What Exactly Causes Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome has been a problem for many women, and for a long time. In fact, women suffer for it far more than men do. The harmful side effects are often seen by many doctors, practitioners and other health professionals all over the world. This condition touches the lives of millions of women that can’t seem to get the proper health care to treat their symptoms.
There is a small (but growing) percentage of the population that often goes into depression, riddled with anxiety and unsure of how their lives will unfold daily as a result of this condition. There is, unfortunately, no known cause for the syndrome as yet. Many health professionals believe that it is caused by such things as infection, environment, genetics, and biological and/or psychological factors. The symptoms can be very vague and there isn’t a specific way of diagnosing it as a disease, therefore designating it as a syndrome.
Signs and Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Joint pain
Headaches
Low grade fever
Mood swings
Sleep disorders
Exhaustion and fatigue
Chiles and night sweats
Depression
Swollen lymph nodes
Cognitive confusion
Though medical professionals may prescribe sleeping pills or antidepressants to alleviate the symptoms, they often continue to linger for most women suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. The resulting doubt and frustration leads to more depression, anxiety and a feeling as if their health professionals are not listening to them.
5 Powerful Herbs to Help fight Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
St. John’s Wort: This is a wild plant that’s been used medicinally for centuries, commonly for alleviating depression. It is widely used today in the U.S. to counteract side effects from prescribed medications. Since it is a very powerful herb that does come with it’s own side effects, be sure to consult a practitioner that knows how it works before trying it yourself.
Valerian Root: This herb is fantastic for sleep disorders associated with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. It’s great to calm the mind and body down when there anxiety is involved. Valerian root may cause GABA to be released from the brain nerve endings which will then block GABA from taken back into the nerve cells of the brain.
Maca Root: Maca root not only works well to balance women’s hormones, it also helps boost energy and vitality in those suffering with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. It’s rich in vitamin B, which affects both glands of the adrenals and the pituitary. This herb comes in liquid tincture and powder. It is very gentle, tastes great and rarely shows any harmful side effects.
Ashwagandha: This herb is derived from Ayurveda. Practitioners of this form of alternative medicine believe that Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is caused by a buildup of toxins in the body. It’s also known as “Indian Ginseng” and “Winter Cherry”. It’s believed to restore vitality and energy, and restore muscular and neurological functions of the body.are choosing this form of alternative care over others, since homeopathy is very gentle on the body.
Skull Cap: This herb is great for sleep and anxiety since many Chronic Fatigue Syndrome symptoms are triggered by ongoing stress. This herb helps to reduce stress in your life by giving you back the healing power of sleep. It comes in herb and tincture forms which can be combined into a brewed tea.
Herbs are a great way to introduce alternative medicine into your life along with other methods such as nutrition, acupuncture, massage, yoga, homeopathy, tai chi, Ayurveda and other modalities to help you alleviate your symptoms and get you back to living a more meaningful life.
Camille McClellan, MD, DNM, MBS
Naturopathic practitioner
McClellan Natural Health, Wellness & Nutrition
Free Naturopathic/Homeopathic Consults Available
