By Carol Ryland

Herbal treatment for fibromyalgia is currently gaining in popularity with sufferers.    About 5 million Americans, most of them women, suffer from fibromyalgia.  People of all ages and socioeconomic groups are affected.  With so many people having this illness (approximately 5 percent of the population), there is a real need for effective treatments for this syndrome and its wide range of symptoms. 

Despite the large volume of research by the Mayo Clinic, the AMA, and other medical organizations, the real cause of fibromyalgia has still unknown. There is a theory which considers that a chemical imbalance in the brain's serotonin levels (which has been shown to be low in fibromyalgia patient studies) may be the culprit.  Another school of thought is that "hyperactive nerves" resulting from poor blood circulation in parts of the brain dealing with pain response, may be a factor. Herbal treatment for fibromyalgia options, address some of these issues.

Whatever the cause of the syndrome, possibly a combination of factors and conditions, the most commonly reported symptoms are widespread pain, chronic exhaustion, and nine or more sensitive points on the body that are extremely sensitive to touch.  Located on the neck, back, buttocks, elbows, thighs and knees, these trigger points are the primary diagnostic indicator used by physicians to identify the condition.  These tender points must manifest in the 4 quadrants of the body, above and below the waist... and on the right and left sides of the body... and persist for 3 months or more, in order to make a definitive diagnosis.  There are currently no lab tests for fibromyalgia.

First, get the diagnosis. Then, this is where herbal treatment for fibromyalgia comes into play.  While there is no cure for fibromyalgia syndrome, this invisible disease can be treated with standard pharmaceuticals (although over-the-counter drugs are not strong enough for most sufferers).  Aside from the standard prescription drug treatments, there are herbal treatment for fibromyalgia choices for you, that can relieve and even eliminate the symptoms. Some of these have been used for centuries to treat pain and discomfort of many disabling diseases. Here are some examples are of herbal treatment for fibromyalgia options that may be of help to fibromyalgia sufferers:

• Kava – may help with sleep disorders, insomnia
• Willowbark – pain-relief without stomach upset or risk of bleeding
• St. John's Wort – known sleep aid, raises serotonin levels, may ease depression and help reduce pain, muscle relaxer 
• 5-HTP (5-hydroxy-l-tryptophan) – all natural SSRI-type anti-depressant, increases the effect of St. John's Wort and tricyclic anti-depressant drugs,            
• Cat's Claw – provides general symptom improvement with continued use, reduction of pain response
• Capsaicin, and Cayenne – fibromyalgia pain relief
• SAMe (S-adenozylmethionine) – multiple studies have shown this substance relieves pain, muscle stiffness and weakness, depression, fatigue
• Lavender essence – aromatherapy to calm nerves and relax, used to massage painful muscles when diluted with jojoba, olive, or sunflower oils
• Ginger – use as a compress for pain – improves circulation and increases pain-relieving properties of other herbs, migraine relief
• Grapeseed Extract– powerful antioxidant (procyanidins) from the seeds of wine grapes, reduces inflammation and pain
• Nettle – pain relief, found in whole grains and leafy greens
• Pomegranates – antioxidant, anti-inflammatory properties
• Ginseng – builds immunity, reduces stress, memory enhancer
• Arnica – herbal back pain remedy
• Boswellia – pain and morning stiffness, migraine treatment

The Pros:  Used successfully in folk remedies for hundreds of years, herbal treatment for fibromyalgia symptoms can provide a safe, effective natural treatment option.  The examples above have been Most herbal treatment for fibromyalgia products are readily available in pharmacies, vitamin and nutrition stores, and online.  Be sure to use the remedy properly, starting with the lowest dosage, test your tolerance for the treatment. Some herbal treatment products are relatively inexpensive. Shop around!

The Cons:  Herbs can have side-effects and can interact with other herbs and medicines just like prescription drugs.  Learn about herbs and discuss their use before starting, with your physician.  Some people should not use certain herbs... for example:  do not take St. John's Wort if you are taking blood thinners or oral contraceptives.  Cat's claw is not safe for pregnant or nursing women, or diabetics using insulin.  The FDA has a warning about Kava-containing products. 

Remember, it's your responsibility to become educated about the herbal treatment for fibromyalgia if you are considering using them... and always begin with the lowest dosage to see how they work for you. 

Other Natural Treatments That Compliment The Herbal Treatment For Fibromyalgia...

Be sure to drink a lot of water to flush out toxins (eight glasses per day is recommended.  Another natural treatment is acupuncture. It is known to increase the level of endorphins (natural pain-killers) and has been used with success, for the treatment of fibromyalgia in some sufferers.  Fibromyalgia exercises, started slowly and gradually increased to 20-30 minutes a day over time, can be beneficial in increasing endurance and reducing pain in fibromyalgia sufferers.  Eating a healthy diet is a good lifestyle choice.  Avoid sugar, caffeine, alcohol, gluten, fatty dairy products, and known allergens.  Begin to rebuild your body from the inside-out with a safe, natural nutritional supplement.  This is recognized as an effective treatment by the AMA and CDC for autoimmune diseases like fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia is an autoimmune disease, which means that your body is being attacked by its own immune system at the cellular level.  As a fibromyalgia survivor myself, I have found and use a cellular nutrition program that has allowed me to overcome my fibromyalgia symptoms and get away from prescription medications.  It can help you too.  For more information on the natural and herbal treatment for fibromyalgia, contact me now by clicking on one of the links below.

http://www.overcomefibro.com/herbal-treatment-fibro-pros-cons.html