The tiredness you used to feel after a long day or a long week has become constant and chronic. You feel like you are dragging yourself around from work to home and then back again and you feel miserable.
If chronic fatigue has become your day-to-day reality then it is time for you to find ways to get your life under control.
What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is the name given to a collection of symptoms that have no known medical cause – they just are. The symptoms can include fatigue with no obvious cause (in other words no underlying medical problem), weakness, muscle aches and pain, depression, sleep disturbances, problems concentrating and thinking, fever, the swelling of the lymph nodes and a general feeling of being sick. CFS is also sometimes known as post-viral fatigue syndrome (PVFS).
CFS has been associated with other disorders such as fibromyalgia and myofascial pain syndrome. It often begins in the aftermath of another health problem such as a physical or psychosocial injury, some form of stress or a viral infection.
This syndrome was once referred to as the “yuppie disease.” It took many years for the medical community to acknowledge that it is a real health problem. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), chronic fatigue syndrome is a “diseases that affects the nervous system as it is accompanied by excessive exhaustion, muscle pain and weakness, a variety of cognitive impairments such as problems with focusing and thinking, and an array of debilitating problems.” Many physicians still consider CFS to be a type of clinical depression.
It has been estimated that approximately 800,000 people suffer from this syndrome but only 10 percent are aware of it and have sought treatment for it. Women are three times more likely to develop it than are men. In some cases it can become so bad that it affects the day-to-day functioning of the sufferer and can interfere with doing even the simplest activities.
Herbal Solutions for CFS:
If you suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome and you prefer to look to natural treatments for help then there are a variety of herbs that can be of service to you in your quest to feel better. Before you begin to take an herbal remedy you should talk with your healthcare provider and let him/her know that you are going to try an herbal method of treatment.
Be aware that not all herbs take effect in the same span of time. Some may begin to work in a few weeks while others may take a number of months. It is always smart to keep your doctor informed of any herbs you are taking for your condition.
Those who suffer from CFS need herbs that can improve the way in which the immune system works. The best options in this regard are echinacea, goldenseal and licorice. The first two herbs often work best in conjunction with each other. Look for a supplement that contains both of these.
Astralagus is also beneficial for immune system function. This herb helps in the creation of white blood cells that fight disease and it is beneficial when the symptoms of a head cold or flu show themselves. Astralagus can be purchased as a supplement and it is also an herbal tea.
Ginseng can also be beneficial for those with chronic fatigue syndrome. In particular look for Chinese, Korean or Siberian ginseng. Ginseng helps to combat fatigue, stress and a variety of diseases. It also supports the immune system and fights many viruses.
Milk thistle and ginkgo biloba are both useful for those who have CFS. They support the body in healing itself. The former cleanses the blood while the latter is good for liver function. Please note that milk thistle should not be taken by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Samantha
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