Chronic Fatigue

We all get tired. Many of us at times have felt depressed . But the mystery known as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is not like the normal ups and downs we experience in everyday life. The early sign of this illness is a strong and noticeable fatigue that comes on suddenly and often comes and goes or never stops.

You feel too tired to do normal activities or are easily exhausted with no apparent reason. Unlike the mind fog of a serious hangover , to which researchers have compared chronic fatigue syndrome , the profound weakness of chronic fatigue syndrome does not go away with a few good nights of sleep . Instead, it slyly steals your energy and vigour over months and sometimes years. How does chronic fatigue syndrome begin, and what are chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms?

For many people, chronic fatigue syndrome begins after a bout with a cold , bronchitis , hepatitis, or an intestinal bug. For some, it follows a bout of infectious mononucleosis, or mono, which temporarily saps the energy of many teenagers and young adults. Often, people say that their illnesses started during a period of high stress . In others, chronic fatigue syndrome develops more gradually, with no clear illness or other event starting it. Unlike flu symptoms, which usually go away in a few days or weeks, chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms either hang on or come and go frequently for more than six months. Chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms include: Headache Tender lymph nodes Fatigue and weakness Muscle and joint aches Inability to concentrate.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, may help get rid of any body aches or fever, and nonsedating antihistamines may help relieve any prominent allergic symptoms, such as runny nose. Learning how to manage your fatigue may help you improve the level at which you can function and your quality of life despite your symptoms. A rehabilitation medicine specialist can evaluate and teach you how to plan activities to take advantage of times when you usually feel better.

The lack of any proven effective treatment can be frustrating to both you and your doctors. If you have chronic fatigue syndrome , health experts recommend that you try to maintain good health by: Eating a balanced diet and getting adequate rest Exercising regularly but without causing more fatigue Pacing yourself -- physically, emotionally, and intellectually -- because too much stress can aggravate your symptoms. The course of chronic fatigue syndrome varies from patient to patient For most people, chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms plateau early in the course of illness and thereafter wax and wane. Some people get better completely, but it is not clear how frequently this happens.

New studies seem to show that cognitive behavioral therapy and graduated exercise programs can greatly help many. Others are helped by antidepressants. Because well-designed clinical studies have found that patients with fibromyalgia (an illness similar to chronic fatigue syndrome ) benefit from low-dose tricyclic antidepressants, doctors often prescribe these drugs for people with chronic fatigue syndrome with generally positive results. Some researchers believe that these drugs improve the quality of sleep. Patients also have benefited from other kinds of antidepressants, including the newer serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Therapeutic doses of antidepressants often increase fatigue in chronic fatigue syndrome , so doctors may have to increase the dosage very slowly, or prescribe more active antidepressants. In addition, some people with chronic fatigue syndrome benefit from the benzodiazepines, a class of drugs used to treat acute anxiety and sleep problems. Patients often try more than one drug before finding one that works and can be tolerated.

Aromatherapy Treatments

Aromatherapy can sometimes help in chronic fatigue and many essential oils have benefits in terms of relaxing and also stimulating the person.

A massage using Basil , Geranium , Marjoram , Nutmeg , Pine , Rosemary or Thyme essential oils or a blend of any of these essential oils would help to restore tone to the body and clear the mind giving renewed energy .

An aromatic bath using 6 drops of Geranium , Marjoram , Rosemary or Thyme essential oils can be very invigorating. Alternatively try any of the above with 2 drops of Clove or Nutmeg essential oils. Also try using oils which are calming, soothing and enhance sleep such as Chamomile Roman and Lavender essential oils .

It is important with this condition that the person is able to get quality rest and these oils can assist with this. Abnormal fatigue can be a symptom of depression or stress so oils which are deeply relaxing can sometimes be beneficial. It is also important to review the diet as foods lacking in vitamins and minerals can create undue fatigue.

Basil Essential Oil

An uplifting oil which is good for muscular aches and pains, respiratory infections and for insect bites.

£3.75

Chamomile Roman 10% Dilute Essential Oil

A wonderful oil which has so many valuable properties Chamomile would be a great one to always keep in and can be used in skin care, musuclar aches and pains and digestive problems.

£4.00

Chamomile Roman Pure Essential Oil

Chamomile is a great oil to use for nervous disorders. It is soothing and calming and can help where a person is irritable or nervous. It can also help with insomnia.

£10.25

Clove Bud Essential Oil

Clove is an excellent antiseptic and as many bacteria have become resistant to modern antiseptics it is worth burning at home to help prevent epidemics or viral infections.

£3.25

Geranium Essential Oil

Geranium is lovely floral oil which can help with a wide variety of skin conditions, poor circulation, cellulite and many menopausal problems as well as fluid retention and hormonal in-balance.

£4.05

Marjoram Essential Oil

Marjoram as we might expect can help with the digestion. It is useful for bruises and chilblains. Marjoram can also have a warming effect on the mental and emotional level and can help people suffereing from grief.

£4.05

Nutmeg Essential Oil

Nutmeg can help with digestive disorders such as indigestion and sluggish digestion. Try it for frigidity, impotence, neuralgia and nervous fatigue as well as muscular aches and gout.

£3.55

Pine Essential Oil

The most common use for Pine is for bronchitis, catarrh, sore throat and infections of the chest. Good in steam inhalations. Also try it for digestive problems.

£3.25

Rosemary Essential Oil

Rosemary is believed to have a refreshing, invigorating affect on the skin and can be used for a variety of skin and hair problems. It is good for stiff and overworked muscles, Steam inhalations with Rosemary can be good for catarrh and sinusitus. Rosemary also has a strong connection with the central nervous system and can help with memory and mental clarity.

£2.75

Thyme White Essential Oil

Try Thyme for your hair or skin and in a hot compress to ease the pain of rheumatism. One of the best uses for Thyme is in all forms of infection because it strengthens the bodies resistance to invading organisms. It can help with insomnia and is reputed to strengthen the memory and stimulate the brain.

£8.25