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Guillain-Barre syndrome is a serious illness in which your immune system mistakenly attacks your own nervous system. It affects 1-2 people out of 100,000. Exact cause of this syndrome is not known. It is usually preceded by lung or gastrointestinal infection in about 60% of cases. It might also make its appearance within days to weeks after a surgery.
There will be inflammation of nerves, which leads to muscle weakness. The muscle weakness spreads from the legs to arms, so-called ascending paralysis. This tends to get worse over 1-3 days. There will be numbness and tingling. Walking may be difficult without help. Other symptoms are blurred or double vision, palpitations, difficulty in breathing, difficulty in swallowing, and fainting.
Herbal Remedies For Guillain-Barre Syndrome
Herbal remedies should always be tried only under the supervision and guidance of your doctor. That is because these remedies can cause various side effects and can interfere with the functioning of other medicines that you may be taking.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha, also known as “Indian ginseng”, extract is prepared from the root and berries of Withania somnifera. The active ingredients present in the extract are steroidal lactones and alkaloids, including cuscohygrine and tropine.
These chemicals boost the immune system and fight inflammation. It is available as powder, capsules, and tinctures. Consult product label for dosage. Its side effects are stomach upset, vomiting and diarrhea.
Asian Ginseng
Asian ginseng is prepared from the root of Panax ginseng. It contains the active ingredients called ginsenosides and saponins. Asian ginseng plays the role of an “adaptogen”, helping the body to cope better with stress. It improves mental functioning and physical endurance.
It also contains flavonoids, which help fight inflammation in the body. It is available as powder, capsules and liquid extract. Dried root is available for making decoction. Some of its side effects are increased blood pressure, sleeplessness, anxiety, restlessness, diarrhea and vomiting. Take it with food to avoid low blood sugar levels.
Kava Kava
Kava kava extract is derived from the root of Piper methysticum. The extract contains the active ingredients called kavalactones or kavapyrones. These help relax the muscles, relieve inflammatory pain, improve cognition and decrease fatigue. It is available as tablets, capsules, liquid drops, and dried extracts.
Kava kava should not be administered to children. Its main side effect is liver damage. Consult a doctor immediately if you develop symptoms of yellowed skin and eyes (jaundice), dark urine, and fatigue. If you are taking it for more than 3 months, then give a two week rest period in between.
Safflower
The flowers and seeds of safflower plant (Carthamus tinctorius) are used to make the extract. It contains oleic and linoleic acids, and carthamin, which prevent neurological deterioration. It can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Do not use it if you have bleeding problems or if you are taking blood thinners. Use caution if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. You should stop taking it 2 weeks prior to any surgery that you may need to undergo.
Yohimbe
The bark of yohimbe plant (Pausinystalia yohimbe) is used medicinally. The extract contains the active ingredients yohimbine and other alkaloids. Yohimbine improves orthostatic hypotension (lowered blood pressure upon standing) and other autonomic dysfunction symptoms.
It is generally safe to use. It may cause allergic reactions in some individuals. Avoid it if you have any mental illness such as bipolar disorder, depression, or schizophrenia.
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Caution: Please use Home Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.