Fibromyalgia: Natural Remedies That Can Help Alleviate Symptoms

Not all that long ago, doctors used to write off their fibromyalgia patients as hypochondriacs or malingerers. At best, they were accused of exaggerating their symptoms; at worst, making up the problem to avoid work or other commitments.

A large part of the problem was that the multiple, vague-sounding symptoms sufferers reported aches and pains all over the body that came and went, a constant feeling of tiredness, and a lack of well-being, with many restless nights of broken sleep didnt fit into any accepted diagnosis.

Fortunately this situation has now changed and fibromyalgia is finally being recognised as a real medical condition. This is welcome news to the 1.2 million fibromyalgia sufferers in the UK, who know only too well just how real this distressing condition is.

But even though the medical profession is making progress in acknowledging fibromyalgia, doctors and scientists still dont know exactly what causes it. What we do know are the characteristic symptoms associated with it and the safe, effective herbal remedies that can target those symptoms.

Two herbal answers to your bodys ailing stress response

Some experts believe that the bodys normal responses to stress are imbalanced in patients suffering from fibromyalgia (Res Rev 2002; 1(2):243-255). Your adrenal glands, which are situated just above your kidneys, are your bodys primary stress responders, and the outer part of your adrenal gland, known as the adrenal cortex, helps your body cope with chronic stress. Your adrenal cortex is under the control of your pituitary gland, which is, in turn, under the control of a part of your brain known as the hypothalamus. This stress-responding trio is called the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis.

In fibromyalgia patients, the HPA axis has been found to function abnormally: The hypothalamus and pituitary overreact, and the adrenals dont respond, as they should (J Rheumatol 1998;25(7):1,374-1,381). This results in what is known as adrenal exhaustion, which can cause a range of debilitating symptoms like fatigue, irritability, depression and insomnia.

Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) can help correct this problem. It prolongs the life of the hormone cortisol which helps you respond in times of stress and reduces the burden on tired, overworked adrenal glands to manufacture more of it (J. Clin Endocrinol Metab 1978 Aug. 47(2):397-400). The recommended dosage is one to three deglycyrrhised liquorice root extract capsules a day.

Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng) can also help improve the HPA axis response. It increases energy levels and endurance and helps fight stress (Med Hypotheses 2001,56(5):567-572). The recommended dosage is 500mg a day.

Controversial immune-booster may hold the key to relief

It has been suggested that fibromyalgia may also be triggered by viruses and poor immunity. For example, it is well known that people with chronic hepatitis C can often suffer from fibromyalgia as a complication (Pheumatol Int 2003;23(5):248-251). And, in some cases, the condition develops after a flu-like illness (J Rheumatol 2001;28(3) 601-603).

Often sufferers immune cells produce antibodies that begin to attack healthy tissue, just like in autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis (Rheumatology (Oxford) 2001;40(7):806-810).

So boosting the immune system and keeping it operating as efficiently as possible is key. One of the best herbal ways of achieving this is by long-term supplementation with echinacea. This suggestion might sound controversial, since some experts believe that prolonged use of this herb can actually over-stimulate the immune system.

But since echinacea is one of the most effective immune enhancers, that is also able to fight off viral infections, and because there is no actual evidence of harm associated with its long-term use, it is definitely worth a try especially if you havent found success with other approaches (Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2000,(2): CD000530). Echinacea is available in tincture and capsule form and as a tea for specific dosage amounts, follow the instructions given on individual product labels.

5-HTP helps you sleep more soundly and boosts your mood

Other common fibromyalgia symptoms include poor concentration and memory, abnormal circulation to the brain, depression, pain, stiffness, and difficulty sleeping (J Clin Exp Neuropsychol 1999;21(4):477-487).

A nutritional supplement 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), extracted from seeds of the African plant Griffonia simplicifolia, can help by boosting serotonin production low levels of which can cause tiredness, depression and poor sleep, as well as heightened perceptions of pain.

Researchers in Milan, Italy, found that when 50 fibromyalgia sufferers took 300mg of 5-HTP a day they experienced less pain and fewer tender points than those taking a placebo (J Int Med Res 1992;20(2):182-9). The recommended dosage is 100mg of Serotone 5-HTP three times a day, together with 50mg of vitamin B6 a day, which aids the conversion of 5-HTP to serotonin.

Ginkgo biloba can help improve circulation, including brain circulation. It also has memory-boosting properties, which may help target that overall feeling of brain fog that so many fibromyalgia patients report. Take 2,000mcg of standardised ginkgo extract a day.

While there is no magic cure for fibromyalgia, these natural treatments can provide valuable support and symptom relief.