What African Herbs Help Relieve the Pain of Fibromyalgia? And the Best Way to Use Them
Traditional fibromyalgia treatments can be expensive and have a wide range of side effects. African herbs have been used to treat this condition for centuries and are a natural, safe, and effective alternative.
Many people with fibromyalgia are looking for alternatives to traditional treatments that are more affordable and have fewer side effects. African herbs offer a viable option that has been proven effective over time.
In this article, we will discuss the benefits of African herbs for treating fibromyalgia and the best way to use them. These herbs are a safe, natural, and effective alternative that can help relieve pain and improve your overall health.
What is fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a chronic, complex, and common pain disorder affecting people on a physical, mental, and social level. It is a neurosensory disorder characterized by widespread muscle pain, joint stiffness, fatigue, multiple tender points, abnormal pain processing, sleep disturbances, and often psychological distress.
There is no one cause of fibromyalgia; however, research suggests that it may be linked to mitochondrial dysfunction, decreased levels of Coenzyme Q10, and an overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine (known as SIBO). Herbal remedies may play an important role in addressing fibromyalgia symptoms and helping to manage the condition.
What are the symptoms of fibromyalgia?
1. Pain throughout the body
Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder that is characterized by widespread muscle pain, joint stiffness, fatigue, and other associated symptoms. It is classified as a neurosensory disorder, as the pain is caused by an abnormality in the way that the brain processes pain signals.
Symptoms of fibromyalgia can include acute and chronic pain, muscle tenderness, increased pain sensitivity, fatigue, depression, anxiety, irritable bowel syndrome, leaky gut, sugar cravings, abdominal pain, tingling or numbness in hands and feet, headaches, difficulty maintaining sleep or having light sleep, painful menstrual period, hypersensitivity to cold and/or heat, fatigue upon arising, problems with thinking and memory (sometimes called “fibro fog”).
2. Fatigue
Fatigue is a common symptom of fibromyalgia that can greatly impact the quality of life. It is defined as an overwhelming feeling of tiredness, exhaustion, and lack of energy that cannot be relieved by rest or sleep. People with fibromyalgia often experience a greater degree of fatigue than people without the condition, and it can be both physical and mental.
Symptoms of fatigue related to fibromyalgia can include feeling drained of energy, increased pain and stiffness, difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, and low motivation.
People with fibromyalgia are also more likely to experience insomnia, restless leg syndrome, painful menstrual periods, headaches, numbness or tingling in the hands and feet, morning stiffness, temperature sensitivity, and the “fibro fog” of difficulty with memory and thinking.
3. Sleep disturbances
Sleep disturbances are a common complaint among people with fibromyalgia. These disturbances can include difficulty maintaining sleep or light sleep, fatigue upon arising, trouble sleeping, and minimal daytime napping.
Additionally, practices such as going to bed and waking up at the same time each day, limiting light and noise at bedtime, avoiding screen time just before sleeping, and leaving 2–3 hours between eating a heavy meal and going to bed can help with getting good-quality sleep.
Some research suggests that taking valerian root may help with the sleep disturbances of fibromyalgia. Additionally, reducing stress through activities such as walking and taking calming herbs can help reduce sleep disturbances.
Finally, getting adequate sleep is essential for managing fibromyalgia symptoms, so people should aim for at least 8 hours of good quality sleep every night.
4. Cognitive dysfunction
The symptoms of cognitive dysfunction in fibromyalgia include difficulty maintaining sleep or having light sleep, problems with thinking and memory (sometimes referred to as “fibro fog”), difficulty concentrating, difficulty with multitasking, feeling overwhelmed, difficulty making decisions, confusion, difficulty finding words, forgetfulness, and difficulty understanding complex information.
Other symptoms can include anxiety and depression, headaches, abdominal pain, tingling or numbness in hands and feet, dryness in mouth, nose, and eyes, stiffness, painful menstrual period, irritable bowel syndrome, hypersensitivity to cold and/or heat, fatigue upon arising, and trouble sleeping.
5. Painful joints
The symptoms of painful joints in fibromyalgia can include whole-body pain, muscle tenderness and increased pain sensitivity, fatigue, depression, anxiety, irritable bowel syndrome, leaky gut, sugar cravings, abdominal pain, tingling or numbness in hands and feet, headaches, chronic headaches, dryness in the mouth, nose and eyes, stiffness, difficulty maintaining sleep or light sleep, painful menstrual period, hypersensitivity to cold and/or heat, fatigue upon arising, trouble sleeping, problems with thinking and memory (sometimes referred to as ‘fibro fog’), and weight gain.
A combination of diets, exercises, and herbal remedies, such as ginger extract for joint and muscle pain, feverfew for headaches, stomachaches, and toothaches, and devil’s claw, a south African herb for arthritis and lower back pain, may be used to help alleviate the symptoms. Massage is also a well-known treatment for sore muscles and joints.
What natural remedies can help relieve the pain of fibromyalgia?
1. Anti-inflammatory herbs
Certain anti-inflammatory herbs have been found to help alleviate the pain associated with fibromyalgia. Boswellia serrata (Shallaki) and turmeric (curcumin) are two effective herbal remedies that can help reduce morning stiffness, swelling in joints, and pain when taken regularly. Boswellia curcumin capsules can also aid in increasing mobility and reducing stiffness.
Other herbs that can be used to provide relief include ginger extract for joint and muscle pain, feverfew for headaches, stomachaches, and toothaches, and devil’s claw, a South African herb, for arthritis and lower back pain. Additionally, Artemisia species, such as A. dracunculus, have been found to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that can help reduce pain.
Lastly, a blend of Japanese knotweed (trans-resveratrol), Andrographis, cat’s claw, and sarsaparilla, along with stabilized allicin from garlic, can provide coverage against protozoa, viruses, and yeast. Pregnant women should avoid these herbs and be cautious, as there may be side effects and interactions with other medications.
2. Calcium channel modulators
Calcium channel modulators such as gabapentin and pregabalin help reduce symptoms and relieve pain associated with fibromyalgia by acting on calcium ion channels in the central nervous system. These modulators reduce the release of neurotransmitters, such as glutamate and substance P, which play a key role in transmitting pain signals.
Additionally, these modulators can also affect other neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, which are also involved in pain pathways. In addition to this, calcium channel modulators can also reduce inflammation, which is believed to contribute to pain in fibromyalgia.
They can also improve sleep, which can help reduce pain and fatigue symptoms associated with fibromyalgia. In addition to these modulators, other treatments including physical therapy, exercise, and lifestyle changes have been found to reduce pain and improve the quality of life in people with fibromyalgia.
3. Monoamine modulators
Monoamine modulators are medications that work by altering the neurotransmitters that transmit signals between nerve cells. Specifically, they work by manipulating monoamines such as serotonin and norepinephrine, which play a role in the perception of pain. In the case of fibromyalgia, monoamine modulators can be used to reduce the intensity of pain, as well as its duration and frequency.
Studies have shown that monoamine modulators such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) can significantly reduce the severity of fibromyalgia symptoms, including pain, mood changes, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and cognitive impairments.
In addition, these medications can also help to improve physical function and reduce the need for other medications, such as opioids, and may even reduce the risk of developing further chronic pain conditions. Therefore, monoamine modulators can be an effective way to relieve the pain of fibromyalgia and improve quality of life.
4. Essential oils
Essential oils can help relieve the pain of fibromyalgia by providing natural analgesic and antispasmodic properties. Some of the recommended oils for fibromyalgia include Frankincense, Wintergreen, Lavender, Rosemary, Clove, and Chamomile.
These oils can be applied topically to painful muscles and joints and have been found to reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and decrease pain and discomfort. In addition, Ginger oil can be used to bring soothing warmth to the affected area. However, it is important to dilute the essential oils to 12% or less and never ingest them.
FAQs
Are there any studies that support the effectiveness of these herbs in relieving fibromyalgia pain?
While there are no definitive studies on the effectiveness of herbs and supplements such as echinacea, black cohosh, cayenne, lavender, milk thistle, and B vitamins, many people report that these remedies are helpful in managing their symptoms. Before taking any herb or supplement for fibromyalgia, it is important to consult with a medical professional to discuss possible side effects or herb-drug interactions.
Other therapies such as massage, reiki, acupuncture, far infrared saunas, cannabidiol oil (CBD), pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) machines, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) units have also been used by some to help with pain management.
How can I get rid of fibromyalgia naturally?
- Make sure you are getting adequate amounts of vitamins B, D, and iron. Talk to your healthcare professional about supplementing with these vitamins.
- Incorporate complementary therapies into your treatment plan. Massage therapy, yoga, meditation, and others can help with pain and improve your quality of life.
- Try adaptogenic herbs. Ashwagandha, reishi, and cordyceps can all help balance stress hormones and relieve symptoms.
- Consider regular massage sessions. It can help with range of motion, circulation, and muscle relaxation.
Which is the best Ayurvedic treatment for fibromyalgia?
When considering the best Ayurvedic treatment for fibromyalgia, it is important to evaluate the potential benefits of herbal remedies. Planet Ayurveda recommends its most effective herbal remedies such as Joint Aid Plus, Aam-Vaat-Antak Churna, and Stress Support, which are prepared using the best quality herbs and strictly follow the principles of Ayurveda.
These herbal remedies work in a natural way to treat fibromyalgia, as they are designed to balance the Vata energy, remove any toxins and impurities, and reduce stress. In addition, dietary and lifestyle changes, physical therapy, acupuncture, and meditation are also recommended to help manage symptoms of fibromyalgia.
Overall, it can be concluded that herbal remedies such as Joint Aid Plus, Aam-Vaat-Antak Churna, and Stress Support are the most effective Ayurvedic treatments for fibromyalgia, as they help balance the Vata energy, remove any toxins and impurities, reduce stress and manage other symptoms.
