Typically to receive the diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome the fatigue has to last for more then six months. The fatigue is not the only symptom a person can experience.
Other symptoms that are associated with chronic fatigue syndrome include muscle aches and pains, joint pain, headaches, memory problems, problems sleeping, tender lymph nodes and a sore throat.
Diagnosis of this disease is often difficult, one because we have no idea of what causes it and two because it is a hard diagnosis for people to accept.
The people who suffer the most from chronic fatigue syndrome range in age from their 40s to their 50s and mostly it seems to affect women.
Though it is not known if this is because women are more likely to report it then men, or it is really more dominant in women.
Being diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome leaves many people looking for treatment options to help alleviate the symptoms and treat the condition.
There are more and more people turning to herbal medicines to help them as they strive to live a more holistic life. It is important that you talk with your doctor before beginning any herbal medicine as that they may interact with other medications you could be taking.
Here is a list of herbal medicines that can be taken to help alleviate your symptoms. Keep in mind that this in no way replaces medical advice.
Herbs overall are safe and they are used frequently to strengthen the body and tone the body systems. Herbs can be used as dried extracts in the form of teas, capsules or powders, glycerides and tinctures.
1. Ginseng is an herb that is used by many to help boost energy levels. To get the full benefit of ginseng you will want to consume anywhere from 100-300 mg twice a day.
2. Licorice is an herb that is used to stimulate adrenal glands. You will need about 200 mg possible 400 mg three times day for only 6 weeks. Do not use licorice if you currently suffer from high blood pressure, heart failure or edema.
3. Echinacea is an herb that is used to stimulate the immune system. Taking 200 mg twice a day can help improve immune function.
4. Pau D arco is another herb that is used to strengthen the immune system. This is taken as an extract, using one tsp in a full cup water and you drink it two or three times a day. Again if you are taking any blood thinning medications this includes aspirin then you will only want to use this herbal medicine for 1 week.
5. Astragalus also known as huang qi is another herbal medicine that is used to boost the immune system. Alternating this with Echinacea will help increase the benefits.
You may notice that many of these herbal medicine focus on boosting the immune system. This is because we are not sure if chronic fatigue syndrome is due to a weak immune system, or due to a viral infection.
Therefore increasing the strength of the immune system can help decrease symptoms.
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.
Both Jim Warren & Nick Clipton are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.