Herbs That Help Fibromyalgia

Who Is Affected and What Causes Fibromyalgia?  It’s estimated that fibromyalgia effects 5 million people in the USA¹ alone. That of those effected between 80% and 90% are women. Scientists are uncertain of the causes of fibromyalgia but it’s believed a number of factors can contribute including, traumatic events, Illness, some diseases and repetitive injuries.

What are the symptoms? It can effect the joints or your whole body. The joints of the body can become inflamed and swelling can follow. Fibromyalgia and the pain of Fibromyalgia can also lead to emotional symptoms like, depression, anxiety, chronic fatigue. Which in many cases can also lead to insomnia.

A close friend of mine has fibromyalgia so I know how debilitating it can be. Fibromyalgia symptoms can at times flare up and be very painful and uncomfortable.

This wide amount of symptoms makes fibromyalgia an example of a whole-body disorder. Affecting the body and mind, this is why herbs can be an affective treatment. Herbs work holistically treating the whole body and mind. Therefore an herbal and aromatherapy approach can be most effective.

Herbs can help with stress, pain relief management and the emotional needs. Homemade herbal remedies like teas, baths and aromatherapy oils can help greatly with muscle and joint aches and pains. As well as the emotional problems like anxiety, depression, chronic fatigue, and insomnia.

Before taking a look at fibromyalgia herbs it’s also important to address the fibromyalgia diet. The most important part is making sure you get enough magnesium in your diet as this can help with pain. Foods high in magnesium² are as follows:

• Dark Leafy Greens,
• Nuts and Seeds
• Fish (Mackerel)
• Beans and Lentils
• Whole Grains and Brown Rice
• Bananas
• Dried Fruit

Fibromyalgia Herbs

Now for fibromyalgia herbs. First and the most important is Cayenne. This herb contains a compound called capsaicin. Which can reduce the intensity of pain signals sent from the nerves. Think of it, like a damping effect the pain is still their but the intensity is lessened. Cayenne also contains salicylates which is like a natural aspirin compound.

Cayenne is classed as a rubefacients³ (see list below). Which means it helps warm the body dilating small capillaries which in turn increases the circulation. When you use cayenne you’ll notice reddening of the skin this is the cayenne effect, increased blood circulation. Cayenne salves and oils are recommended to anyone with fibromyalgia to lessen the pain. Helps your sore muscles and increase the flow of blood.

Some Herbs That Are Classed As “rubefacients”:

• Ginger
• Nettle
• Cloves
• Rosemary
• Garlic
• Horseradish

Next Ginger root warms you up and also improves the blood circulation which will definitely help with fibromyalgia. The best method for taken ginger root is ginger tea. It’s also available as herbal oil and you could use it as a bath additive.

Also Willow bark tea has compounds within that can be equal to a low dose of aspirin but without causing stomach upset. It can take some time before it builds up in your body. maybe a few weeks before you notice a real difference.

For a body massage lavender and rosemary oil are best. As a full treatment routine you can have a full body massage with rosemary oil in the morning. Followed by a full message with lavender oil at the night. This should help with your physical as well as emotional state.

In conclusion fibromyalgia is a horrible painful disorder but herbs can help you to relieve some of the pain…