ends " . There MUST be a proper balance in the amount of work that

we do, in the amount of sleep we have in the foods that we enjoy and

in the amount of " down time " we give ourselves.

 

Excessive Work: can drain the very core of our energy. Today, if you

are not working for a company who is placing high demands on your

time, health and relationships, then you have your own business,

which often has no boundaries when it comes to building and

maintaining your dream.

 

Improper Diet: can be a nutrition zapper that robs the body of proper

vitamins, mineral and sufficient amino acids that are important for

energy product. A balance of fresh vegetables, complexed carbs, whole

grain, as well as, fruits, nuts, seeds and protein are very important

for maintaining proper energy levels.

 

Lack of Exercise: is a major problem in fatigue syndromes. Regular

exercise builds stamina that can help anyone battle stress. But even

something as casual as a walk around the block can help you burn off

some of the tension that you carrying around. Stretching is a great

tension reducer.

 

Poor Sleep Habits: can drain us of a good day full of vital energy.

Overthinking, anxiety and a racing mind are all issues that cause

difficulty in falling asleep and/or difficulty staying asleep.

 

Dehydration: is a hidden issue that is seldom realized. Thirst is one

indicator of dehydration, but it is not an early warning sign. By the

time you feel thirsty, you might already be dehydrated. Other

symptoms of dehydration include feeling dizzy and lightheaded, having

a dry or sticky mouth, producing less urine and darker urine. As the

condition progresses, a person will start to feel much sicker as more

body systems (or organs) are affected by the dehydration.

 

Poor Assimilation: Difficulties with the digestive tract such as

thirst, gas, bloating, nausea, vomiting, acid reflux are symptoms of

poor assimilation of food. The delicate balance of our digestive

system can affect our whole system in so many ways.

 

Poor Elimination: results when food moves too slowly through the

gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Poor elimination is usually diagnosed

when bowel movements occur fewer than three times per week on an

ongoing basis. Other signs occur when the stool is hard, dry or there

is excessive straining. The stool can often be described as " rabbit

pellets " or like " toothpaste squeezed from the tube " . Sometimes it is

painful to pass. Sometimes the patient does not feel complete after a

bowel movement.

 

 

Herbal Remedies

 

The medicinal benefits of herbs have been recorded for centuries.

Herbs were extensively used to cure practically every known illness

and has been documented by Egyptian, Roman, Native American, Persians

and Hebrews alike. Many herbs contain powerful ingredients that, if

used correctly, can help heal the body. By using herbs in their

complete form, the body's healing process utilizes a balance of the

ingredients provided by nature.

 

Herbs and herbal formulas can be taken in a variety of ways.

 

*You may steep herbs as teas in order to release their healing

properties.

 

* Herbal supplements in pills and capsules are another form. These

are herbs ground into powder. Herbal formulas tend to be created for

a single problem or nest of related problems and their specific

pattern of disharmony.

 

* Tinctures. Herbal remedies are also prescribed in tincture form and

are the previously fresh herb in well preserved, highly concentrated

form. This liquid, as well as, concentrated forms of extracted herbs

are preserved in their freshest form.

 

*Steam distillation or cold pressing results in herbs as essential

oils.

 

* Plasters are ingredients such as oils, herbs and other pain

relieving herbs combined into an easy to use stick on strip or patch.

 

* Poultice are macerated or chopped herbs that are placed directly on

the skin and a hot, moist bandage is applied.

 

* Infusions are used when you are working with the most delicate part

of the herb-the leaves flowers, fruits and seeds.

 

* Decoction is used to extract the tougher part of the herb-bark,

berries and roots.

 

 

It is also important to note that since herbs contain active

ingredients, be aware that some elements may interact negatively with

prescribed medications! Therefore, your healthcare professional must

be notified if you have any questions about safety. As a general

rule: most of the bitter tasting herbs are medicinal herbs and the

pleasant tasting herbs are less toxic and can be used more often.

Also, some herbs in any form, should not be taken for more than seven

days at a time. Others herbs are more beneficial with time. The fresh

leaves, bark, and roots of herbs can be used in their natural form or

can be found in dried form and used in capsules, tablets, tinctures,

essential oils, powders, creams, lotions, and salves.

 

Herbal medicine is a wonderful solution for pain and pain management.

Complications can arise when taking herbal medicine and allopathic

drugs internally, which your doctor has prescribed. Great caution

should be used especially if you are on blood thinners, diuretics or

heart related medication. Consult your doctor with any questions you

may have, before taking additional herbs or supplements, internally.

 

 

Arnica Suave is a rich blend of quartz silica, amber resin and the

pain-relieving power of arnica in a special massage-in suave designed

by Andrew for his practice and is a part of his new " Crystal

Inspirations " product line.

 

Boswellia has unique anti-inflammatory action, much like the

conventional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used by

many for inflammatory conditions. Unlike NSAIDs, however, long-term

use of boswellia does not lead to irritation or ulceration of the

stomach.

 

Bromelain is a plant-enzyme. Bromelain is not actually a single

substance, but a group of protein-digesting enzymes found in

pineapple juice and in the stem of pineapple plants. Local swelling

is the releasing of histamines in a localized area causes the

vasodilation and increased permeability of blood vessels. Bromelain

has an anti-inflammatory effect and is a very effective treatment for

fibromyalgia. It is recommend taking 200 to 400 milligrams three

times a day on an empty stomach at least ninety minutes before or

three hours after eating. Discontinue use if you develop any itching

or rash.

 

Cayenne Pepper (Capsaicin) A cream containing small amounts of

Capsaicin can help relieve pain when rubbed onto muscle pain and

arthritic joints, according to the results of a double blind study.

It does this by depleting the nerves of a pain-mediating

neurotransmitter known as substance P. Although application of

capsaicin cream may initially cause a burning feeling, the burning

will lessen with each application and soon disappear for most people.

A cream containing 0.025–0.075% of capsaicin can be applied to the

affected joints three to five times a day.

 

Devils Claw: An analgesic and anti-inflammatory. Dosage: one to two

grams, three times daily.

 

Ginger: An anti-inflammatory. Ginger has been used in Ayurvedic and

Chinese medicine as an anti-inflammatory. Taking 6–50 grams of fresh

or powdered ginger per day indicated that ginger might be helpful.

Suggested Dosage: 0.5 to 1 mg of powdered ginger daily

 

Ginger Tea: Add one grated teaspoon of fresh ginger to a cup of hot

water. Take two times daily.

 

Glucosamine sulfate (GS), a nutrient derived from sea shells,

contains a building block needed for the repair of joint cartilage.

GS has significantly reduced symptoms of osteoarthritis. All

published clinical investigations on the effects of GS in people with

osteoarthritis report statistically significant improvement. Most

research trials use 500 mg GS taken three times per day. Benefits

from GS generally become evident after three to eight weeks of

treatment. Avoid if you have any allergic reactions to shell fish.

 

Glucosamine stimulates the production of the specific elements of

cartilage and protects them. It helps your body repair worn

cartilage, reduce pain and improve function. Chondroitin attracts

fluids into proteoglycans, the molecules dispersed through out the

cartilage that give the tissue its shock-absorber quality, and

protects the cartilage against breakdown. These are substances the

body already produces for itself in small amounts.

 

Glucosamine is found in almost all tissue; it has a role in the

repair and maintenance of joint cartilage. Chondroitin sulfate is a

major component of cartilage and is thought to inhibit the enzymes

that contribute to the breakdown of cartilage.

 

S-adenosyl methionine (SAMe) possesses anti-inflammatory, pain-

relieving, and tissue-healing properties that may help protect the

health of joints.SAM-e is derived from methionine, an essential amino

acid; it may promote cartilage formation and repair. Glucosamine and

chondroitin sulfate are usually sold together. In clinical studies,

the supplements had to be taken for several weeks before providing

any pain relief. Don't forget the truly natural and proven methods

for battling osteoarthritis, lose excess weight and exercise.

 

Licorice root: An anti-inflammatory. Long-term use can elevate blood

pressure and increase potassium loss. Dosage: one-eighth to one-

quarter teaspoon of a 5: 1 solid extract up to three times daily.

 

Turmeric: An effective anti-inflammatory. Dosage: 400 mg three times

daily; take on an empty stomach and combine with 1,000 mg of

bromelain

 

White Willow Bark: Anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects.

White Willow bark has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects.

Extracts providing 60–120 mg salicin per day are approved for people

with rheumatoid arthritis. Although the analgesic actions of willow

are typically slow-acting, they last longer than aspirin.

 

 

For more alternative answers for fibromylgia, consider going to:

 

http://www.peacefulmind.com/fibromyalgia.htm

 

 

 

Andrew Pacholyk MS, L.Ac

http://www.peacefulmind.com

Therapies for healing

mind, body, spirit