Fibromyalgia is marked by widespread pain all over the body, exhaustion and a set of nine tender points where the muscle is especially sensitive to touch. These points are located in the back, buttocks, elbows, knees, neck and thighs. According to the Mayo Clinic, fibromyalgia affects about 2 percent of the population and women are much more likely than men to suffer from this condition. Despite numerous studies, the medical community cannot pinpoint a definite cause or cure for fibromyalgia. There are herbal and other natural treatments that can help alleviate symptoms.
Herbal Treatments
Consult a physician before starting herbal treatments, especially if you are taking standard medications already.
Boswellia is good for stiffness and pain experienced after waking in the morning. Take as directed on the label. There are many anecdotal reports that cat's claw improves symptoms after three months of continuous use; take 3,000 mg daily. Kava induces sleep; take 120 mg daily. St. John's Wort can ease depression by raising serotonin levels. It also restores normal sleeping patterns and alleviates pain. Take 900 mg daily for two to three months. Willowbark offers aspirin-like pain relief without the risk of bleeding or upset stomach. Take tablets as directed on the label.
Caution about Herbal Treatments
Do not use cat's claw if you are taking insulin for diabetes or are pregnant or nursing. Kava increases the effects of alcohol and other sedatives. St. John's Wort can interact negatively with and decrease the effectiveness of oral contraceptives, warfarin (a popular blood-thinning medication) and anticonvulsants.
Other Supplements
Take 800 mg of S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) daily for six weeks to alleviate symptoms. Five separate studies have shown that this substance relieves depression, fatigue, morning stiffness, muscular weakness and pain caused by fibromyalgia. These studies were conducted by: P. Di Benedetto, published in 1993 in Current Therapeutic Research; S. Jacobsen, published in 1991 by the Scandanavian Journal of Rheumatology; A. Tavoni, published in November 1987 by Clinical Experience in Rheumatology; A. Tavoni, published in the February 1998 edition of American Journal of Medicine; and H. Volkmann, published in 1997 in the Journal of Rheumatology.
Enhance any antidepressant therapies with 5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan (5-HTP) and magnesium. 5-HTP increases the effects of both St. John's Wort and pharmaceutical antidepressants. Take 100 mg three times daily every other day for three months. Magnesium stimulates serotonin production and helps prevent muscle burn. Take 250 mg three times daily.
Diet
Try eating pomegranates: A 2001 study by Drs. R. P. Singh, K. N. Chidambara Murthy, and G. K. Jayaprakasha at the Central Food Technological Research Institute in India found that pomegranates and pomegranate juice contain powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties; these may help alleviate symptoms.
Drink a lot of liquids to help flush out toxins. Distilled water, herbal teas and fresh vegetable juices are best. Avoid alcohol, caffeine and sugar. They all increase the body's production of lactic acid, which can contribute to the feeling of muscle burn.
Other Suggestions
A study conducted by the Mayo Clinic in June of 2006 consisting of 50 fibromyalgia patients had 25 receive acupuncture with the other 25 serving as a control. The patients receiving acupuncture reported significant improvement in their condition, namely lessened fatigue and anxiety.
Make a serious effort to exercise daily, even if it is just starting at a few minutes a day. Try to work up to 20 to 30 minutes daily. The primary benefit for this condtion is the positive effect on sleep.
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