Herbal Medicines For Chronic Fatigue
Syndrome
By: Franchis Adam
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), also known as ME
(myalgic encephalomyelitis), Post Viral Fatigue Syndrome (PVFS),
and Post Viral Syndrome (PVS), appears to be on the increase and
still poses a problem to many physicians. Some people believe ME is
due to a chronic infection from Epstein-Barr virus, but the
triggers that spark off the disease are varied. In many cases it
follows a viral infection, but vaccination or other hormonal and
genetic influences may play a part.
Its wide range of symptoms makes ME difficult to diagnose except by
the elimination of other possible diseases. The most common
symptoms are chronic fatigue, recurrent sore throat and muscle
aches, lymph node swelling, weakness, intestinal discomfort and
digestive difficulties, headaches, loss of concentration, visual
disturbances, and depression. Symptoms may go on for months or even
years.
Treatment
Treatment inevitably depends on the individual symptoms, but a
combination of physical and emotional treatments may be helpful in
this condition where conventional medicine has little to offer.
Aromatherapy
Essential oils, used both for massage and in the bath, an relaxing
and help relieve stress and depression. Lavender (antiviral),
grapefruit (for depression), rosemary and juniper (for muscular
aches), and marjoram (for anxiety) are particularly effective. Many
others would be appropriate for different symptoms.
Herbal Medicine Golden seal and echinacea may be helpful
remedies.
Consult a qualified practitioner/therapist for:
Diet And Nutrition Follow a healthy diet, avoiding processed foods,
sugars, caffeine, and alcohol. Eat plenty of slow-release
carbohydrates, such as pasta, to keep sugar levels constant, and
high-energy snacks such as bananas. Evening primrose oil may be
helri use a product from a recognized manufacturer and the required
daily dose. It may take several months show any effect.
ME sufferers appear to be significantly low in the mineral
magnesium, the amino acid 1-taurine, and the hormone
dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), American alternative physicians
claim to have had good results within days with DHEA and
intravenous vitamin C.A combination of evening primrose oil and
fish oill raise the levels of essential fatty acids also appears
have had good results. In moderation, B complex vitamins, zinc, and
the antioxidants vitamin C and beta carotene may also be of
use.
There is hot debate as to whether food allergy plays a part in ME
(some sufferers have a milk intolerance). If an allergy is
suspected, try excluding one item at a time. It is unwise to cut
null many foods at once. Chocolate and citrus fruits common
culprits for the irritable bowel symptoms experienced by some
patients. In the past some ME patill have harmed themselves by
eating an unbalanced diet and overdosing on too many vitamins and
minerals. The involvement of the candida infection in ME is also
contentious. Some nutritionists believe that balance of the
organisms in the intestinal tract is disturbed in ME, causing an
overgrowth of candida and intestinal problems.
Homeopathy This has been shown to have good effects on some ME
sufferers; the results of the first major trial of homeopathic
treatment of ME are currently being analyzed. It is essential to
note that ME is a complex disease requiring professional
homeopathic treatment.
Reflexology This therapy is valuable in treating aches and pains,
especially when the joint itself is too painful to be touched.
Traditional Chinese Medicine This treatment approaches ME from a
different direction, focusing on integrating the physical and
mental areas. It involves the use of herbs such as astragalus, as
well as massage and chi kung (self-healing therapy).
Acupuncture This may also be helpful.
Counseling And Hypnotherapy Emotional support and relaxation are
essential in coping with this very stressful and depressing
condition.
Meditation, Yoga, And Relaxation Techniques Any of these may help a
patient come to terms with this chronic illness. They can help
sufferers to remain fit yet as relaxed as possible.
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