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Last Updated on February 19, 2018 by melissanreynolds
With the world’s eye on those of us suffering from chronic pain, I feel like bad news is delivered daily into my inbox with newsletters or articles telling me I can’t access something that helps me manage. Narcotics came under fire, now NSAIDS are ready for scrutiny. We know the medicines we need aren’t ideal but neither is chronic sleep deprivation or untreated pain. Seriously, there’s research! There’s a lot more information about this in my book.
To this end, I have decided to work through as many natural options as I can find to help you navigate potential new options for treatment. I am a big fan of things you can do for yourself.
This week are herbs you can infuse or make as tea at home.
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Essential oils are an area I am just journeying into. My Natural Pain Relief Mechanisms post gives you five ideas you can enact yourself at home.
Here are some herbs I’ve been researching
Thyme
Thyme is touted as a “cure” in articles in a Google search “Thyme for Fibromyalgia”. I wouldn’t read those ones. The article Thyme: How a Herb can Help with Fibromyalgia Symptoms on Fibromyalgia News Today has a good explanation on the benefits of thyme it also has a recipe for thyme tea:
“One of the reasons thyme is so beneficial is because it’s high in vitamins and minerals, like iron, potassium, calcium, folic acid, B-complex vitamins, vitamin A, and C. All of these nutrients contribute to proper red blood cell formation, blood pressure regulation, and distribution of antioxidants in the body. It also contains thymol, an essential oil with potent antioxidant properties.” https://fibromyalgianewstoday.com/2017/03/17/thyme-herb-can-help-fibromyalgia-symptoms/
The other thing about thyme that is great, is that it can easily be grown in a small garden. I grow mine next to rosemary and coriander. But you could grow it in a small pot on a balcony or your kitchen windowsill. I’ll let you know when I have assessed its efficacy. Either way, it’s a good addition to your culinary forays.
Lemon balm
Lemon balm is meant to help with insomnia and anxiety. On the University of Maryland Medical Centre website in an article simply entitled Lemon Balm there is a discussion on the plant itself, its uses, precautions and supporting research. there’s also a recipe for using it in tea.
I have just planted this in my garden for use. If nothing else, it also has its culinary uses.
Nettle
Nettle is said to be better than a multivitamin – and cheaper – in this article from Sassy Holistics. Nettle infusions “are full of calcium, magnesium, iron, B complex vitamins, C complex, vitamins A, D and K as well as protein, cobalt, trace minerals, potassium, iodine, boron, manganese, zinc, copper and sulfur. Stinging nettles can truly be considered a cure-all.” This article recommends drinking 2-4 cups a day, which I’d find a bit difficult given I can only manage two non-water drinks a day and I love my coffee. I am going to try to get hold of some dried nettle and give it a go.
A note for pregnant mamas: “Nettles are also perfect for pregnant and nursing woman suffering from adrenal fatigue because they are used for boosting milk supply and preventing anemia.” Though, I’d double check with your doctor or midwife for their opinion.
Red Raspberry Leaf
The same article (above) above suggests Red Raspberry Leaf is a good herb for infusions also. “Red raspberry leaf is packed with nutrients: magnesium, manganese, iron, vitamin C, b-vitamins and potassium. RRL is an amazing remedy for PMS, endometriosis, and it helps balance hormones. This herb is especially helpful for women trying to conceive as it is a very popular remedy for infertility.” Again, if you’re pregnant please check with your midwife or doctor or naturopath. I’d like to give this a go for PMS alone.
Other Herbs
An article on Herbal Supplement Resource website lists herbs for Fibromyalgia treatment. I’m not sure about growing these, but there are Devil’s Claw, Jamacian Dogwood, Cayenne, White Willow Bark and Corydalis. As always, research anything before you try them – especially for medicinal interactions.
Sassy Holistics is a good repository of natural health information, I particularly like this article for Healing on a Budget to get you started.
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