EDUCATION + RESEARCH
PLANT MEDICINE POWERFUL PLANTS FOR MS BY HEATHER DEROSE
Cannabis is a powerful plant medicine that has been shown to help MS patients, but it’s not the only tool in the toolbox. There are several plants shown to produce anti-inflammatory effects, which can be beneficial to help reduce symptoms like fatigue, muscle pain and stiffness, spasms, improve sleep quality, and improve depression. Obtaining phytonutrients from plants can help improve the quality of life for those living with MS. Most strategies for the treatment of MS focus on reducing inflammation within the central nervous system. Many plants offer benefits without the side effects associated with synthetic treatment options and can effectively help patients. Ginkgo is among the oldest living tree species in the world and has been found to reduce fatigue in some MS patients.1 Vitamin D has sufficient evidence to support its use with patients living with MS.2 Vitamin D is a nutrient found in some foods, it helps nerves to transmit messages between the brain and the entire body.3 Another powerful plant is green tea. Green tea polyphenols are antioxidants and contain both anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory effects.4 Saffron has been shown to reduce oxidative stress in MS patients and has pharmacological effects such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties.5
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