11 Effective Home Remedies for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

by John Staughton (BASc, BFA) last updated -

The home remedies for chronic fatigue syndrome include the use of bee pollen, maca root, iodine, B-complex vitamins, vitamin C, ginseng, licorice, astragalus, alfalfa, oats, St. John’s wort, and valerian root, as well as certain behavioral remedies including acupuncture and chiropractic care.

What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)?

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a complex disorder that manifests as extreme fatigue that has no clear cause and does not show improvement with rest. This condition is also known as systemic exertion intolerance disease (SEID) or myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME). [1]

Treatments for CFS

Although this condition initially sounds like it could be solved by a good night’s sleep, it’s actually quite serious and can drastically impact the quality of life for someone afflicted by it. Since there is no recommended allopathic treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome, most specialists recommend cognitive behavioral therapy and graded exercise therapy.

For serious cases, a professional medical consultation is recommended, as the syndrome may be a sign of a much more serious disease. However, many people afflicted with CFS choose natural and home remedies to relieve this condition before it affects their life too severely. Here are the most popular and effective home remedies for chronic fatigue syndrome.

A woman wincing and holding her neck

The cause of chronic fatigue syndrome is unknown but may include environmental or genetic factors. Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Home Remedies for CFS

Let’s look at some of the best home remedies for chronic fatigue syndrome are as follows:

Ginseng

Ginseng has long been known to prevent stress, which is considered a common cause of chronic fatigue syndrome. Also, ginseng is beneficial for vitality and alertness, so it is commonly used for people suffering from exhaustion, both mental and physical. It also has a wealth of antioxidants, making it good for boosting immunity against any infections that may cause CFS. [2]

Alfalfa

This herb can increase appetite and improve digestion, which provides the body with energy and increased functionality to combat the symptoms of CFS. Alfalfa can improve cognitive ability and reduce anxiety and stress. Since hormonal production may be compromised by CFS, the hormonal boost that comes from alfalfa can counter that and keep the body’s systems functioning normally. [3]

Astragalus

Astragalus boosts vitality and provides bursts of energy, which counters the general weakness of the muscles and body if you suffer from severe CFS. It also has impressive immune system-boosting effects, working to prevent bacterial and viral infections. Astragalus shortens the recovery period after illness or surgery, preventing the compounded weakness of illness and CFS. [4]

Licorice

Licorice can act in a similar manner to steroids, boosting the production of cortisol and adrenaline, which helps to improve the body’s response to stress and anxiety. Furthermore, licorice can enhance your immune system and provide excess energy to combat fatigue. [5]

Oats

Grains are energy sources and oats are no exception; whether your fatigue stems from substance abuse, overexertion, sexual excess, or mental anxiety, oats can provide the necessary nutrition. Oats also help to regulate the cardiovascular system and ease heart palpitations. They can counter insomnia by guaranteeing a good night’s sleep. Furthermore, oats are known to be brain food, stimulating mental acuity and clearing the mind of any fogginess brought on by excessive exhaustion. [6]

Bee Pollen

This is an unusual natural remedy, and not necessarily easy to find, but it is often considered to be a perfect food, meaning that it has an ideal combination of amino acids, proteins, enzymes, and other nutrients to keep the body functioning well. If you consume bee pollen on a regular basis, it can combat physical and mental weakness that is commonly associated with CFS and provide a balanced amount of energy throughout the day. [7]

Maca Root

Maca root is rich in B-vitamins, which are known to positively affect the adrenal and pituitary glands, two of the important hormone-producing glands in the endocrine system. By regulating hormones with maca root, you can be sure that your energy levels and organ functionality are at ideal levels.

St. John’s Wort

This popular herbal remedy for many health conditions is also very good for treating CFS. It is very frequently used to relieve depression and anxiety, while also helping with better, more restful sleep. St. John’s wort is also specifically effective against various viral strains that can easily cause excess exhaustion and fatigue, such as the herpes simplex virus. [8]

Valerian Root

This root herb is a preferred method for many people who suffer from insomnia or restless sleep disorders. Adding valerian root to your health regimen can guarantee a good night’s sleep, leaving you full of energy and revitalized in the morning, countering the effects of CFS. [9]

Acupuncture

There have been many positive research results for acupuncture as a treatment for immune system weakness, as well as insomnia and exhaustion. By managing the body’s energy patterns, known as “chi”, acupuncture helps to regulate internal functions and brings organ systems to a more stable, balanced level. Always see a trained acupuncturist for any treatments. [10]

Chiropractic Care

This home remedy involves using a doctor, but it is still considered somewhere between alternative and allopathic treatment. By relieving the internal stress on joints, muscles, and bones, a chiropractor can get your body into a balanced, less painful state, and by relieving that inherent stress in the body, CFS has less of a compounded effect on overall weakness. [11]

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About the Author

John Staughton is a traveling writer, editor, publisher and photographer with English and Integrative Biology degrees from the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana (USA). He co-founded the literary journal, Sheriff Nottingham, and now serves as the Content Director for Stain’d Arts, a non-profit based in Denver, Colorado. On a perpetual journey towards the idea of home, he uses words to educate, inspire, uplift and evolve.

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