Alternatives to NSAIDS for Pain

(NSAIDS: asprin, ibuprofen, aleeve, mobic)


Niacin (vitamin B3) may decrease the pain associated with osteoarthritis, especially in the knee. Dr. Abram Hoffer, author of Orthomolecular Medicine For Physicians, writes: "I suspect vitamin B3 is necessary for everyone for tissue repair, and that one of the earliest symptoms of deficiency is a decrease in the rate of repair."

Boswelia is one of the oldest herbs in Indian, Ayurvedic medicine. Studies show it to be a potent pain relieving, anti-inflammatory herbal remedy.

Bromelain, a protein-digesting enzyme derived from pineapple blocks inflammatory chemicals called kinins. It also digests excess fibrin, a chemical implicated in osteoarthritis, sciatica, ankylosing spondylitis, and scleroderma. There's considerable research (over 200 medical journal articles) on its effectiveness in treating a variety of inflammation driven illnesses.

Curcumin is a perennial plant found in eastern Asia and parts of India. It's a popular arthritis remedy in India and a powerful pain-relieving anti-inflammatory.

Devil's Claw is a perennial vine native to South Africa. It's a potent anti-inflammatory and pain reliever.

Ginger & a Super Decongestant

"Natural remedies work, and that is why they are the most widely used medicines on earth."

Look at this, our friend ginger made the list of what to keep on hand for cold season! A ginger tea sounds good too to have on hand for fibro and cold season! (http://www.traditionalmedicinals.com/Ginger)

READ THE FULL ARTICLE: http://www.foxnews.com/health/2010/12/29/natural-remedies-cure-cold/?test=faces

I liked this one the best:

The super decongestant tea of all time
If your local natural food store has loose herbs, buy equal amounts of eucalyptus, hyssop and sage. Add equal amounts of the three herbs together. Put a teaspoon of the mixture into a tea strainer. Pour freshly boiled water over the herbs and let steep for three minutes. Strain and drink. I have found that when nothing else will provide decongestant relief, this remarkable tea will.

What You Need to Know @ Supplements

This is excellent info on supplements:

http://www.healthcentral.com/chronic-pain/c/5949/130503/supplements?ic=6042

- they take time to work -- yes, they often take longer to take effect that meds, but the little to none side effects seem worth it to me!
- they can have side effects -- true, some do
- its possible to overdose
- supplements can interact with medications
- take as directed

WARNING! Avoid These Supplements/Ingredients!!!

I caught this on the news the other night, its very important so please read and take note!

Consumer Reports has released a list of supplement ingredients its researchers say have been linked to cancer, coma, heart problems, kidney damage, liver damage, and death, and highly advise avoiding these ingredients:

• aconite
• bitter orange
• chaparral
• colloidal silver
• coltsfoot
• comfrey
• country mallow
• germanium
• greater celandine
• kava
• lobelia
• yohimbe

For details on each read more at this link:

http://www.wxyz.com/dpp/news/health/Copy_of_list-of-dangerous-supplements-announced1281035561806

Consumer Reports worked with Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, an independent research group that gauges the safety and effectiveness of nutritional supplements, to devise the list.

Please remember to consult your physician before trying anything new. I am not a doctor and no information I provide here should be considered medical advice.The information I share on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice.  It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from my research and experience. Links to other sites are provided for ease of research. Information on those sites is the opinion of those who publish the sites and is NOT necessarily that of FibroChick. I offer what I can as help. I believe in educating myself on all my medical issues and being my own advocate, for no one else will do that on my behalf. I recommend we all do the same! I encourage you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional.   

Herbal Sleep Remedies

A friend recently shared this article with me from NewsMax Health. I wanted to post the link here, as I have tried some of these but did not realize that all these aided in sleep. Very interesting. I have tried the Valerian (caution - it smells funky! :) and Melatonin (I think I built up a tolerance?) and I take Skullcap for pain (anti-inflammatory) and sometimes I sip Chamomile tea at bedtime.

These made me tired for sure, but to get my deep restful sleep I still need my Lunesta script :(

Has anyone else tried any of these?

Please don't forget to consult your doctor though before trying anything new, as even herbs like these can interact with other herbs and prescriptions.

http://www.newsmaxhealth.com/headline_health/drug_free_sleep_remedies/2010/08/05/338930.html?s=al&promo_code=A6E1-1

For details check out the article above

1. Valerian
2. Melatonin
3. Chinese Skullcap
4. Theanine
5. Lavender
6. Chamomile
7. PassionFlower

Please remember to consult your physician before trying anything new. I am not a doctor and no information I provide here should be considered medical advice.The information I share on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice.  It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from my research and experience. Links to other sites are provided for ease of research. Information on those sites is the opinion of those who publish the sites and is NOT necessarily that of FibroChick. I offer what I can as help. I believe in educating myself on all my medical issues and being my own advocate, for no one else will do that on my behalf. I recommend we all do the same! I encourage you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional.