In my journey to find relief and help, I have stumbled upon various suggestions to herbal supplements. I have collected this list from sources like books and the internet.
As you probably know I´m not an expert, so please contact your doctor and do your own research before trying any of the herbs I suggest here. I hope it will give you some of the much-needed help and relief.
Reishi Mushroom
Reishi mushroom or Ganoderma Lucidum is considered a strong antiinflammatory fungus, that is supposed to reduce the growth of fat cells. It has been used against overweight for generations, but I have not found any research about the subject.
It is a herbal medicine but also used in conventional treatments against severe diseases like cancer, and studies show that reishi can increase the number of white blood cells.
I have been taking this hoping it will assist my weight loss, but the primary reason for me to use it is that it treats the fatigue as well. I take one pill of 8000 mg a day, but I have seen recommendations of 2000-2800mg two to three times a day.
You can buy it many places, I got mine from Ebay.
Here are some links to studies about Reishi mushroom
- Immune functions in advanced-stage cancer patients
- Immune response and Blood cells
- Effect of Ganoderma on T lymphocyte subsets
- Immunomodulating Effect of Ganoderma
I have not read about any side effects and reishi is considered a food mushroom in Asia where it originates from.
Butchers Broom
Butcher’s broom might improve blood circulation in the legs and is an old remedy against pain.
In the book, Lymphedema and Lipedema Nutrition Guide written by Chuck Ehrlich, Emily Iker, Karen Herbst, Linda-Ann Kahn, Dorothy D. Sears, Mandy Kenyon, and Elisabeth McMahon suggest butcher´s broom as a method to increase fluid movement within lymph vessels.
They also indicate that butcher’s broom may decrease lymphedema and should be taken with selenium.
The dose should be 1 gram a day.
I use these from Piping Rock who has the lowest price I have found. I take two a day, so my daily doses is a bit higher. Some online resources suggest up to 3 grams a day.
Bucher´s broom is known to be very safe, but there has been a case of toxicity in a diabetes patient. I have also read about diarrhea as a known side effect.
Turmeric and Ginger
Both turmeric and ginger are known to be very anti inflammatory and it is easy to get it through your diet. I use it in my food almost every day, and love the flavors. It is however a good idea to get it as a supplement If you do not like the taste of it.
The dose of turmeric is 1-2 grams a day.
Too much ginger can cause a blood-thinning effect, so be sure not to over do it. 2-4 grams a day is sufficient.
Devils Claw Root
Devils claw root is my main pain killer, and it works better than all the chemical medicine I have tried. In Denmark, this is a verified herbal product, with research proved effect.
I use up to 6 capsules a day, taking two at a time if the pain is awful.
Other herbs and vegetables that I use
This section is not herbs recommended by medical doctors, but are mentionable in my opinion. They are easy to find in nature, and you can safely use them every day.
Dandelion
A potent anti-inflammatory herb that can be a little bitter, but if use use a couple of small fresh leaves and add a pinch of stevia or another sweetener (don´t use regular sugar), it makes a very delicious herbal tea. Just pour boiled water over the leaves, and let it sit for about 10 minutes.
Plantain
Plantain can be used like spinach and is best cooked. The leaves are known for their anti-inflammatory effect and can be used for healing wounds. It is also a painkiller, so I do not see any reason not to use it. It is only the leaves of the plant that are considered safe to use.
When I eat a big bowl of salad with almost half of it being basil, I feel like I get an energy shot. Maybe it is just me, but I find it to be a good antidote against the dercums fatigue. It is not a miracle, but the best energy booster I have discovered.
Basil
Basil is also an excellent herb for pain management as well as an anti-inflammatory remedy.
I have it in my garden and use it all summer. Most times, I make a salad with tomatoes (not everyone should eat nightshade plants) along with some mozzarella cheese.
If you want to know more about how food can help dercums patients, please look at the category What to Eat
