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 Article of the Month - July 2006
Myalgic encephalomyelitis (M.E.) &
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (C.F.S.)
M.E. is characterised by constant, debilitating fatigue that bed rest does not cure. Nowadays, it is classed as chronic fatigue syndrome (C.F.S.). It affects twice as women as it does men, and occurs between the 20s and 40s. The Epstein Barr (glandular fever) virus was identified as a possible contributing factor to this disease, but not all C.F.S. sufferers produce positive tests.
M.E. or C.F.S. is a disease that one can recover from. Education, diet, lifestyle, healthcare and support can make an immense difference to a person’s life and condition. From a homoeopathic point of view, the body is communicating to the mind that a change or re-balance is needed. Homoeopathy and complementary therapies can offer a lot of help to those suffering with C.F.S. However, the nature of C.F.S. means that recovery usually takes some time, and one must think of getting better in terms of weeks or months rather than days.
Homoeopaths look at the mental, emotional and physical state of the person. They are also interested in how the disease came about in the first place. So, they look at the family medical history, your lifestyle, your work and environment and take a personal history. C.F.S. or M.E. has a large emotional and mental component, and homoeopathy excels at treating these kinds of conditions.
Possible reasons for M.E. /C.F.S. include:
- long periods of stress, be it from work, divorce, death of a loved one, too much responsibility, financial worries, etc.
- extended physical exertion from hard labour, manual jobs, excessive physical training, etc.
- toxicity of the body: in which case, a serious detoxification can help
- candidiasis, where the candida albicans fungus (the one associated with thrush) is proliferating in the body. Supplementing with probiotics and prebiotics (good bacteria for the intestines and the sugars that they eat) can help.
- malnutrition: a whole food, organic, energy-producing diet can help.
Homoeopaths see a history of glandular fever in the past frequently in M.E. /C.F.S. clients.
From an energetic viewpoint, fatigue can also represent a retreat from the world as there are elements in the sufferer’s reality that are difficult to deal with it. It can be that there is a fear of this life or failure, a loss of direction or control. Homoeopathic remedies and flower essences can help support the mental and emotional aspects of this disease.
Remedies
Homoeopathic remedies are best prescribed by a professional for such serious conditions. Some remedies you can try at home for relief are:
- Arsenicum album for when you feel weak, restless, fussy anxious, suffer with poor confidence and concentration, feel easily swayed, and suffer frequent relapses.
- Gelsemium (made from yellow jasmine) for drooping eyelids, heavy sensations, purple flush, frequent urination, dullness, dizziness, feelings of apprehension, a lack of willpower and desire for quiet and being undisturbed.
- Phosphoric acid for conditions coming on after grief, heartbreak, life change, with feelings of indifference, chilliness, lots of perspiration and poor memory.
- From the Narayani range, the debility Mix 75 can help for those whose condition is coming from long term stress and nervous exhaustion
You can purchase remedies from Boots, your local health food shop, Holland and Barrett and online from reputable companies like Helios, Nelsons, Weleda, Ainsworths, etc. You may also purchase them from me.
Nutritionally, there is a lot you can do to help boost your energy:
- Coenzyme Q10 and L-carnitine are powerful antioxidants. They help our cells to produce more energy
- Lecithin helps to produce energy and enhances immunity
- A good quality vitamin and mineral supplement to supply your body with all the nutrients it needs. Viridian and Higher Nature supply excellent quality supplements
- Malic acid helps cells with energy production and is also used in sugar metabolism
- Magnesium is another mineral that the body uses to produce energy
- A whole-food, nourishing, organic diet will certainly help with lots of water.
Here is a great recipe for getting an energy boost from one of my tutors, Ellen Kramer, from my studying days in London:
- Handful of almonds
- Tablespoon of pumpkin seeds
- “ “ of Sunflower seeds
Put in grinder and grind to fine powder before adding the following:
- One pear or fruit of choice
- 7 drops of Taraxacum, Carduus Marianus, Alfalfa herbal tinctures (optional, but the tinctures help to detoxify and feed the organs)
- Spirulina (as recommended on label)
- Powdered wheat grass (as recommended on label)
- Whey powder ( as recommended on label)
- Half a pint of apple juice
Now blend into a smoothie.
Another recipe for those who love juicing:
- Red or golden delicious apple
- 5 medium carrots, trimmed and scrubbed
- 1 beetroot with leaves and stems scrubbed well
- Half a lemon
- Half to a whole inch of ginger root
M.E. and C.F.S. are diseases that one must milk the maximum learning from. The body has firmly said no more, and one is forced to sit or lie there and do little else. Try to understand where the disease has come from. What needs to change? The disease is giving one the chance to grow into a stronger, more balanced and happier individual.
References
Homeopathic Remedy Guide by
Robin Murphy
Materia Medica of Narayani Combination Remedies compiled by
Robert Davidson
Health Defence by
Dr Paul Clayton
Prescription for Herbal Healing by
Phyllis Balch
Prescription for Nutritional Healing by
Balch and Balch
Ellen Kramer at
The College of Practical Homeopathy
The Juice Lady’s Guide to Juicing for Health by
Cherie Calbom
The Body Mind Workbook by
Debbie Shapiro
You Can Heal Your Body by
Louise Hay
Please be advised that the above are only my personal views. I have advised based on a healthy person on no medication. Any measures you take are at your own risk. Consult a nutritionist, herbalist and homoeopath before taking high doses of supplements, herbal tinctures and some homoeopathic remedies. This information does not replace medical advice and you should consult your doctor if you have any concerns about your condition or how the above can affect your medication.
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