Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain illness characterized by musculoskeletal pain, soft tissue tenderness, fatigue, and sleep disturbances. Mostly it affects in the neck, back, shoulder, pelvic girdle, and hands. It is a common condition, which occurs in 3.4% of women and 0.5% of men. It is estimated that approximately 5-7% of the U.S. population has fibromyalgia (Ref: National Fibromyalgia Association). It produces chronic body-wide pain, which migrates and can be felt all over the body.

The causes of fibromyalgia are unknown; however there are various factors involved. Stress, chemical imbalance in the brain and spinal cord and abnormalities in the immune system can cause fibromyalgia. Illness or injury of any types can cause trauma to the body and hence can trigger fibromyalgia. Similarly physical exertion, trauma, depression, and anxiety may aggravate symptoms. Pain and fatigue are the most common symptoms appeared in fibromyalgia. The pain may as deep muscular aching, intense burning, and stabbing.

Although there is no cure, one can do many things to help feel better. The goal of treatment is to reduce pain, improve sleep and relieve associated symptoms.

Herbal remedy is a non-conventional way of treatment in fibromyalgia, which has been proved to be effective and beneficial. Herbs can help to treat the wide range of symptoms produced in fibromyalgia like depression, fatigue, sleep disorders, immune deficiency, inflammation, and severe pain.

So, with that said here are a few Medicinal Herbs to help with your Fibromyalgia

Sedative Herbs for Fibromyalgia

This syndrome can be seen as a chronic sleep disorder. Relaxing Nervines that promote sleep can be used to achieve deep and restful sleep throughout the night. Not all sedative herbs work the same way for everyone. The constitution of the person and the energetics of the herbs need to be taken into consideration. 

Relaxing nervines relax the nervous system. Some herbs are merely calming, others can have a more overt sedative effect to promote sleep. 

• Cramp bark (Viburnum opulus)
• Valerian (Valerian officinalis)
• Skullcap (Skutellaria laterifolia)
• Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)
• Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata)
• Lavender (Lavendula officinalis)
• St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum)
• Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis)
• Vervain (Verbena officinalis)
• Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa )

Adaptogen Herbs for Fibromyalgia

Adaptogens support the body’s resiliency to stress. One way to think about adaptogens is deep nourishment and support for the nervous system. Some adaptogens, like Withania somnifera, promote sleep at night and energy throughout the daytime, which is crucial for people with this syndrome.

Adaptogen herbs are building herbs that strengthen the HPO axis (hypothalamus, pituitary, gonadal). Taken over time they build up your overall health and wellness and help you have more resiliency to the negative effects of stress. 

Not all adaptogens are created equal. Each herb has its own specific indications and herbal energetics that are better suited for one person or another. Especially when these herbs are matched to you from an energetic perspective these are safe plants that can be taken in larger quantities for an extended period of time. 

• Ginseng (Panax ginseng)
• Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus)
• Ashwagandah (Withania somnifera)
• Eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus)
• Licorice (Glycerhiza glabra)

Anodyne Herbs for Fibromyalgia

Anodyne herbs can help reduce the pain and discomfort that someone is experiencing. Anodyne herbs dull the sense of pain. Herbs in this category range from completely safe to being low-dose botanicals that should never be used beyond one or two drops. Herbs may also have a special affinity for different types of pain as some herbs are better suited to nervous system pain while others to muscle pain. 

• Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
• Arnica flowers (Arnica montanum)
• St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum)
• Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

Carminative Herbs for Fibromyalgia

Carminative herbs are used for stagnant digestion such as bloating and gas. Have you ever eaten a meal that just feels like it is stuck in your stomach? Or had aches in your belly due to gas? That’s when carminatives come in handy. These herbs are often aromatic (meaning they have a strong scent) and contain volatile oils. 

• Fennel Seed (Foeniculum vulgare)
• Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
• Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)
• Angelica (Angelica archangelica)
• Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)
• Cardamom (Elettaria cardamommum) 
• Bee balm (Monarda fistulosa)
• Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
• Peppermint or Spearmint

Immunomodulating Herbs

Immunomodulating herbs build and strengthen the immune system. They are generally used for people who get sick all the time with colds and flus or have other symptoms of immune system dysfunction such as seasonal allergies, environmental allergies, food intolerances, cancer and autoimmunity problems. Think of these as deeply nourishing food and herbs for the immune system. 

• Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus)
• Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) 
• Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis)
• Shitake (Lentinula edodes)
• Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum)

With all that said…Here are a few herbal tea remedies that Maus has complied for you to try. If you would like a special blend, send me a note on the contact us page and I will be happy to put together some herbs for you in a special tea.

1. For during the day – Passionflower, Lemon Balm, Eleuthero, Yarrow, Peppermint and Astragalus.  - Mix equal parts. Add 1 ½ tsp. to  1 cup simmering water, bring to a boil, and let cool. Drink 1 cup, morning, noon and evening.
2. For the evening – Valerian root (2 parts), Chamomile (1 part), St. Johns Wort (1 part), Passionflower (1 part), and Lavender (1 part). Add 1 ½ tsp. to  1 cup simmering water, bring to a boil, and let cool. Drink 1 cup, in the evening after dinner then another before bedtime.

Disclaimer - The information presented herein by Mountain Maus’ Remedies is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.

Author: Patricia Delgado Date: November 5, 2014