05/16/2019 / By Janine Acero
A person with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) experiences extreme tiredness that can’t be explained by any underlying medical condition. The consistent fatigue can’t be relieved by rest and is severe enough to disrupt their daily activities. For CFS to be diagnosed, the unrelenting fatigue must last for at least six months.
This complex, chronic illness affects about one million Americans. CFS is most commonly seen among people in their 40s and 50s. Women are also two to four times more likely to be diagnosed with CFS than men.
Currently, there is no treatment that specifically targets CFS – only its symptoms – and scientists are looking to Mother Nature for potential cures.
Researchers from India investigated the therapeutic activity of a species of orchid used in Ayurvedic medicine against CFS. Their findings were published in the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine.
Swarna jibanti (Coelogyne cristata) is an orchid used in Ayurvedic medicine to promote longevity. For their study, researchers obtained hydro-alcoholic extracts from the pseudobulbs of C. cristata (CCE) and assessed their effect on the behavioral and biochemical changes induced by CFS in aged Wistar rats. They compared the activity of CCE with that of Panax ginseng (PG), a prototype anti-stress agent.
To induce CFS, the researchers subjected the rats to forced swimming for 15 minutes each day for 21 consecutive days. The researchers assessed CFS based on locomotor activity and measured depression and anxiety using an automated photactometer. They also measured the immobility time and plus maze activity of the rats. In addition, they performed an acute toxicity study of CCE.
The researchers divided the rats into five groups: Naive control, control, CCE treated and standard PG treated. They gave the drugs to the rats orally for 21 consecutive days together with CFS.
At the end of the treatment period, the researchers assessed the rats’ behavioral parameters. They also determined the antioxidant potential of CCE in vivo based on the presence of lipid peroxides, nitrite, catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in brain tissue.
The tests yielded the following results:
These findings indicated that CCE has potential therapeutic actions against induced CFS in aged rats. This therapeutic action may be due to its central nervous system (CNS)-mediatory antioxidant properties.
Natural options can be used to address CFS symptoms. Here are some of them.
Note that treatments can only do so much. You need to help it along by making healthy lifestyle changes, such as adhering to a nutritious diet, keeping your body active with mild- to moderate-intensity exercise, and keeping your body clean by avoiding alcohol and smoking. (Related: Detoxify the body and eliminate chronic fatigue naturally.)
To help with CFS-induced insomnia, limit or eliminate caffeine from your diet so you can sleep better. Also, create a sleep routine and do your best to stick to it.
Sources include:
Tagged Under:
aging, alternative medicine, anti-stress, antioxidant, Ayurveda, Ayurvedic medicine, CFS, chronic fatigue syndrome, Coelogyne cristata, depression, exhaustion, fatigue, herbal medicine, longevity, myalgic encephalomyelitis, natural cures, natural medicine, orchids, Panax ginseng, plant cures, plant medicine, relief, remedies, sleep, stress relief, Swarna jibanti, tiredness, traditional medicine, women's health
This article may contain statements that reflect the opinion of the author