Helpful Herbs for Fibro

Noooo. You won't be seeing Marijuana on this list. Not yet anyway. Considering it hasn't passed many states' laws just yet and is still frowned upon in other countries...I think I will strive to keep my reputation such as it is and stick with herbs I know are legal. At least in the states.

Herbal Remedies can be just as good if not better than some of the chemical treatments Fibro Sufferers are on. But as always, ask your doctor about going off any medication to try something holistic. There are several different types of herbal medication that doesn't play well with chemicals.

For example: St. John's Wort should not be taken with an anti-depressant.

You all understand this by now, I know. But I'm always going to mention it. Check with your doctor, RA, nutritionist, Dietitian...grandma Ester...whoever you need to, to feel comfortable taking these drugs.

The list I'm about to give you comes from a mixture of sources. Each one seems to quote the other one with one word different in some cases so I'm going to list the resources and let the lawyers fight it out if they want to. LOL My backside is covered!

Prescription For Nutritional Healing by Phyllis Balch, CNC
Natural Treatments for Fibromyalgia on About.com
Treatment for Fibromyalgia on HolisticOnline.com
The Holistic Herbal Directory by Penelope Ody

I apologize if any of the information is repeated, as it is hard to follow so many sources...throw in a little bit of Fibro Fog and it's a bit of a messy list. LOL


St. John's wort - a natural antidepressant and influences the adrenal gland hormones to help relieve stress. St. John's wort affects nerves and is effective for sharp, shooting nerve pains. It also has antiviral properties. (Caution: Do not take if you are taking conventional antidepressants.) Choose a standardized extract containing 0.3 percent hypericin and take 300 milligrams three times daily.

Siberian ginseng - an energizing herb that can help resolve the fatigue associated with fibromyalgia. Choose a standardized extract containing 0.5 percent eleutheroside E and take 100 milligrams twice daily, one-half hour before breakfast and lunch. After two weeks, you can gradually increase the dosage as needed. After six weeks, take one week off, then take the herb for another six weeks.

Turmeric - to reduce pain and inflammation. Take 400 to 500 milligrams three times daily.

Cayenne, echinacea, goldenseal, astralagus, myrrh and chaparral - boost the immune system and improve circulation. Combine them as a tea or tincture. It may be helpful to mix it with juice for better taste.

Calendula taken orally in high doses has a positive effect in reversing symptoms of fibromyalgia.

A combination of burdock, slippery elm, sheep sorrel and Turkish rhubarb was shown good results in improving fibromyalgia.

Garlic is useful for detoxification and to enhance immune system function. Take 5,000 mcg of standardized allicin three times daily. Kyolic, aged garlic is preferred.

Ginkgo biloba improves circulation and brain function.

Devil's claw root is a natural anti- inflammatory used to treat rheumatic disorders. Take one 400 mg devil's claw root tablet daily. Studies suggest that taking the herb for at least six weeks can significantly improve the movement of arthritic joints and reduce swelling. (pg 151 of The Holistic Herbal Directory) Devil's claw can also be used as a bitter digestive stimulant for liver and gall-bladder disorders. CAUTIONS: Avoid in pregnancy as it is believed to stimulate uterine contractions; avoid in cases of gastric or duodenal ulcer as well!!

Willow bark has anti-inflammatory properties and works as a painkiller. The plant is used from relieving pain, reducing fever, and is helpful for rheumatism, gout, arthritis, feverish chills, and general headaches. CAUTION: Avoid in cases of salicylate allergy.

Passion flower, valerian and hops teas have sedating and muscle-relaxant properties.

Dong quai is good for fleeting muscle and joint pains, especially if they are worse in damp conditions. Take 1 capsule daily. For women only.

Licorice root - supports the glandular system and acts in the body like cortisone, but without the harmful side-effects. CAUTION: If overused, licorice can elevate blood pressure. Do not use this herb on a daily basis for more than seven days in a row. Avoid all together if you have HBP.

Milk thistle extract, artichoke, turmeric and dandelion supports liver function.

Dandelion reduces frequency and intensity of pain and strengthens the connective tissue. Take 1 tbsp. juice or 1 cup tea twice daily for four to six weeks.

Black walnut aids in removing parasites.

Paud'arco, taken in tea or tablet form, is good for treating candida infection.

Skullcap and Valerian root improve sleep.

Boswellia is excellent for morning stiffness and joint pain.

Calendula or rosemary oil (or a combination of both) diluted with an equal amount of water or veg oil when massaged into the skin can help relieve pain.

Teas brewed from burdock root, dandelion, and red clover promote healing by cleansing the bloodstream and enhancing immune function. Combine or alternate these herbal teas, and drink 4 to 6 cups daily.

Kava kava - decreases anxiety and elevates the mood.

Topical applications of cayenne (capsicum) powder mixed with wintergreen oil can help relieve muscle pain. Cayenne contains capsaicin, a substance that appears to inhibit the release of neurotransmitters responsible for communicating pain sensations. Use 1 part cayenne powder to 3 parts wintergreen oil. Cayenne can also be taken orally, in capsule form.

Pine-bark and grape-seed extracts are natural anti-inflammatories that help to ease pain. Take 50 milligrams of either two to three times daily.

Ginger Tea. Ginger is a good alternative to aspirin to relieve minor aches and pains. Steep 1 teaspoon of the grated root in 8 ounces of hot water for 10 minutes. Strain. Add honey for taste, if you like. Alternatively, take 1,000 to 2,000 milligrams of powdered ginger a day in capsule form with food. Gin Note: Honey, as any kind of sugar, has been reported to aggravate Fibromyalgia so use sparingly.

Curly dock - a cleansing herb suitable for chronic skin problems and arthritic complaints. It helps to clear toxins and acts as a gentle stimulant for the liver and kidneys. It is also laxative and stimulates bile flow, but is rather gentler than strong purgatives such as rhubarb, so it is one of the better remedies for use in pregnancy. Curly dock can also be used as a blood tonic in anemia and is a lymphatic cleanser, useful for swollen glands. It is an astringent remedy and me be used for wounds. CAUTION: Avoid regular and prolonged use in pregnancy and while breastfeeding.



If anyone is currently on, or trying any of these herbal remedies, I'd love to hear from you at FibroHelper@gmail.com

All my best, My Friends,
Gin