-IBIS-1.5.0-
tx
musculoskeletal system
fibromyalgia
botanicals
primary herbs
Avena sativa: nerve tonic, nervous exhaustion, low fevers, nutritive for convalescence (Felter and Lloyd, p. 316)
Beta vulgaris: general stimulant, resistance-enhancing effect; large amounts (1 liter) of juice taken for months; may cause nausea (Weiss, p. 232)
Echinacea spp.: antiviral; immune stimulant, enhances resistance to infection (Weiss, p. 229)
Eupatorium perfoliatum: enhances resistance to infection (Weiss, p. 229); specific for generalized sensation of deep ache (Boericke, p. 274-275)
Eleutherococcus senticosus: adaptogenic effects to reduce effects of stress and facilitate adrenal revitalization, 2-3 g per day, divided doses; continuously for 6-8 weeks, followed by a 1-2 week break before resuming (Brown, p. 69-77); occasionally, may cause overstimulation, gastrointestinal upset, and possibly insomnia; best to avoid caffeine
Glycyrrhiza glabra: Licorice products without the glycyrrhizin removed may increase blood pressure and cause water retention. Some people are more sensitive to this effect that others. Long term intake more than 1 gram of glycyrrhizin (which is the amount in approximately 10 g of root) daily is the usual amount required to cause these effects. As a result of these possible side effects, long term intake of high levels of glycyrrhizin are discouraged and should only be undertaken if prescribed by a qualified health care professional. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice extracts do not cause these side effects.
Hypericum perforatum: MAO action leads to increased levels of norepinephrine in the brain, for depression aspects, 200-300 mg three times daily
Panax ginseng : 1-2 g per day, if using crude, non-standardized extracts, divided doses; continuously for 2-3 weeks, followed by a 1-2 week break before resuming (Brown, p. 137); occasionally, may cause overstimulation, gastrointestinal upset, and possibly insomnia; best to avoid caffeine; contraindicated with uncontrolled high blood pressure and for pregnant or lactating women; extended use may cause menstrual abnormalities and breast tenderness in some women.
complementary herbs
Glycyrrhiza 2 g of root three times daily for six to eight weeks followed by the ongoing use of an adaptogenic herb, such as Panax ginseng, 1-2 g once daily, or Eleutherococcus (Siberian ginseng), 2-3 g once daily (Brown, p. 76, 226)
footnotes
Brown, Donald. Herbal Prescriptions for Better Health. Prima Publishing, Rocklin, CA, 1996.