Herbs for multiple sclerosis

What is Multiple Sclerosis?

Multiple sclerosis or MS is severe neurological disorder which can take several forms. It usually affects younger adults while symptoms can be unnoticed for a long time. MS affects the whole body. Multiple sclerosis can harm optic nerve thus inducing vision difficulties, damage spinal nerve and cause walking problems, speech and articulation can be disturbed because of other nervous damages, bladder and bowel function can be lost, and confusion is also usually present. Luckily, most of the MS patients don’t experience severe problems and can have long periods of remission.

Actual cause is unknown, but scientists believe that multiple sclerosis could be the result of an autoimmune disease. Autoimmune disorder occurs when immune system creates antibodies that attack its cells and bring damage to tissues and organs. This disorder could begin due to viral infection, like infection by herpes simplex virus, that can be latent for many years and suddenly induce autoimmune reaction from human organism.

Herbs and Supplements for MS

Supplements, to be effective, must be utilized in the beginning of illness. Supplements have mission to increase antioxidants activity while protecting vulnerable nerve cells from free radicals that are produced by metabolic processes in the body. Supplements must also aid production of fatty acids and other material that is useful to nerves. They are used in combination with traditional drugs for multiple sclerosis. One month is necessary to show the result of supplements effectiveness in these cases.

Vitamin C and E have antioxidant properties and can be very successful in relieving some of the MS symptoms since they delay nerve tissue damage. Vitamin B complex is effective for nervous functioning while additional doses of vitamin B12 and folic acid protect the nerves from free radicals.

NAC (N-acetylcysteine) supplement is a successful antioxidant in fighting against nerve cells deterioration. Combined with vitamins or zinc and copper minerals, this supplement reduces inflammation process in the body.

Essential fatty acids can be taken from herbs such as flaxseed and evening primrose. They help in building nerves and tissue and reduce inflammation as well.

Ginko biloba is another antioxidant that helps with supplying blood to the nervous system and it is generally beneficial to overall health.

Apart from this, there are several things that you must be aware of. Long sunbathing can contribute to multiple sclerosis symptoms due to resulting high body temperature. This can also happen if you take long hot baths or involve in heavy physical activity. Special diets and gentle exercises may alleviate the symptoms but it should be done after consulting your doctor.