Managing the symptoms of fibromyalgia or related ailments is not easy. So, many patients turn to complementary health approaches to pain relief and sleep problems. They may use Chinese herbs or over-the-counter supplements such as 5-HTP, melatonin, and SAM-e. Because so many people -- not just those with fibromyalgia -- are using complementary health therapies, Congress formed the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). It is part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and it helps appraise complementary health treatments, including supplements, and define their effectiveness. This organization is now creating safe guidelines to help people choose appropriate complementary health approaches that may help their symptoms without making them ill.

Are Herbs and Supplements for Fibromyalgia Safe and Effective? Some preliminary studies indicate that some medicinal herbs and natural supplements may help treat symptoms of fibromyalgia. Other studies of herbs and natural supplements, though, are less positive. If you want to take a natural approach to treating fibromyalgia, it's important to learn as much as you can about the therapies you consider. The herbs and natural supplements described in this article are just some of the complementary health approaches that may have an impact on fibromyalgia.