 Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic (lifelong) disease that affects a person's central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). MS is believed to be an autoimmune disease. Instead of fighting off viruses and bacteria, the immune system attacks a person's nervous system. MS can occur at any age although the initial symptoms are most commonly seen between the ages of 20 and 40.There currently is no cure for multiple sclerosis. Therapies used to treat MS are designed to modify or slow the course of the disease, relieve its symptoms, and help people maintain a normal quality of life. Alternative therapies that have been used to relieve multiple sclerosis symptoms include:
• Acupuncture
• Cooling therapy
• Mind-body techniques
• Vitamin supplements
• Herbs Regarding herbs:
Useful herbs -
The following herbs are believed to be useful for people with MS: cranberry tablets (to prevent urinary tract infections), ginko biloba, psyllium (FDA approved for constipation), and valerian root (for insomnia).
Herb-disease interactions -
Because MS is believed to be an autoimmune disease, the following immune-stimulating herbs should be avoided:
alfalfa, astragalus, echinacea, garlic, and Asian ginseng.
Herb-medication interactions -
People taking lioresal (Baclofen), tizanidine (Zanaflex), or benzodiazepine (Valium, Xanax) should avoid using chamomile, ginseng, goldenseal, kava kava, stinging nettle, passionflower, sage, St. John's wort, and valerian.
People taking corticosteroids should avoid using aloe, bayberry, Asian ginseng, and licorice.
Serious side effects -
The following herbs have serious side effects and should be avoided:
chaparral, comfrey, lobelia, yohimbe. Vitamins such as vitamin D, calcium, vitamin B12, and antioxidants such as vitamins A, C, E, may all play roles and be useful in the treatment of MS. More studies need to be done to further prove their effectiveness in this disease. You should always talk to your doctor before trying any alternative therapies since side effects and drug interactions may not be fully known or understood. You and your doctor can work together to determine the right treatment for you based on your particular symptoms and pattern of disease. An early diagnosis followed by the appropriate therapy can significantly improve the quality of life for a person with multiple sclerosis. Sources:
All About Multiple Sclerosis. http://www.mult-sclerosis.org. Last accessed 3/13/2007.
Brain, Spinal Cord, and Nerve Disorders, "Multiple Sclerosis (MS)." http://www.merck.com/mmhe. The Merck Manual of Medical Information, 2nd Home Edition, online version. Last accessed 3/13/2007.
Diseases and Conditions, "Multiple Sclerosis." http://www.mayoclinic.com. Mayo Clinic Health. Last accessed 3/13/2007.
Drug Facts and Comparisons. Facts and Comparisons, 2007.Health Information, "Multiple Sclerosis. http://nccam.nih.gov. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Last accessed 3/13/2007.
Medline Plus Encyclopedia. Medline, 2007.Micromedex® Healthcare Series. Thomson Micromedex, 2006. Last accessed 3/13/2007.
Natural and Alternative Treatments, "Multiple Sclerosis." ConsumerLab.com. http://www.consumerlab.com. Last accessed 3/13/2007.
This answer prepared 3/13/2007.
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