More and more people with multiple sclerosis are looking for holistic approaches to manage pain and other symptoms they face better. Let’s take a look at 7 effective natural remedies for multiple sclerosis below.

What is Multiple Sclerosis?

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system, consisting of the brain and spinal cord. In multiple sclerosis, the myelin that covers nerve fibers in the central nervous system is damaged, which causes disruption of messages sent from the brain to the body. 

The symptoms of multiple sclerosis can affect any part of the body and they vary since the central nervous system controls the actions and activities of the body. Most individuals with multiple sclerosis, however have a few of the known symptoms and it is not likely for one to have all possible symptoms. 

Some of the symptoms of multiple sclerosis include:

• Blurred vision
• Loss of sensitivity 
• Numbness 
• Tingling or pins & needles sensations 
• Muscle spasms 
• Difficulties with coordination 
• Acute & chronic pain
• Speech troubles 
• Fatigue
• Urine incontinence 
• Bowel difficulties 
• Depression 
• And others 

7 Natural Remedies for Multiple Sclerosis 

1.    Soak in Some Sun

Low levels of Vitamin D in the body increases the risk of multiple sclerosis, research shows. Studies also show that individuals with low vitamin D3 levels have a high chance of developing chronic inflammation and auto-immunity.

Taking Vitamin D supplements can help manage multiple sclerosis symptoms. Also, the sun is the best form of Vitamin D. Spend 15 minutes sunbathing in the gentle morning sun every day to get your daily dose of Vitamin D. 

Sunshine also boosts mood and makes feel happier! So make sure to soak in some sun, especially during the early hours! 

2.    Drink Green Tea 

Sipping green tea is one of the natural remedies for multiple sclerosis! A study published in the journal Multiple Sclerosis International shows that MS sufferers with antioxidant deficiencies in their blood may experience worse symptoms.

Green tea contains many strong antioxidants including epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a special compound that improves immunity and boosts brain cells. 

Take 1-3 cups of green tea daily, preferably unsweetened, to help get some antioxidants into your system. It is recommended to take green tea extract supplements to get to the right levels of EGCC rather than take several cups of green tea.

 3.    Improve Your Diet 

When you have multiple sclerosis, you must consume more of certain foods and know what foods to avoid! Eat nutrient-dense antioxidant rich foods such as dark leafy greens, wild caught freshwater fish, chia seeds, fresh fruit & vegetables, nuts & seeds, fermented foods like kefir & sauerkraut, superfoods such as spirulina and others. 

Avoid foods that cause inflammation in the body such as processed foods, alcohol, too much caffeine, foods high in sugar and inorganic dairy & meats. [Must Read: 6 Worst Foods to Avoid with Multiple Sclerosis]

Also, make sure to drink enough water throughout the day, you will see how much of a big improvement it will make to your health! 

 4.   Have a Good Night’s Rest

When you have multiple sclerosis, it’s imperative you get enough sleep at night. Night time is when your body relaxes and repairs itself. If you don’t get proper rest, your body will feel even more fatigued, painful and weak. 

Lack of good sleep promotes immune dysfunction and increases inflammation in the body. Sleeping at the correct time and getting full hours of sleep ensures optimal melatonin secretion and promotes speedy healing of tissue. 

Get rid of distractions such as smartphones and internet during sleeping hours and try to schedule your day so that you sleep early and wake up early for better productivity.

5.    Heal with Essential Oils 

Essential oils are among the list of natural remedies for multiple sclerosis. They are powerful liquid extracts got from aromatic parts of plants. They must be diluted with a carrier oil such as olive oil or almond oil before use. 

Some of the best essential oils good for multiple sclerosis include frankincense, helichrysum, cypress, peppermint, sandalwood, geranium and lavender, among others. 

You can massage any of these essential oils on your painful areas (using a dilution of 2 drops of essential oil in 1 tsp of carrier oil such as sweet almond oil or olive oil). Also, diffusing 6 drops of any of the essential oils in a high quality diffuser or a blend of essential oils for 15 minutes helps bring clarity and reduce depression. Read more about Using Healing Essential Oils for Multiple Sclerosis here.

 6.    Take Supplements

Supplements can be very helpful in supporting the immune system and easing MS symptoms such as chronic pain & inflammation. Some of the most effective supplements you can take for multiple sclerosis include:

• Vitamin B12 – MS sufferers have a deficiency in this vitamin. Taking Vitamin B12 helps with the formation of nerves in the body.
• Fish oil– Taking fish oil helps with nerve formation and functioning as well as fights inflammation due to its rich omega 3 fatty acid content.
• Probiotics – Taking probiotic supplements helps maintain your gut’s population of healthy bacteria that is necessary in producing hormones, fighting inflammation and boosting immunity. 

Other supplements for multiple sclerosis include turmeric, cannabis, vitamin E (d-tocopherol) and vitamin C, among others. 

 7.    Reduce Stress  

Stress management is an important part of your healing journey when it comes to any autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis. Having too much stress throws the body’s hormones out of balance and increases inflammation in the body. 

Try yoga, meditation, massages, deep breathing, exercise, hobbies, journaling, painting, spending time in Nature and other de-stressing activities as one of the best natural remedies for multiple sclerosis.