Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT
Written by Corey Whelan
Updated on September 18, 2018

Overview

Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder. Symptoms include fatigue, brain fog, and widespread pain. People with this condition often have sensitive, painful points in specific areas of their body. People with fibromyalgia also have chronic pain in muscles, ligaments, and joints. This pain comes and goes over time.

Fibromyalgia’s cause is unknown. It may be related to the way the brain processes pain signals. There is currently no cure.

Treatment for fibromyalgia centers upon symptom relief. Treatments may include medication, lifestyle changes, and holistic options. There is no one remedy that works for everyone. Herbs and supplements may help. Read on to find out more about these natural remedies.

Panax ginseng

This plant is also known as Asian ginseng, Korean ginseng, and Chinese ginseng. It is available as an herbal supplement. The average recommended dosage is 200 to 500 milligrams daily. Panax ginseng can also be found in teabag form, and as a root, in its natural state. You can use 1 teaspoon of chopped, boiled root to make 1 cup of tea. While relatively new to the Western world, ginseng has been used medicinally throughout Asia, for thousands of years. A studyTrusted Source on Panax ginseng use in people with fibromyalgia indicated that it is effective for reducing pain, and the number of tender points found on the body. The same study also indicated that ginseng may:

  • improve quality of sleep
  • decrease fatigue
  • improve overall life satisfaction

St. John’s wort

A flowering herb, St. John’s Wort is available in tablet and capsule form. St. John’s Wort is also available as an extract, in oil form. Its recommended dosage ranges from 250 to 300 milligrams, taken two to three times daily.

St. John’s Wort can negatively interact with certain medications, including antidepressants and birth control pills, so it’s important to discuss its use with your doctor. St. John’s Wort may help alleviate depression in people with fibromyalgia. It may also help reduce inflammation.

Melatonin

Melatonin is a natural hormone. It’s produced in the pineal gland, which is located in the brain. Melatonin is also manufactured synthetically, and is available in supplement form. This hormone helps to regulate sleep cycles, which can make it beneficial to people with fibromyalgia. Poor quality of sleep and exhaustion are common symptoms of this condition. Melatonin may help improve sleep quality and reduce fatigue. Its recommended dosage ranges from 0.3 to 5 milligrams daily.

Chlorella pyrenoidosa

Chlorella pyrenoidosa is an alga harvested from freshwater sources. It is high in many macronutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and protein. It is available in supplement form. A studyTrusted Source found that people with fibromyalgia experienced better quality of life, due to an overall reduction in symptoms, when taking chlorella in supplement form. Study participants were given a combination of 10 grams of pure chlorella as a tablet, plus mL of a liquid containing chlorella extract daily, for two to three months.

Acetyl L-carnitine (ALCAR)

ALCAR is an amino acid produced naturally by the body. It is also manufactured synthetically, and available in supplement form. A study, reported in Clinical and Experimental RheumatologyTrusted Source, indicated that ALCAR may reduce pain and depression in people with fibromyalgia. Some participants in the study were given a dosage of 1500 milligrams of ALCAR daily for 12 weeks. Others were given duloxetine, an antidepressant. Both groups showed an improvement in symptoms, although researchers indicated that more studies are needed.