Herbal Remedies for Fibromyalgia

ABSTRACT

Fibromyalgia is a painful condition of the body's musculoskeletal system. Some people define pain as burning pain and needle-pricking pain in the whole body. Fibromyalgia has disability ratings up to 40%. The average range in Fibromyalgia diagnosed is 30 to 45 years. Fibromyalgia mainly occurs in females.  People may have pain in their muscles from the very beginning but mostly they ignore these symptoms. This can adversely affect the condition later in life. Ayurveda modalities can arrest the progression of pain and other symptoms very effectively which are discussed in this article. Also in this article, we will discuss possible causes and various symptoms of this disease.

INTRODUCTION

Fibromyalgia also called Fibromyalgia Syndrome is defined as widespread pain and tenderness in the body's muscles. It can also cause cognitive issues. The pain is triggered by physical stress. Also, it can trigger emotional stress. The Social Security Administration has established rules and has assured that Fibromyalgia can cause disabilities. It can also occur along with other joint and muscle conditions such as Rheumatoid arthritis and ocular symptoms such as dry eye, visual disturbance, and corneal sensitivity. The symptoms may be worse in cold weather. Fibromyalgia may impact the quality of life of the person.

AYURVEDIC ASPECT

Pain and stiffness are the main symptoms of aggravated Vata dosha in the body. Imbalanced Vata leads to pain in the body. The imbalance is due to improper lifestyle and diet. The continuation of Virudh diet and lifestyle will further worsen the symptoms. Ignoring the aggravation of dosha. And not trying to pacify the dosha, along with continued practice of Vataj aahar and vihar leads to chronic pain and other many disabilities in the body.

CAUSES

Since the cause of Fibromyalgia is unclear, it is assumed to occur due to the following reasons-

• Serious past injuries
• Physical and emotional stress
• Genetic causes
• Autoimmune diseases like Rheumatoid Arthritis, Ankylosing spondylitis
• Central nervous system issues

SYMPTOMS

Pain is the main symptom of Fibromyalgia, other associated symptoms found in the patients are as follows-

• Muscle pain (full body muscle pain)
• Muscles fatigue
• Pain and stiffness in the body
• Weakness
• Cognitive difficulties
• Altered sleep
• Memory defects
• Mood swings
• Depression
• Anxiety

In Severe Cases, It Might Also Cause:-

• Tooth decay
• Hair loss
• Eyesight loss
• Light sensitivity
• Pelvic and urinary problems
• Dizziness
• Difficulty in sitting and standing

DIAGNOSIS

There is no specific test that can rule out Fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia can occur due to rheumatoid arthritis. The tests can be performed to confirm the diagnosis. But there are no adequate diagnostic criteria for confirming Fibromyalgia.

• Medical history is taken
• Full physical examination
• MRI
• X-ray
• 18 point test

American College of Rheumatology has laid three criteria for confirming Fibromyalgia:-

1. Pain, sleep, cognitive issues, fatigue-like symptoms in the previous week.
2. Symptoms present from the last three months.
3. No presence of other health conditions with the same symptoms.

DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS

The proper evaluation must be done to differentiate Fibromyalgia from other disorders with similar symptoms such as-

• Lower back pain
• Gout
• Sprains
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Osteoarthritis
• Systemic lupus erythematosus
• Muscles Strain
• Myasthenia Gravis

TREATMENT OF FIBROMYALGIA

Unfortunately, there is no cure for Fibromyalgia, but can be managed with a few medications that can help to control the symptoms from getting worse.

• Analgesics (painkillers)
• Muscle relaxants
• Multivitamins
• Medications to manage fatigue
• Laser photo biomodular therapy

Ayurveda treatment includes therapies and medications for better and fast recovery. Both these modalities are used effectively in various cases along with dietary and lifestyle modifications.

• Therapies-
1. Abhyanga - Body massage with medicated oils according to the dosha, individual prakriti, and disease extent is prescribed. Abhyang is indicated only by the ayurvedic Doctor after observing the health condition of the patient
2. Potli Massage therapy - Dry or Oil dipped potli is used in fibromyalgia. Again this therapy is performed after the consent of an ayurvedic Doctor. The type and duration of therapy are assured based on the various aspects.

HERBAL REMEDIES FOR FIBROMYALGIA BY PLANET AYURVEDA

Along with these therapies, these herbal medicines for fibromyalgia are prescribed for the best results. Planet Ayurveda Fibromyalgia Care Pack for fibromyalgia is one of the most popular and practical options for recovery. Planet Ayurveda is a leading manufacturing company of herbal medicines in India. It has been preparing several herbal medicines that are successfully treating several diseases worldwide. Their preparations are 100% pure and also free from any kind of preservatives. Fibromyalgia Care Pack is one of their herbal formulations which is non-invasive and chemical-free. It restores the imbalance of doshas and helps the body to recover. Planet Ayurveda's Fibromyalgia Care Pack for the management of Fibromyalgia includes:-

PRODUCTS LIST

1. Joint Aid Plus
2. Aamvatantak Churna
3. Stress Support
4. Boswellia Curcumin
5. Shatavari Ghrit

Fibromyalgia Care Pack

INGREDIENTS DESCRIPTION

1. Joint Aid Plus

This combination is prepared with herbs such as Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Guggul (Commiphora guggul), Nirgundi (Vitex negundo), Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia), Adrak (Zingiber officinalis), Shallaki (Boswellia serrata). It aids the joints and provides strength to the muscles and joints. This is helpful in all joints and muscles related conditions. They will strengthen the muscles and reduces fatigue, weakness, stiffness, and pain in the muscles. Consuming capsules regularly will show effective results in fibromyalgia.

Dosage - 2 capsules twice daily with warm water.

2. Aamvatantak Churna

This classical preparation is composed of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Methi (Trigonella foenum graecum), Haridra (Curcuma longa), etc. The churna will eliminate aam (toxins) from the body along with balancing Vata dosha disturbance. This will maintain gut health and will not let the doshas aggravate which will ultimately reduce symptoms and improve the condition of fibromyalgia.

Dosage - 1 teaspoonful twice daily with warm water.

3. Stress Support

This polyherbal support system is prepared from the standard extracts of the herbs - Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Tagara (Valeriana wallichii), and Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri). These herbs help to relieve stress and depressive mood. . It also improves the thinking of the person by enhancing memory. These capsules help to increase concentration and reduce headaches. These capsules act on brain cells and will reduce symptoms of anxiety, depressive mood, and sleeping problems that occur due to fibromyalgia.

Dosage - 1 capsule twice daily with warm water.

4. Boswellia Curcumin

These capsules are a combination of Curcumin (Curcuma longa) and Shallaki (Boswellia serrata). These herbs increase immunity and act as antioxidants. Its anti-inflammatory properties reduce swelling. These capsules help maintain healthy blood composition and will improve blood circulation in the whole body which promotes joint, brain, and muscle health.

Dosage - 2 capsules twice daily with warm water.

5. Shatavari Ghrit

The ghrit is made from herbs such as Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Kshir kakoli (Lilium polyphyllum), Mulethi (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Meda (Polygonatum cirrhifolium), Munaka (Vitis vinifera), etc.  It is considered a health tonic to improve vitality. Consuming ghrit will give strength to your muscles and will surely ease the symptoms of muscle fatigue, weakness, pain, etc. Also, the ghrit will balance tridoshas and hormones in the body so will improve the condition of the person by relieving emotional and physical stress (by easing muscle fatigue and weakness).

Dosage - 1/2 teaspoon twice daily with warm water.

CONCLUSION

Fibromyalgia is a health condition with sensitivity and pain. The pain is constant but worsens over time. So you need to overcome this pain without further side effects. This is possible with Ayurveda. Do not ignore your pain and do not get delayed for the treatment. Contact us at www.PlanetAyurveda.com for any query and information.

Ayurvedic treatment for Fibromyalgia- Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Diet & Home Remedies

FIBROMYALGIA

Fibromyalgia is a chronic neurosensory syndromecharacterized by constant unexplained pain, fatigue and stiffness throughout the body muscles. Commonly seen in women between the age of 25 and 60 years. It is also called fibrositis.

CAUSES

• Stress,
• Infections
• Weak digestive fire- altering metabolism
• Trauma
• Irregular sleep
• late night awakening
• Incompatible food intake

SYMPTOMS

• Chronic pain since last 3 months or more
• Hypersensitivity to stimulation
• Irritable bladder
• Blurred vision, dry eyes
• Fatigue
• Disturbed sleep and feeling drowsy in the morning even after night sleep
• Gradual loss of movement
• Stiffness
• Depression, anxiety and mood disturbance, forgetfulness, poor concentration
• Migraine and tension generatedheadache
• Upper and lower back pain, joint pain
• Tenderness of muscles, ligaments and joint
• Malaise
• Anorexia
• Body heaviness
• Nausea
• Intermittent fever
• Cramps during menstruation

DIAGNOSIS METHODS

• Low serotonin levels
• Elevate level of nerve chemical substance P
• Pain on both sides of body and above and below waist lasting more than 3 months
• Tenderness on digital examination at predesignated site
• ESR and CRP Levels (c - reactive protein), Vitamin B12 & D and total blood count for differential diagnosis

AYURVEDIC APPROACH

Considered as vatavyadhi caused due to the Vitiation of Ama (toxins produced due to undigested food particle) and vata and obstruction of vatavaha and mamasavahasrotas. Here channels get blocked by toxins affectingMamsadhatu (muscles and tendons) produces symptoms like pain, stiffness, fatigue, contracture, loss of movement, intolerability even with slight touch.

AYURVEDIC MEDICINES

Herbs which help in toxins cleansing from body channels, improving and strengthening digestion to prevent the re accumulation of toxins in the channels, increasing antioxidants and free radicals in body, balancing nervous system and improving sleep quality shall be taken in combination. Some of these are:

Kumari Saar (Aloe vera juice) opens channels cleanse them, removes the accumulated toxins and improves circulation and drugs like (Nirgundi, shallaki, guggul, ashwagandha and ginger are found to be useful in curing fibromyalgia.

Planet Ayurveda offers a Fibromyalgia Care Pack containing natural herbs. This pack contains:-

FIBROMYALGIA CARE PACK

HERBAL FORMULATION IN THIS PACK	HERBS	DOSE
Joint Aid Plus It is a natural herbal blend to fight joint pains and inflammation. Combination of pure natural herbs  works quickly without any side effect Useful in pain and inflammation like condition and gives Analgesic effect.	Nirgundi, Sallaki, Guggulu, South, Ashwagandha	2 capsules twice daily with warm water.
Boswellia Curcumin Very potent anti inflammatory herbal combination. Reduces the pain and swelling of joints. Increases mobility and helpful in pain management.	Sallaki, Haridra	2 capsules twice daily with warm water.
Aamvatantak Churna Contains herbs which are detoxifying and Anti inflammatory. Helps in reducing joint pains and inflammation. Helps in aama digestion Reduction in production and accumulation of toxins in the body	Suranjan,Methi, Gorakhmundi, South, Ashwagandha, haridra	1 teaspoonful twice daily with warm water.
Stress Support It contains a powerful combination to relive stress without any side effects and drowsiness Contains adaptogenic drugs which adapts with mind to fight stress like Does not induce sleep Does not create addiction with the drug.	Brahmi, Tagar, Ashwagandha	1 capsule twice daily with warm water.
Shatavari Ghrit This is a natural Ayurvedic formulation used in the treatment of Gynecological disorders. This product is prepared from the ingredients such as Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), doodh (Bos taurus), Mulathi (Glycyrrhiza glabra) etc. This is a very helpful remedy for maintaining the female health. It balances the hormonal disturbances in the body.	Shatavari, Mulathi, Jeevak etc.	½ tsp twice a day with warm water.

All these give excellent result within one month of treatment. Each pack is a combination of many herbs useful for maintaining health digestion, metabolism and pain management.

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

The description of herbs per pack and their mode of action is as below:

Nirgundi (Vitex negundo)

It purifies body, checks accumulation of fluid in the body, it eliminates microorganisms in body, and it contains volatile essential oils, phenol, camphene, artemetin helpful in pain & swelling management.

Best Analgesic, Antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, alleviating vata, brain tonic, cleaning and healing affect.

The tikta, katu and ushan properties of the drug improves appetite and digestion.

Sallaki (Boswellia Serrata)

It contains Sitosterol and volatile oils as main ingredient.

It acts as digestive and useful in loss of appetite, stimulates sweating by opening the channels.

Guggulu (Commiphora mukul)

It contains oleoresins, guggulsterone Z & E , has anti inflammatory , analgesic, and anti bacterial actionalso a nervine tonic, it increases leucocytes count and hemoglobin hence increasing the immunity, antihelmintic, effective in rejuvenating the body tissues, efficient in scrapping out excess fat and toxins out of the body

South- Ginger Contains compounds called gingerols that offer free-radical protection. It also help in joint pains and aampachan.

Curcumin (Curcuma Longa)

Turmeric contains volatile oil and raisins Turmeric is one of the best anti inflammatory herb, having healing property , stimulates liver hence acts as appetizer, laxative, aampachak (aids in digestion of undigested food particles) , reduces weakness, has anti oxidant properties and have analgesic effects.

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

Also called winter cherry.

It has a bitter alkaloid named somniferin which has hypnotic andstress relivingactivity. It also has steroidal lactones like withanolidesand withanoferins which helps in relieving pain and swelling,weakness, has sedative effect and nervine tonic, helpful in insomnia and giddiness act, purifies blood, reduces edema, increasesimmunity, and reduces burning sensation of urine.

Methi - Fenugreek

Fenugreek possesses anti-oxidative effects, which relieve inflammation and helps get rid of inflammatory-related skin issues.

Suranjan (Colchicum luteum)

It contain alkaloid named colchicines which has pain reliving, anti-depressant and healing properties.Other than this it helps in preventing indigestion and relieving constipation. It is also a good blood purifier. It also act diuretic hence flushing the body toxins through urine.

Gorakhmundi (Sphaeranthus Indicus)

Useful in conditions associated with edema and pain.

Tagar (Valeriana wallichii)

It helps in reducing pains of body, calms and relaxes the bodyenhances sleep, maintain normal body temperature

Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri)

It's a valuable herb for brain and entire nervous system. It helps in depression, enhancing intelligence, cardio and brain tonic, act as Antioxidant.

DIET

• Fresh fruit and vegetables juice of carrot beetroot, crane berry, which are high in fibers and rich in anti oxidantsetc
• Take plenty of cucumber along with mint leaves.
• Drumstick eaten as vegetable, flowers or pods are beneficial.
• Energy foods like almonds, dried dates, beans, tofu, oatmeal, whole grain bread, walnuts, cucumber, melons
• Steamed vegetables like tinda, ghiya, parval, cabbage, drumstick, fenugreek, ginger, carrot, pumpkin, zucchini, squash, coriander, asafetida, nutmeg, garlic, raw turmeric, caraway seeds, fennel, cashews,soaked almonds, flaxseed rich in omega 3 fatty acid. Wholegrain,low fat dairy products or fresh sweet curd, tomatoesshould be included in the diet.
• Coconut milk and coconutwater, cucumber, lemon, orange, saindhavlavan or rock salt, red pepper, clove, black pepper, cumin, spinach etc are also found to be beneficial
• Wheat: wheat grass juice is very beneficial.

AVOID

Sweets, processed foods, high saturated fats, more salt and sugar, artificial sweeteners,Spicy oily , junk and fried foods, sugar, white flour, refined sugar, cocoa, chocolate, pastries, cakes, yogurt, Tea, coffee, alcohol, canned juice, frozen foods, bitter astringent foods, cauliflower, broccoli, yam, potatoes, colocasia, lady fingeretc.

One should avoid pickles, tamarind, vinegar and other sour items.

HOME REMEDIES

• Drinking juice of fresh radish daily for 15 days.
• Powder of Amla 3gms added with honey should be taken along with warm cow’s milk
• Haldi1tsp added with amlachoorna 1tsp should be taken ½ tsp along with warm milk
• Nirgundileaves are heated and are made to a poultice and tied over the affected part for chronic widespread pain.
• Paste of guggul is topically applied over the affected part directly.
• Nirgundileaves decoction can be made and tub bath can be taken for the affected part to remove the congestion reducing the obstruction of blood and increasing the circulation, reducing edema if anyand also for relieving pain.
• Medicatedsteam with herbs like nirgundi
• Preparea poultice from raw potato and shall be applied in affected area helps in relieving pain.
• Drinking water kept overnight in copper vessel shall be taken empty stomach every morning.
• 5 tsp of black gram is boiled in a glass of water, when reduced to half, strain taken twice daily.
• Boil 50 fresh mint leaves in a glass of water boil and reduce it to half, strain and drink it twice daily in the morning and evening.
• Juice of carrot, cucumber and beetroot taken together in equal quantity is found beneficial.
• Onion should be baked on coal and after removing the outer layers shall be consumed, is found useful in neuropathy.
• Mix onion juice along with equal quantity of mustard oil and should be massaged on painful parts.
• Cleam a big pod of garlic, cut in to two pieces and boil in milk, this preparation shall be taken for 42 days to relive the symptoms. The quantity should be increased gradually.
• Garlic shall be ground and mixed with sesame oil and applied on the affected parts to relive the symptoms.

OTHER MEASURES

• Yoga, suryanamaskara, Pranayama and mediation also should be practiced moderately.
• Yogasanas like trikonasana, ardhachandrasana, Padangusthasana, Padahastasana, Uttanasana, sarvangasana, ustrasana, setubandhasana, vrikshasana shall be practiced up to 5 rounds each.
• Deep relaxation exercises like yoga nidra, and shavasana shall be practiced for stress mangemtn.
• Massage with Luke warm sesame oil before bath for 10-15 minutes.
• Maintain body fitness level.
• Food should be consumed in proper timings
• Avoiding incompatible food items
• Avoiding late night awakening
• Do not disturb the body’s natural rhythm and body urges.
• Eating balanced diet which is fibrous and rich in antioxidants.
• Drinking minimum 2 liters of water daily.