More about Fibromyalgia
Answered by: Susan Eagles
Question from: Peggy
Posted on: March 13, 2005

I’m using a foot patch which "sucks out" toxins in your body. (I have fibromyalgia). I have experienced some relief and wanted to mix my own ingredients as a bath soak. One of the components of this patch is the tree sap from Brazil eucalyptus tree roots, dried to a powder. They are supposed to have enormous "sucking" capacity that allows this tree to survive. Will sap from a tree elsewhere do, or the eucalyptus plant? Are there other plant/tree saps you can suggest? I noticed you advised someone to put the plant in kitty litter to to dry them and retain shape. Does kitty litter function in a similar way to this tree sap? If this is far afield from what you’re here for, my apologies. I keep looking for help with my symptoms and also care for others with this illness. (I’m a doctor) Thank you in advance for any light you can bring to these questions.

I don’t know anything about the effectiveness of the foot patch or of the Brazilian eucalyptus tree root for drawing out and absorbing toxins from the body. We commonly use slippery elm bark powder, mixed to a paste with water, as a poultice to draw toxins from the area to which it is applied, in wounds, ulcers and abscesses. Slippery elm bark powder is often mixed with the powdered root of the marshmallow plant (Althea officinalis), which also has good drawing power.

I recommend Chanchal Cabrera’s book "Fibromyalgia A Journey Toward Healing", publisher Contemporary Books ISBN 0-658-00305-4. Chanchal is a well trained, experienced medical herbalist who has fibromyalgia and works with fibromyalgia patients in her practice.

In my experience with fibromyalgia, the most effective part of treatment is stress reduction through reducing career demands to a level that the body is comfortable with, including stress reducing exercises (yoga, meditation, breathing exercises etc.) in the daily routine, and taking restful vacations from the job.

Following is some general information, gathered from my own experience and that of other herbalists who treat fibromyalgia:

First treat any problems with candida, thyroid imbalance, blood sugar imbalance and digestive tract problems. Eliminate food allergies/sensitivities.

Diet: The diet should include only whole, unprocessed foods, possibly with a little chicken or fish. People with fibromyalgia are usually sensitive to environmental toxins, so organic is the best choice. Small meals, with fresh, raw or lightly cooked food, are recommended.

Ginger root tea is warming, anti-inflammatory, a digestive aid and supports blood circulation.

Avoid: chocolate, sugar, alcohol, anything with yeast in it, peanuts, dairy, wheat, tomatoes, mushrooms, food additives and any foods you are allergic to. Common food allergies include dairy products, citrus fruits, nuts. Common signs & symptoms of food allergies include diarrhoea, dark circles & puffiness under the eyes, headaches, inflammations, chronic infections, chronic runny nose.

Maximize green foods, garlic, onions.

Drink lemon juice in water, especially first thing in the morning, to kick-start the digestive process/intestinal clearing.

Drink between meals only. Drinking with a meal dilutes the digestive juices & causes toxins to remain in your system longer.

In digestive problems, use food combining: do not eat proteins and carbohydrates at the same meal.

Lifestyle and Exercise:

* Get some exercise and fresh, clean air every day. Recommended are mild exercises like tai chi, stretching or yoga. Start slowly, with about 10 minutes a day, and slowly work up. Aerobic exercise may overload stress and cause a setback, so it is recommended to wait 6 months after you feel better.

* Oxygen enrichment increases with regular exercise, physical activity, yogic breathing and visualization designed to circulate energy. These also provide stress relief

* Good sleep is important.

* Bodywork: massage, shiatsu, Reiki, cranio-sacral therapy

Supplements:

* Spirulina: high chlorophyl, GLA fatty acid, beta-carotene; cleansing, nutritive, strengthens body tissues, especially connective tissue. Start with minimum dose. (10 grams/ 1 rounded tablespoon twice daily) Take between or before meals; Or Chlorella (2 grams daily). Research shows that Chlorella helps to relieve fibromyalgia symptoms.

* For pain relief: Malic acid (1200 mg per day) and magnesium (300-400 mg per day) Note: Low levels of magnesium and malic acid are often found in FM people.

* Essential fatty acids twice daily with meals: Evening Primrose Oil (Efamol 100 mg), Borage oil, Black Current seed oil or flax seed oil, or freshly ground flax seeds or a combination, twice daily with meals; improves muscle weakness, helps to relieve depression and supports the liver.

* Antioxidant vitamins A as beta carotene (30,000 i.u.daily), C with bioflavonoids (1000 mg daily) and E (natural source with mixed tocopherols 400 i.u daily)

* Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum). Relaxes mental and emotional stress and strengthens immune system. Ask at a health food store for a good brand, with 500 mg Reishi Extract 10:1. Three times daily with meals.

* Vitamin B 50 complex, twice daily with meals. Nourishes nerves.

* Digestive enzymes 3 times daily with meals: Hydrochloric acid (Glutamic acid HCL and Betaine HCL), Calcium ascorbate, amylase, lipase, protease, Bromelain and Papain; or raw fruit and vegetables, well-chewed, with each meal.

Back to Medicinal Herbs and Their Uses | Q & A Index

Copyright © 1997-2024 Otto Richter and Sons Limited. All rights reserved.