Access Denied
IMPORTANT! If you’re a store owner, please make sure you have Customer accounts enabled in your Store Admin, as you have customer based locks set up with EasyLockdown app. Enable Customer Accounts
Fibromyalgia: Understanding the Condition and How Herbal Medicine Can Help
What is fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterised by widespread musculoskeletal pain, often accompanied by other symptoms such as fatigue, depression, intestinal disorders and sleep problems. It affects 2% - 5% of the population and most of the people affected are females. The exact cause of fibromyalgia is not completely understood, but it's believed to involve abnormal pain processing in the brain and nervous system, making individuals more sensitive to pain stimuli. There also appears to be significant overlap with other pain conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. Symptoms often begin after physical or emotional trauma, but in many cases, there appears to be no obvious trigger. Unfortunately, traditional medical treatments for this condition offer only limited benefits. These therapies are mostly pharmacological and focus primarily on alleviating the symptoms reported by patients. Hence many fibromyalgia sufferers seek complementary medicine to help manage symptoms and reduce inflammation.
Here at Happy Herb Co, we are often asked what herbs could be useful for individuals with fibromyalgia. Unfortunately, this is quite difficult to answer without a thorough run down of an individual’s health history. If you do suffer with fibromyalgia, we recommend booking in a consultation with our Happy Herbalist to get an individualised treatment plan and continued care as you progress through your healing journey.
Herbal Medicine for Fibromyalgia: Supporting the Body’s Healing Process
Herbal medicine can offer a variety of benefits for people managing fibromyalgia by addressing symptoms such as pain, neuroinflammation, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and mood issues. Which herbs are right for you is dependent on your healthy history, symptom picture and what medications you are currently taking. Here are some herbs that an herbalist might consider useful for fibromyalgia:
Ashwagandha
Withania somnifera
This adaptogenic herb is often used to reduce stress and improve energy levels. It may also help alleviate the fatigue and mood swings commonly associated with fibromyalgia and support insomnia. Used correctly, it can be very helpful at reducing dysregulated cortisol levels.
Turmeric
Curcuma longa
Known for its powerful anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric may help reduce pain and inflammation associated with fibromyalgia. Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, has been studied for its effects on pain relief and its ability to improve joint mobility.
St John’s Wort
Hypericum perforatum
St John’s Wort has antiviral activity against enveloped viruses which can be useful if a viral attack is a potential cause/trigger of fibromyalgia symptoms. It is also well known for its antidepressant activity and its ability to correct disturbed sleep patterns. Traditionally, it has been used to reduce for nerve related pain.
Feverfew
Tanacetum parthenium
A unique herbal medicine commonly used for the prevention of headaches and migraines; feverfew can offer relief for fibromyalgia sufferers who commonly get associated migraines. As a bitter herb it can also assist with digestive disturbances.
Valerian
Valeriana officinalis
Valerian is renowned for its calming properties and may help with stress reduction, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. Reducing stress and promoting relaxation is essential in managing fibromyalgia.
California Poppy
Eschscholtzia californica
California poppy is a key herb indicated in cases of nerve-generated pain and insomnia. It has analgesic effects and can help relax the nervous system easing headaches, insomnia, myalgia and stress.
Supporting Treatment with a Holistic Approach
While herbal medicine can be an essential component of managing fibromyalgia, it is important to remember that holistic treatment should also include lifestyle changes. These might involve gentle to moderate exercise, stress and nervous system management including meditation or breathing exercises and dietary interventions such as adopting an anti-inflammatory whole foods diet. Fibromyalgia can be a complex and challenging condition, but with the right support, including herbal remedies, lifestyle adjustments, and a holistic approach to health, individuals can manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.
Invalid password
Enter
