Fighting Early MS
Symptoms with Natural Remedies –
Symptoms with Natural Remedies –
written by:
March 2013
According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, some
of the earliest signs
and symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis are fairly common: fatigue, coordination
or dizziness problems, memory lapses, depression or anxiety, vision problems,
numbness or tingling, and pain. As there is no cure for MS, many see the appeal
of herbal remedies or natural supplements that may treat some of the
condition’s symptoms. According to Healthline, a variety of potentially
effective herbs
and supplements may exist, but many natural remedies still need to be
studied more closely for their impact on MS.
of the earliest signs
and symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis are fairly common: fatigue, coordination
or dizziness problems, memory lapses, depression or anxiety, vision problems,
numbness or tingling, and pain. As there is no cure for MS, many see the appeal
of herbal remedies or natural supplements that may treat some of the
condition’s symptoms. According to Healthline, a variety of potentially
effective herbs
and supplements may exist, but many natural remedies still need to be
studied more closely for their impact on MS.
Herbs and supplements have strong medicinal properties. They
may interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications, and should not be
taken without consultation with a physician or pharmacist.
may interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications, and should not be
taken without consultation with a physician or pharmacist.
Fighting Fatigue
MS-related fatigue can be a burden. The weakness and lack of
energy associated with MS may be alleviated, however, by supplements such as
ginseng or vitamin B1. A recent randomized trial studied
ginseng supplements and found a significant positive effect of the herb on
fatigue and quality of life in MS patients. In addition, dandelion root or leaf
has also been used for anti-fatigue properties.
energy associated with MS may be alleviated, however, by supplements such as
ginseng or vitamin B1. A recent randomized trial studied
ginseng supplements and found a significant positive effect of the herb on
fatigue and quality of life in MS patients. In addition, dandelion root or leaf
has also been used for anti-fatigue properties.
Keeping Your Balance
Dizziness, balance, and coordination problems are also
common symptoms in the early stages
of MS. Although many herbs have been used for these symptoms historically,
few have strong research supporting them. Gingko biloba is promising, however,
for a reduction in dizziness and balance problems. In addition, physical
therapy and exercise therapy offer the newly diagnosed (and more advanced
individuals!) the perks of better muscle control and coordination.
common symptoms in the early stages
of MS. Although many herbs have been used for these symptoms historically,
few have strong research supporting them. Gingko biloba is promising, however,
for a reduction in dizziness and balance problems. In addition, physical
therapy and exercise therapy offer the newly diagnosed (and more advanced
individuals!) the perks of better muscle control and coordination.
Just Remember
The race is on to find effective drugs—natural or
otherwise—to slow or reverse neurodegeneration. Although more research is
needed, chyawanprash, CoQ10, and sage all show promise in early studies for
their potential to boost memory ability and increase mental acuity.
otherwise—to slow or reverse neurodegeneration. Although more research is
needed, chyawanprash, CoQ10, and sage all show promise in early studies for
their potential to boost memory ability and increase mental acuity.
Stay Positive
Beyond the MS community, millions of people around the world
would love a natural treatment for anxiety and depression. The ever-popular St.
John’s Wort offers assistance to many. Valerian, however, is a newer and
promising entry to the mental health herb market; it may also improve insomnia
(another frequent MS problem).
would love a natural treatment for anxiety and depression. The ever-popular St.
John’s Wort offers assistance to many. Valerian, however, is a newer and
promising entry to the mental health herb market; it may also improve insomnia
(another frequent MS problem).
Seeing the Forest
Through the Trees
Through the Trees
Vision problems, such as macular degeneration, often occur
over time in individuals with MS. Bilberry leaf may protect vision, and gingko
biloba is under study for similar protective effects. Common supplements, such
as vitamin A and zinc, are also essential for healthy vision—some trials
suggest there is a general protective effect from a regular multivitamin.
over time in individuals with MS. Bilberry leaf may protect vision, and gingko
biloba is under study for similar protective effects. Common supplements, such
as vitamin A and zinc, are also essential for healthy vision—some trials
suggest there is a general protective effect from a regular multivitamin.
Going Numb
Although numbness and tingling in the extremities is a
common symptom of MS, it is difficult to treat. It is usually caused by nerve
degeneration. Initial research has found a link between magnesium deficiencies
and this symptom. Some studies suggest that taking magnesium supplements may
help people avoid the numbness and tingling associated with MS.
common symptom of MS, it is difficult to treat. It is usually caused by nerve
degeneration. Initial research has found a link between magnesium deficiencies
and this symptom. Some studies suggest that taking magnesium supplements may
help people avoid the numbness and tingling associated with MS.
Pain Aplenty
Pain is clearly not a symptom specific to MS. A wide variety
of options exist for over-the-counter, prescription, herbal, physical therapy,
and homeopathic pain relief remedies exist. Two herbal options that show some
efficacy for pain management include catnip and ginger. Both of these herbs
also have other properties that may prove useful to individuals with MS.
Ginger, for instance, is also being widely studied for its anti-inflammatory
ability.
of options exist for over-the-counter, prescription, herbal, physical therapy,
and homeopathic pain relief remedies exist. Two herbal options that show some
efficacy for pain management include catnip and ginger. Both of these herbs
also have other properties that may prove useful to individuals with MS.
Ginger, for instance, is also being widely studied for its anti-inflammatory
ability.
Whatever you choose to manage your early MS symptoms, always
be sure to discuss your options and potential interaction effects with a health
professional. Each person’s health needs and symptoms differ, and some herbal
solutions may be better understood after additional research.
be sure to discuss your options and potential interaction effects with a health
professional. Each person’s health needs and symptoms differ, and some herbal
solutions may be better understood after additional research.
Katie Brind’Amour, MS,
is a Certified Health Education Specialist and freelance health science writer
for sites such as Healthline.com and WomensHealthcareTopics.com.
She enjoys learning about practical ways to live well while chipping away at
her PhD in Health Services Management and Policy.
is a Certified Health Education Specialist and freelance health science writer
for sites such as Healthline.com and WomensHealthcareTopics.com.
She enjoys learning about practical ways to live well while chipping away at
her PhD in Health Services Management and Policy.
..
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