Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) comes on suddenly but lasts for
months—or even years. It is characterized by a
low-grade fever, sore throat, swollen glands, headaches, and muscle and joint
aches. These ailments are generally sufficient to reduce normal activities by 50
percent. The cause of CFS is still unknown, although a virus is one suspected
culprit. You are at greater risk for developing CFS if you are female and your
immune system has been compromised by extreme stress or anxiety, chronic health
problems, or poor eating habits.
If you think you may have CFS, visit your healthcare provider for a full
diagnosis. Your doctor can prescribe conventional medications to reduce flu-like
symptoms, lift depression, and lessen pain and inflammation in joints and
muscles. Complementary care includes adhering to the following nutritional
guidelines and using herbal remedies. Counseling, support groups, meditation,
yoga, and stress-management techniques may also be very effective complementary
therapies.
Nutrition
Avoid refined foods, sugar, caffeine, alcohol, saturated fats, dairy
products, and gluten-containing grains (gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye,
oats, and barley). Eat more fresh vegetables, beans, whole grains (non-gluten),
protein, and essential fatty acids (found in nuts, seeds, and cold-water
fish).
The following dietary supplements may reduce some of the symptoms of
CFS:
- Beta carotene (50,000 IU per day)
- Vitamin C (1,000 mg three to six times per day)
- B complex (50 to 100 mg per day) with additional B6 (100 mg
per day) and B5 (100 to 250 mg per day)
- Pantothenic acid (4 to 7 mg per day)
- Magnesium aspartate (400 to 1,000 mg per day)
- L-carnitine (330 mg one to three times per
day)
Herbal Remedies
Herbs are generally available as dried extracts (pills, capsules, or
tablets), teas, or tinctures. Unless otherwise indicated, teas should be made
with 1 teaspoon herb per cup of hot water. Steep covered 5 to 10 minutes for
leaf or flowers, and 10 to 20 minutes for roots. Drink 2 to 4 cups per day.
Tinctures are preparations made from alcohol (or water and alcohol), containing
an herb strength of 1 part herb to 5 parts solvent or 1 part herb to 10 parts
solvent.
Herbs that support overall vitality and relieve exhaustion include licorice
root (Glycyrrhiza glabra), lomatium root (Lomatium dissectum),
skullcap (Scutellaria laterifolia), passionflower (Passiflora
incarnata), lavender (Lavendula officinalis), and rosemary leaf
(Rosemarinus officinalis). Take 20 to 30 drops in tincture form two to
three times per day. Do not take licorice if you have high blood pressure.
Another remedy that may help is a tincture of Siberian ginseng
(Eleuthrococcus senticosus), schizandra berry (Schizandra
chinensis), ashwaganda root (Withania somnifera), gotu kola
(Centella asiatica), and astragalus root (Astragalus
membranaceus). Take 20 to 30 drops two to three times per day. These are
safe to take long-term and may need to be taken for four to six months for
maximum benefit.
Essential oils of jasmine, peppermint, and rosemary are calming and
restorative and may be used in aromatherapy. Place several drops in a warm bath
or atomizer.
Be sure to talk with your physician or pharmacist to best determine which
herbal or nutritional supplements are for you. Some supplements should not be
taken if you have certain medical conditions or are taking particular
prescription medications.
