Alternative Therapies: Herbal Treatments

Herbal treatments can unfortunately get a bad rap sometimes. In the conventional medicine world they are seen as “woo woo”or not actual treatments because they sometimes lack the scientific evidence to back them up. However, if used correctly they can be very beneficial for a number of ailments. Here is my list of the top five herbal treatments that can be used to help alleviate MS symptoms.

Ginko Biloba

Ginko Biloba has been a widely accepted herbal supplement to improve focus and memory for years. Along with improving cognition, ginkgo biloba has been shown to decrease leg pain, overactive nerves responses and possibly reduce dizziness and vertigo. Many things that MSers need! Usually it takes 4-6 weeks before individuals notice improvements while taking Ginko Biloba. Most individuals can safely try Ginko, but there is a risk of it interacting with some medications, especially blood thinners. It is also not advised for children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and individuals with epilepsy, bleeding or seizure disorders.

Please check with your doctor before trying this one!

HOW TO USE: There is no standard dosage for Ginko, but usually people take between 120-600 milligrams when boosting cognition. Starting with 120mg is advised, then gradually increasing dosages.

You can also have it as an herbal tea that is mildly sweet.

Valerian Root

Valerian has been used for medicinal purposes for over 1000 years. It is most widely known for its use in treating insomnia and sleep issues, unfortunately common occurrences with MS. However it is also known to treat anxiety, depression. When used for insomnia and sleep disturbances, you need to take it nightly to start noticing benefits as it takes some time to begin working. It’s not necessarily an immediate solution. Valerian is usually safe and well tolerated by most people. Since it is used for sleep issues, it can cause sedation, so be careful when taking it.

HOW TO USE:

For Sleep: Valerian Root is best taken 30 minutes to 2 hours prior to bed time. If taking capsules, 300-600mg works well. You can also make a tea by steeping 2-3 grams of dried valerian root in 1 cup of hot water for 10-15 minutes. As previously mentioned, this works best when used consistently for at least two weeks.

For Anxiety: A smaller dose works for anxiety, 120-200mg 3 times a day, with your last dose before bed.

Dandelion Root

Dandelion root and leaf boasts numerous health benefits. Research indicates that dandelion has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. Other studies show that dandelion could improve immune system health and decrease fatigue. There are also uses of dandelion for digestive and liver health. No studies have been done that link dandelion directly to MS, but the benefits are clearly overlapping. Dandelion is generally safe, but if you’re allergic to ragweed, marigold, chamomile, daisies or iodine you may have trouble with dandelion. Also, if you gather it from the wild, make sure it is in an area that wouldn’t be sprayed with chemicals!

HOW TO USE:

One of the ways that I use dandelion in my life is dandelion root tea. It can be a great coffee substitute during the AIP elimination phase.

Dandelion leaves can also be used in salads in place of traditional greens.

Ginger

Ginger is the powerhouse of an herb. It has been used for centuries for culinary and medicinal properties. On top of the wonderful digestive health benefits and anti-nausea effects, ginger has been shown to be anti-inflammatory and have neuroprotective effects. Ginger can also either reduce or inhibit generation of free radicals, prevent cell death and it is a strong anti-oxidant. Ginger also can help with muscle pain, lower blood pressure and lower cancer risk. Told you it was a powerhouse!

HOW TO USE:

The best ways I integrate ginger into my daily life are through cooking and drinking ginger tea. It can also be used in many home remedies for the common cough and cold, sore throats and fevers.

Burdock Root

Burdock Root has been used for centuries as a healing tool in Chinese Medicine. The roots, seeds and leaves of the plant all boast healing benefits, and all different ones as well. The roots have been shown to help detoxify the blood and aid in circulation to the skin surface. The leaf has been shown to prevent the grown of oral microorganisms. The seeds have anti-inflammatory effects as well. It is also being studied for it’s potential to positively impact the GI system, skin issues, diabetes and cancer. Burdock root is a diuretic, so make sure to hydrate properly when taking it too.

NOTE: Burdock can create severe allergic reactions in some people, so please use with caution. It also looks very similar to belladonna, a toxic nightshade. Only buy from a reputable seller (don’t go hunting for it in the wild).

HOW TO USE: Burdock root should be consumed in moderation. Burdock root can be cooked like a veggie would in cooking. In Japan it is commonly found in meals and a few in particular. It should be soaked in cold water for 20 minutes, then it can be prepared the same way carrots would be and can also be eaten raw.

Burdock leaves are rather bitter and should be soaked before used in cooking,.

Burdock root can also be found in tea form, and only one cup should be consumed in a day.

Bonus: Ashwaganda

Although Ashwaganda is widely used and very popular in Ayurvedic medicine, I was hesitant to add it to my list for several reasons. 1. It does have immune stimulating properties, which can be troublesome for some individuals with MS. 2. It is a nightshade, so if you are following AIP, then this one is a no go. However, it does have many benefits as well. Ashwaganda is considered an adaptogen, which means it is a substance that helps your body modulate it’s response to stress or environment. It has many cognitive benefits including improving memory, executive functioning focus and anxiety. It also can reduce brain cell degeneration, can promote new nerve growth and have anti-inflammatory properties. Ashwaganda has also been shown to have positive benefits for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s patients and help treat dyskinesia or involuntary movements. It also has properties that protect against environmental toxins and oxidative stress as well. There is some preliminary research that shows clinical use as promising.

HOW TO USE:

Aswaganda is usually taken in powder form and mixed with another drink or taken in capsule form.

There you go! My favorite herbal treatments for MS symptoms. Many of which I currently use, or have used in the past. As always, use your judgement. These herbs can have many benefits, but they are also very powerful. If you start experiencing side effects or start to feel unwell, stop taking the herb and contact your doctor.

All information, content, and material of this blog is for informational purposes only and are not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a qualified physician or healthcare provider.

I’M ALISSA!

I help women who have also been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis make specific and personalized diet, lifestyle & subconscious changes so that they can begin to heal their body, reduce disease symptoms, and return to a life they love.hey there,

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This is what came through during my meditation this morning.

I’ve been feeling so BEHIND lately..
That I’m not doing enough..
That progress isn’t happening fast enough..

But that’s a lie.
I’m right where I should be.

I needed this message today… maybe you do too?

14 4

Open

This is what came through during my meditation this morning.

I’ve been feeling so BEHIND lately..
That I’m not doing enough..
That progress isn’t happening fast enough..

But that’s a lie.
I’m right where I should be.

I needed this message today… maybe you do too?

14 4

This is how I slowly helped myself the most:
Making small changes to my life,
* Intentional awareness to my morning
* Noticing when I’m being mean to myself
* Noticing when I’m reactive or in a state of fight or flight..

Some “small” ideas for you too:
* don’t grab your phone first thing in the morning, take some deep breaths, think about how you want your day to go
* drink an extra glass of water (bonus if it’s in the morning too)
* get up and move every hour
* say something nice to yourself when you catch yourself being mean
* step outside for a few minutes a few times a day

Small changes add up to big steps forward,
don’t get fooled by these not being “enough”,
they absolutely are.

Wanna hear more about how Ive helped myself and my clients to lessen our MS symptoms so we feel better in our bodies?

I detail it in my chapter in Resilience Redefined.. comment “Book” and I’ll send you the link!!

21 5

Open

This is how I slowly helped myself the most:
Making small changes to my life,
* Intentional awareness to my morning
* Noticing when I’m being mean to myself
* Noticing when I’m reactive or in a state of fight or flight..

Some “small” ideas for you too:
* don’t grab your phone first thing in the morning, take some deep breaths, think about how you want your day to go
* drink an extra glass of water (bonus if it’s in the morning too)
* get up and move every hour
* say something nice to yourself when you catch yourself being mean
* step outside for a few minutes a few times a day

Small changes add up to big steps forward,
don’t get fooled by these not being “enough”,
they absolutely are.

Wanna hear more about how Ive helped myself and my clients to lessen our MS symptoms so we feel better in our bodies?

I detail it in my chapter in Resilience Redefined.. comment “Book” and I’ll send you the link!!

21 5

You don’t always have to love the hard action you’re taking to reach your goals.

You just have to show up.

You can do this… keep going 🧡🧡

*after discerning there’s no *actual* issue (pain, injury, illness etc) preventing me from working out, only that I’m a toddler and don’t wanna.

27 4

Open

You don’t always have to love the hard action you’re taking to reach your goals.

You just have to show up.

You can do this… keep going 🧡🧡

*after discerning there’s no *actual* issue (pain, injury, illness etc) preventing me from working out, only that I’m a toddler and don’t wanna.

27 4

Have you pre ordered your copy of Resilience Redefined yet??

This is a chronicling of 7 individuals who have autoimmune disease (5 of which have MS too!!) and how they take care of themselves in the best ways they can.

Pre orders are open until October 24th!!

If you pre order your copy through me before October 24th you’ll also get:

• Signed copy of Resilience Redefined
• The MS Handbook E-book
• Resilience Bookmark
• LissMS Sticker Pack (first 10 pre orders)

Comment Book below and I’ll send you the link!!

10 3

Open

Have you pre ordered your copy of Resilience Redefined yet??

This is a chronicling of 7 individuals who have autoimmune disease (5 of which have MS too!!) and how they take care of themselves in the best ways they can.

Pre orders are open until October 24th!!

If you pre order your copy through me before October 24th you’ll also get:

• Signed copy of Resilience Redefined
• The MS Handbook E-book
• Resilience Bookmark
• LissMS Sticker Pack (first 10 pre orders)

Comment Book below and I’ll send you the link!!

10 3

“Resilience is the process and outcome of successfully adapting to difficult or challenging life experiences, especially through mental, emotional, and behavioral flexibility and adjustment to external and internal demands.”

Resilience has become such a cornerstone word of the work I do this past year.
It makes sense this book I collaborated on with 6 other awesome & resilient authors was destined to have resilience in the title.

Did you see??

Pre Orders are open!

If you pre order your copy through me before October 24th you’ll also get:
• Signed copy of Resilience Redefined
• The MS Handbook E-book
• Resilience Bookmark
• LissMS Sticker Pack (first 10 pre orders)

Grab your copy here:

https://liss-ms.com/product/resilience-redefined-thriving-with-autoimmune-disease/

Or comment Book below and I’ll send you the link!!

14 0

Open

“Resilience is the process and outcome of successfully adapting to difficult or challenging life experiences, especially through mental, emotional, and behavioral flexibility and adjustment to external and internal demands.”

Resilience has become such a cornerstone word of the work I do this past year.
It makes sense this book I collaborated on with 6 other awesome & resilient authors was destined to have resilience in the title.

Did you see??

Pre Orders are open!

If you pre order your copy through me before October 24th you’ll also get:
• Signed copy of Resilience Redefined
• The MS Handbook E-book
• Resilience Bookmark
• LissMS Sticker Pack (first 10 pre orders)

Grab your copy here:

https://liss-ms.com/product/resilience-redefined-thriving-with-autoimmune-disease/

Or comment Book below and I’ll send you the link!!

14 0

Struggling to start with exercise?

Try this tip!!

Creating a new habit (any of them) necessitate us to become someone new, someone different than we were.

Because we’re trying to do something different after all.

This is gentle way of starting that identity shift process.

Become who you want to be in your mind first.

Does this help?
What other habits do you need help with? Let me know in the comments!!

31 3

Open

Struggling to start with exercise?

Try this tip!!

Creating a new habit (any of them) necessitate us to become someone new, someone different than we were.

Because we’re trying to do something different after all.

This is gentle way of starting that identity shift process.

Become who you want to be in your mind first.

Does this help?
What other habits do you need help with? Let me know in the comments!!

31 3

It’s only fitting that I announce my 2nd book (along with 7 other authors) on my 14 year anniversary with MS.

This is a book that I would have loved to read early on in my journey.
It’s about how we moved through our diagnosis and came out the other side for the better.

““Resilience Redefined” is not just a collection of stories; it is a call to action. The authors challenge those living with an autoimmune disease to not only survive but to thrive”

So… drumroll please…
Pre orders are officially open!!

If you pre order your copy through me before October 24th you’ll also get:
• Signed copy of Resilience Redefined
• The MS Handbook E-book
• Resilience Bookmark
• LissMS Sticker Pack (first 10 pre orders)

Grab your copy here: https://liss-ms.com/product/resilience-redefined-thriving-with-autoimmune-disease/

Or comment “book” below and I’ll send you the link!!

33 15

Open

It’s only fitting that I announce my 2nd book (along with 7 other authors) on my 14 year anniversary with MS.

This is a book that I would have loved to read early on in my journey.
It’s about how we moved through our diagnosis and came out the other side for the better.

““Resilience Redefined” is not just a collection of stories; it is a call to action. The authors challenge those living with an autoimmune disease to not only survive but to thrive”

So… drumroll please…
Pre orders are officially open!!

If you pre order your copy through me before October 24th you’ll also get:
• Signed copy of Resilience Redefined
• The MS Handbook E-book
• Resilience Bookmark
• LissMS Sticker Pack (first 10 pre orders)

Grab your copy here: https://liss-ms.com/product/resilience-redefined-thriving-with-autoimmune-disease/

Or comment “book” below and I’ll send you the link!!

33 15

If you like being outside, check out the America the Beautiful Access Pass!

This is a pass for those with disabilities to get into National Parks, Monuments and more for FREE!!

You can get it online or at the entrance of a national park!

Share with anyone who also might like this!!

32 2

Open

If you like being outside, check out the America the Beautiful Access Pass!

This is a pass for those with disabilities to get into National Parks, Monuments and more for FREE!!

You can get it online or at the entrance of a national park!

Share with anyone who also might like this!!

32 2

This is obvs one option of many on how to help yourself through these moments.

But when you’re stuck in negative worrying, don’t forget there can be a positive outcome too!

This is rewiring your brain in action.

You notice you’re doing something you always did,
Then do something different.

And boom! A new pathway is born.

It needs some love and attention to grow,
so keep practicing!

22 0

Open

This is obvs one option of many on how to help yourself through these moments.

But when you’re stuck in negative worrying, don’t forget there can be a positive outcome too!

This is rewiring your brain in action.

You notice you’re doing something you always did,
Then do something different.

And boom! A new pathway is born.

It needs some love and attention to grow,
so keep practicing!

22 0

This isn’t a you problem, it’s your brain acting as it should.

Are you going through some change and upheaval right now too?

I see you.

Comment any questions on how to deal below and I’ll make a part 2!

38 2

Open

This isn’t a you problem, it’s your brain acting as it should.

Are you going through some change and upheaval right now too?

I see you.

Comment any questions on how to deal below and I’ll make a part 2!

38 2

We have a new space for my (free) LissMS Healing Community!!

Come on in…

Let me show you around!

This is a space created by an MSer (me), for other MSers (you) to be able to come together and support each other, learn new tools to help manage MS and maybe find a few new internet friends!

Wanna join us?

Comment “community” below and I’ll send you the link!!

16 1

Open

We have a new space for my (free) LissMS Healing Community!!

Come on in…

Let me show you around!

This is a space created by an MSer (me), for other MSers (you) to be able to come together and support each other, learn new tools to help manage MS and maybe find a few new internet friends!

Wanna join us?

Comment “community” below and I’ll send you the link!!

16 1

There’s so much buzz about everything needing to feel good if it’s right for you.

Sure, there’s a time and a place for alignment.

But, growth often happens in the uncomfortable moments.

Just a reminder.
Keep going.
❤️

32 9

Open

There’s so much buzz about everything needing to feel good if it’s right for you.

Sure, there’s a time and a place for alignment.

But, growth often happens in the uncomfortable moments.

Just a reminder.
Keep going.
❤️

32 9

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