The benefits that nature provides us seem endless! Apart from the herbs and roots covered in my previous article, there are still more herbs and roots that can relieve symptoms and help us cope with MS.

Lavender is a blue flower with small buds and a fresh, very aromatic scent, packed with relaxing benefits. It gives off a pleasant scent with beneficial effects, as its aroma alone can help us fall asleep and relax. It can also be taken as an infusion, as this also aids sleep. I take it as an infusion, but its aroma is also useful as a relaxant, either as a scent used to freshen up a room or applied to a pillow. An aroma spray helps you sleep more deeply and relax more. Try it and let me know what you think.

Another herb that can help, in its processed form, with spasms and muscle relaxation is, believe it or not, marijuana, or cannabinoids, but not the herb itself, rather cannabidiol. An extract of this plant, which does not have the psychoactive components that made this plant famous as a psychoactive substance. Clinical studies have shown that spasticity in multiple sclerosis patients can be significantly improved with this extract. It has also been shown to improve chronic pain and overall well-being.

It is important to differentiate between tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the psychoactive compound in marijuana, and cannabidiol (CBD), which has no psychoactive effects. Although serious side effects do not seem to cause unwanted effects, it is always a good idea to consult a professional in natural essences to ask about how to use it, as its effects and results can vary considerably. It should also be noted that prolonged use of cannabinoids has led to psychotic and nervous system disorders.

There are many medicinal herbs, such as St. John’s wort and ginkgo biloba, which, although they have shown beneficial effects for part of the population, I mention them only to indicate that scientific studies have been conducted to evaluate them and they have not been proven effective for what they are used for, and if they demonstrate a risk for patients medicated for multiple sclerosis, whether due to their modes of action in the body or the side effects that these herbs may have.

A natural product that I have used and benefited greatly from is cranberry extract. I buy it at the pharmacy, and it comes in different commercial forms, as it does not require a prescription. Cranberry extract was recommended to me by my urologist, as it acts as a disinfectant for the urinary tract. It is beneficial because as MS progresses, we tend to have a higher incidence of urinary tract infections. This is caused by urinating little but very often, as the bladder is not completely emptied. This leads to a higher incidence of urinary tract infections. To prevent recurrence, I take one capsule daily, and it has helped me reduce their incidence.

Another antifungal that can also help reduce respiratory infections is oregano extract, a few drops on the tongue, taken orally. Oregano has antibacterial benefits, so it can prevent us from catching viruses such as the flu or other respiratory infections. You can use natural or homeopathic drops, whichever you prefer or can find more easily.

I hope these two blogs help you complete your natural medicine cabinet and help you live better and with fewer health problems!