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There is a broad spectrum of opinion regarding the use of herbs for Chronic Fatigue (CF). Many physicians and the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) do not endorse using any herbal remedies.
Dr. Susan Lark believes CF is the result of nutrient deprivation, that CF sufferers lack vitamins, minerals and fatty acids in addition to herbal nutrients. She strongly advocates a healthy diet including a wide range of dark-colored vegetables and fruit. Some herbs add balance to the diet, while others fight against viruses and fungi. Patient Advocate Mary Shomon says there is not one cause of CF; therefore, people need an individualized approach in choosing herbs.
Sleep deprivation and emotional stress generally make CF symptoms worse. Dr. Lark recommends using passionflower and valerian root as sleep aids. Other possible herbs are chamomile, hops, catnip and peppermint teas. Dr. Lark begins treatment with aloe Vera and peppermint, because people tend to tolerate these best.
The most common ingredients in herbal sleeping aids are Valerian root, Passion Flower and hops. Dr. Ray Sahelian markets a sleep product that blends Valerian root, hops, melatonin, passion flower, kava and several herbs. Robert Rudelick's Straight 2 Sleepcontains extracts of Valerian root, lemon balm and passion flower, with other natural ingredients. In alphabetical order from Black cohosh to Wood betony, there are 27 herbs that can be used for sleep. Traditional Chinese Medicine prescribes a combination of up to 15 herbs.
Chronic Fatigue is progressive. People who have more severe symptoms may need to begin adding herbs slowly, as their systems may not tolerate too much nutrition too fast. Also, people allergic to ragweed would be wise to avoid Chamomile. Reaction to one generally creates reaction to both.
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