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,

follow along on Instagram:

I have a saying about dealing with MS (and any other autoimmune/chronic illnesses) that inevitably comes up in my work with clients:
“You don’t get it, until you get it”

Meaning, you don’t understand living life with MS (or any of the above), until you live in a body that has it.

Which is why living with MS can be so tough and lonely, because its hard to find people that truly understand what you mean when you say you’re exhausted, or brain foggy or “fine”.

This is also why I believe that having a community of others who get it is invaluable.

I’ve seen countless times over where someone new to one of my groups is able to feel fully seen and heard for the first time, and that is priceless for them and their healing.

They walk away feeling validated, understood and at home, which are hard to come by at the doctors office 😂🙄

You’re not too much
You’re not alone
You’re not lazy
You’re just talking to the wrong people.

If you wanna talk to the right people, I’m creating something for you..

Think, somewhere to go online, where you can: connect with others who have MS, get questions about MS answered, get tools that can help your symptoms, support & accountability to help with actually doing those things.. 

BUT- only the waitlist is going to hear about it. So- if you want to be notified and involved in creating whats coming, comment WAITLIST and you’re in 

#lissms #multiplesclerosis #multiplesclerosiscommunity #thisisms #becausems #multiplesclerosissupport

I have a saying about dealing with MS (and any other autoimmune/chronic illnesses) that inevitably comes up in my work with clients:
“You don’t get it, until you get it”

Meaning, you don’t understand living life with MS (or any of the above), until you live in a body that has it.

Which is why living with MS can be so tough and lonely, because its hard to find people that truly understand what you mean when you say you’re exhausted, or brain foggy or “fine”.

This is also why I believe that having a community of others who get it is invaluable.

I’ve seen countless times over where someone new to one of my groups is able to feel fully seen and heard for the first time, and that is priceless for them and their healing.

They walk away feeling validated, understood and at home, which are hard to come by at the doctors office 😂🙄

You’re not too much
You’re not alone
You’re not lazy
You’re just talking to the wrong people.

If you wanna talk to the right people, I’m creating something for you..

Think, somewhere to go online, where you can: connect with others who have MS, get questions about MS answered, get tools that can help your symptoms, support & accountability to help with actually doing those things..

BUT- only the waitlist is going to hear about it. So- if you want to be notified and involved in creating whats coming, comment WAITLIST and you’re in

#lissms #multiplesclerosis #multiplesclerosiscommunity #thisisms #becausems #multiplesclerosissupport
...

10 3
As I type this post, we’re on the way to 100 degrees today and we’re in the middle of a heat wave.
🥵 is an understatement lol.

If you’re an MSer.. you know an increase in temperature can cause our already compromised neurons to work even less effectively than normal.

There’s a few things I have found helpful for managing the heat: 

BE PROACTIVE: Instead of waiting until you’re about to melt, use cooling strategies before you really need them.

CREATE AN OASIS: If you don’t have central AC in your house, make (at least) one room in your house a cool oasis to hide in. 

ACCESSORIZE: Get alllll the cooling products. @koldtec @releafpack and a cooling vest are a must! 

HYDRATE: Drink plenty of water and add electrolytes! Trace Minerals is my fav, but there is Buoy, LMNT or Liquid IV too! 

But most of all, make sure to advocate for yourself and your comfort. 

You deserve comfort as well as any other person.
Please don’t let anxiety and fear of “ruining” a summer day keep you from asking/stating what you need.

What are your top ways to stay cool?? Tell us below! 

PS!!
I’m deep in the trenches creating a one stop shop for anything and everything MS healing. A place where you can plug into and get ideas for recipes, workouts, stress management and living life with MS.
As well as support and understanding from people who get what it means to live with an autoimmune disease.

Only the waitlist will get an invite- comment WAITLIST below and I’ll add you!!

#lissms #multiplesclerosis #thisisms #becausems #heatintolerance #healingmultiplesclerosis

As I type this post, we’re on the way to 100 degrees today and we’re in the middle of a heat wave.
🥵 is an understatement lol.

If you’re an MSer.. you know an increase in temperature can cause our already compromised neurons to work even less effectively than normal.

There’s a few things I have found helpful for managing the heat:

BE PROACTIVE: Instead of waiting until you’re about to melt, use cooling strategies before you really need them.

CREATE AN OASIS: If you don’t have central AC in your house, make (at least) one room in your house a cool oasis to hide in.

ACCESSORIZE: Get alllll the cooling products. @koldtec @releafpack and a cooling vest are a must!

HYDRATE: Drink plenty of water and add electrolytes! Trace Minerals is my fav, but there is Buoy, LMNT or Liquid IV too!

But most of all, make sure to advocate for yourself and your comfort.

You deserve comfort as well as any other person.
Please don’t let anxiety and fear of “ruining” a summer day keep you from asking/stating what you need.

What are your top ways to stay cool?? Tell us below!

PS!!
I’m deep in the trenches creating a one stop shop for anything and everything MS healing. A place where you can plug into and get ideas for recipes, workouts, stress management and living life with MS.
As well as support and understanding from people who get what it means to live with an autoimmune disease.

Only the waitlist will get an invite- comment WAITLIST below and I’ll add you!!

#lissms #multiplesclerosis #thisisms #becausems #heatintolerance #healingmultiplesclerosis
...

15 8
What she also didn’t know?
The MS diagnosis would be the best thing to happen to her

Ok maybe not best lol, but I now can see what a gift it was.

You see, the MS diagnosis I got eventually gave me a reckoning moment with my health.

Change something, or else this is gonna go downhill fast.
This being my body, my ability to move, to live doing the things I want to do.

And man did it help.

I went from “aggressive MS” to not even thinking about MS on some days.

This process I went through? That’s exactly what I help others with now.

I currently have 2 Individual Client spots open!! (1 might be gone soon though..)

We can work on..
✨How you’re feeling mentally & emotionally about your MS diagnosis.
✨Strategies to mitigate your symptoms, that include nutrition, movement and cognitive/emotional methods
✨Anything else your body needs 

Interested in what this would look like for you?
Comment 🧡🧡 below and I’ll send you details!!

#lissms #multiplesclerosis #nervoussystemregulation #thisisms #becausems #multiplesclerosiswarrior #multiplesclerosissupport

What she also didn’t know?
The MS diagnosis would be the best thing to happen to her

Ok maybe not best lol, but I now can see what a gift it was.

You see, the MS diagnosis I got eventually gave me a reckoning moment with my health.

Change something, or else this is gonna go downhill fast.
This being my body, my ability to move, to live doing the things I want to do.

And man did it help.

I went from “aggressive MS” to not even thinking about MS on some days.

This process I went through? That’s exactly what I help others with now.

I currently have 2 Individual Client spots open!! (1 might be gone soon though..)

We can work on..
✨How you’re feeling mentally & emotionally about your MS diagnosis.
✨Strategies to mitigate your symptoms, that include nutrition, movement and cognitive/emotional methods
✨Anything else your body needs

Interested in what this would look like for you?
Comment 🧡🧡 below and I’ll send you details!!

#lissms #multiplesclerosis #nervoussystemregulation #thisisms #becausems #multiplesclerosiswarrior #multiplesclerosissupport
...

25 2
First..
Save this reel so you can come back to it and send it to a bestie so they can feel better too!!

Now.. how do you feel after taking that breath?

A little more calm, centered and focused?
Probably.

How we breathe is such a huge piece of the nervous system regulation puzzle, this well def help in your efforts.

Give it a try a few times a day, and let me know what you notice!!

If we haven’t met yet, Hi! 👋🏼👋🏼 I’m Alissa.

I’m a Holistic Practitioner & Therapist specializing in MS. 
I use all the tools I’ve comprised over my 10+ year career (and 15+ years with MS) to help my clients decrease their symptoms, improve their overall health and get back to living life on their terms, not MS’ terms.

I currently have 2 Individual Coaching spots open!! (if you live in MA I take some insurance!!)
Comment 🧡 below to learn more!!

#lissms #multiplesclerosis #nervoussystemregulation #becausems #thisisms #multiplesclerosiswarrior #healingmultiplesclerosis

First..
Save this reel so you can come back to it and send it to a bestie so they can feel better too!!

Now.. how do you feel after taking that breath?

A little more calm, centered and focused?
Probably.

How we breathe is such a huge piece of the nervous system regulation puzzle, this well def help in your efforts.

Give it a try a few times a day, and let me know what you notice!!

If we haven’t met yet, Hi! 👋🏼👋🏼 I’m Alissa.

I’m a Holistic Practitioner & Therapist specializing in MS.
I use all the tools I’ve comprised over my 10+ year career (and 15+ years with MS) to help my clients decrease their symptoms, improve their overall health and get back to living life on their terms, not MS’ terms.

I currently have 2 Individual Coaching spots open!! (if you live in MA I take some insurance!!)
Comment 🧡 below to learn more!!

#lissms #multiplesclerosis #nervoussystemregulation #becausems #thisisms #multiplesclerosiswarrior #healingmultiplesclerosis
...

10 0
5 Habits to Help MS Symptoms 

In no particular order:
• Food/ our diet
• Movement 
• Breathing 
• Tracking/Review
• Joy! Fun! Presence!

Want my free Eating for MS Guide? Comment FOOD and I’ll send it to you!

Want my 3 minute morning routine that helps your brain, body and mind?
Comment MOVE and I’ll send it to you!

Let me know if you like these lives and want to hear about more topics!

5 Habits to Help MS Symptoms

In no particular order:
• Food/ our diet
• Movement
• Breathing
• Tracking/Review
• Joy! Fun! Presence!

Want my free Eating for MS Guide? Comment FOOD and I’ll send it to you!

Want my 3 minute morning routine that helps your brain, body and mind?
Comment MOVE and I’ll send it to you!

Let me know if you like these lives and want to hear about more topics!
...

11 6
5 Underrated Supplements to help MS symptoms 

In no particular order:
• ALA- Alpha Lipoic Acid
• NAC N-Acetylcystine
• Lions Mane Mushroom
• NADH/NAD+
• Pre/Probiotics

Have you tried any of these before??
What has been your experience?

5 Underrated Supplements to help MS symptoms

In no particular order:
• ALA- Alpha Lipoic Acid
• NAC N-Acetylcystine
• Lions Mane Mushroom
• NADH/NAD+
• Pre/Probiotics

Have you tried any of these before??
What has been your experience?
...

10 0
5 things to keep in mind about nutrition and MS

1. Addition before subtraction 
2. Eat your fruits, veggies and fats
3. Think about how you’re eating vs what you’re eating
4. Hydrate!!
5. Consider elimination if needed

More questions on food for MS?
Grab your Eating for MS Guide in my bio!!

5 things to keep in mind about nutrition and MS

1. Addition before subtraction
2. Eat your fruits, veggies and fats
3. Think about how you’re eating vs what you’re eating
4. Hydrate!!
5. Consider elimination if needed

More questions on food for MS?
Grab your Eating for MS Guide in my bio!!
...

12 1
Just a guess…

Did I nail it? Almost? I bet.

I’ve seen the same patterns over and over within my clients (and tbh myself)

Growing up hyper independent..
Possibly not getting your needs met as a kid..
Feeling like you’re in control of it all girl boss style.. 
But unable to say no when asked to do anything.. 

You think you’re just being helpful, or kind, or smart..

In reality you’re keeping yourself stuck and sick.

Babe lemme tell you, there is a way out.

Embodied Resilience gives you that path out from under your unhelpful patterns (that always saying yes thing) and your over stressed life

Comment OUT below and I’ll send you details on the group.. we start next week!!

#lissms #multiplesclerosis #nervoussystemregulation #multiplesclerosiswarrior #nervoussystemhealing #thisisms #becausems #msawarenessmonth

Just a guess…

Did I nail it? Almost? I bet.

I’ve seen the same patterns over and over within my clients (and tbh myself)

Growing up hyper independent..
Possibly not getting your needs met as a kid..
Feeling like you’re in control of it all girl boss style..
But unable to say no when asked to do anything..

You think you’re just being helpful, or kind, or smart..

In reality you’re keeping yourself stuck and sick.

Babe lemme tell you, there is a way out.

Embodied Resilience gives you that path out from under your unhelpful patterns (that always saying yes thing) and your over stressed life

Comment OUT below and I’ll send you details on the group.. we start next week!!

#lissms #multiplesclerosis #nervoussystemregulation #multiplesclerosiswarrior #nervoussystemhealing #thisisms #becausems #msawarenessmonth
...

22 2
Stress & MS!!

• How our nervous system should function 
• Why it doesn’t work “right” in todays world
• How to support our nervous system & stress response

Stress & MS!!

• How our nervous system should function
• Why it doesn’t work “right” in todays world
• How to support our nervous system & stress response
...

13 0
First, comment SAFE below and I’ll send you details on my course Embodied Resilience- 
(Maybe the only live round this year) we start March 10th!!

Years and years ago, someone really confused me when they said meditating made their anxiety worse. 

My baby therapist-in-training brain thought, well crap- isn’t that supposed to help???

While yes, it is supposed to, it often doesn’t. 
(Especially if you’ve experienced trauma)

You see, before we get quiet with our thoughts in meditation, our bodies need to feel safe doing so. 

If you don’t feel safe in your body, meditation won’t “work”. 

I see this all the time in my clients:
• they’re going a mile a minute throughout the day..
• thinking 10 steps ahead of what they’re doing..
• ignoring their body all day..

then all of a sudden they sit down to try and meditate and- shocker- they “can’t”

You too? You’re not broken- promise 🧡🧡

Try this instead: 
- Stop what you’re doing and actually sit down (I’ll wait)
- Close your eyes, take a few deep breaths and focus on a loud whooooooshing exhale
- Put your hand on your chest and notice what your body is physically feeling (tight chest? Hole in your stomach? Exhaustion?)
- Gently sway/rock your shoulders back and forth
- Open your eyes and come back to your surroundings. Look around the room and name a few objects you see around you out loud. 
- How did that feel to your mind and body? 

If you’ve been trying all the things to help reduce stress + calm your body and mind but find they “don’t work” I invite you into Embodied Resilience. 

This is one of my signature programs designed to help you learn how to actually manage stress in an effective way, so stress doesn’t cause a MS symptom flare or worse- full blown relapse. 

We’re still in pre-sale, so to get the best price grab your spot now!! 

#lissms #thisisms #becausems #multiplesclerosis #nervoussystemregulation #nervoussystemhealing #healingmultiplesclerosis #multiplesclerosiswarrior

First, comment SAFE below and I’ll send you details on my course Embodied Resilience-
(Maybe the only live round this year) we start March 10th!!

Years and years ago, someone really confused me when they said meditating made their anxiety worse.

My baby therapist-in-training brain thought, well crap- isn’t that supposed to help???

While yes, it is supposed to, it often doesn’t.
(Especially if you’ve experienced trauma)

You see, before we get quiet with our thoughts in meditation, our bodies need to feel safe doing so.

If you don’t feel safe in your body, meditation won’t “work”.

I see this all the time in my clients:
• they’re going a mile a minute throughout the day..
• thinking 10 steps ahead of what they’re doing..
• ignoring their body all day..

then all of a sudden they sit down to try and meditate and- shocker- they “can’t”

You too? You’re not broken- promise 🧡🧡

Try this instead:
- Stop what you’re doing and actually sit down (I’ll wait)
- Close your eyes, take a few deep breaths and focus on a loud whooooooshing exhale
- Put your hand on your chest and notice what your body is physically feeling (tight chest? Hole in your stomach? Exhaustion?)
- Gently sway/rock your shoulders back and forth
- Open your eyes and come back to your surroundings. Look around the room and name a few objects you see around you out loud.
- How did that feel to your mind and body?

If you’ve been trying all the things to help reduce stress + calm your body and mind but find they “don’t work” I invite you into Embodied Resilience.

This is one of my signature programs designed to help you learn how to actually manage stress in an effective way, so stress doesn’t cause a MS symptom flare or worse- full blown relapse.

We’re still in pre-sale, so to get the best price grab your spot now!!

#lissms #thisisms #becausems #multiplesclerosis #nervoussystemregulation #nervoussystemhealing #healingmultiplesclerosis #multiplesclerosiswarrior
...

5 3
This is where I start all my clients when they want to start working on their:
- stress management and response
- nervous system regulation
- undoing the unhelpful behavior patterns that got us sick (people pleasing, perfectionism etc)

And the first step I’ll share in my masterclass tomorrow, Cultivating Resilience, all about stress + MS.
 I’ll tell you about the rest of the process too. 

Haven’t signed up yet? There’s still time!!
Comment STRESS below and I’ll send you the link to sign up!!

#lissms #multiplesclerosis #nervoussystemregulation #stressmanagement #healingmultiplesclerosis #thisisms #becausems

This is where I start all my clients when they want to start working on their:
- stress management and response
- nervous system regulation
- undoing the unhelpful behavior patterns that got us sick (people pleasing, perfectionism etc)

And the first step I’ll share in my masterclass tomorrow, Cultivating Resilience, all about stress + MS.
I’ll tell you about the rest of the process too.

Haven’t signed up yet? There’s still time!!
Comment STRESS below and I’ll send you the link to sign up!!

#lissms #multiplesclerosis #nervoussystemregulation #stressmanagement #healingmultiplesclerosis #thisisms #becausems
...

18 5

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