Search for:
Search for:
Donate
About
Contact
MS Focus
Radio
Medicine & Research
Symptom Management
Health & Wellness
Life with MS
Exclusive Content
Ask the MS Expert
Join us at 4:30 p.m. Eastern, 3:30 p.m. Central, 2:30 p.m. Mountain, 1:30 p.m. Pacific, on Nov. 19, for
Ask...
/Events/MSF-Events/2024/November/Ask-the-MS-Expert
Homecare Assistance Grant
Through the Homecare Assistance Grant, MS Focus provides homecare, caregiver respite, and...
/Get-Help/MSF-Programs-Grants/Homecare-Assistance-Grant
Donate
About
Advertisers
Contact
Health & Wellness
Three Herbs and Supplements That May Help With MS
By Daryl H. Bryant
Adding healthy herbs and supplements to any diet can improve overall motor and
cognitive functioning
, but for those with multiple sclerosis, these natural additives can be especially helpful. Many doctors suggest
naturally occurring herbs
and minerals to help patients counteract common MS symptoms. Although they should not replace prescribed medications, taking these following herbs can help you manage your MS
symptoms
by reducing inflammation and strengthening the immune system.
Ginger
Ginger is a sweet substitute for honey that can help alleviate muscle and joint pain. As a naturally occurring anti-inflammatory, it can reduce the inflammation around the nerves and muscles that causes the stiffness and physical pain common with MS. Cutting up ginger root and adding it to some of your favorite meals or choosing to make a warm cup of tea out of it can bring delicious and healthy improvements to your daily lifestyle.
Chamomile
Like ginger, chamomile can ease tension and relax muscles by reducing inflammation. Because of its
relaxing tendencies, many patients choose to drink it in a tea. This can prove to be especially effective at night if physical pain prevents you from getting a full night’s sleep. Its sweet taste also makes for a delicious cake or glaze which can be paired with fresh fruit for a refreshing summertime snack.
Dandelion
Dandelion is a fine substitute for caffeine and can help alleviate the fatigue that is brought on by the
physical pain caused by MS symptoms. Dandelion comes in supplement form for those wary of eating a weed, but if you’re willing to take the risk, drinking it in a tea is a healthy option.
Dandelion greens are also popular in salads, as they are rich in iron to help strengthen the immune system and provide energy. You can even mix them into hummus or pesto.
The list of herbs and supplements available to MS patients is extensive, but remember to moderate your consumption of these plants and vitamins until you are certain of how your body will react to them. They can never act as replacements for regularly prescribed medication but can be added to help alleviate tension, fatigue, and other conditions that are caused by or exacerbate symptoms.
Check with your doctor before you make any changes to your diet, and remember to stop eating something if it makes you feel ill. However, if your doctor gives you the green light, herbs can be a great alternative remedy to helping you reduce inflammation in your body and ultimately manage your symptoms.
Daryl H. Bryant has been successfully managing his MS for 14 years and is the author of MS – Living Symptom Free: The True Story of an MS Patient, a book that covers every aspect of living with multiple sclerosis, from common MS symptoms to the things doctors don’t tell you about MS. Today, Daryl is living a happy, healthy, and successful life, despite his MS, and he writes a weekly blog on how to manage MS symptoms.