“Mustard Seed”, Other Herbal Cures and FMS
After reading many articles on FMS that have been tied to “cures” based on religion or one more herbal compound I felt that it was time for me to voice my own opinion on the subject. Some of these articles almost preach to us that if we had the faith of a ‘mustard seed’ we would be cured of all our ills. The problems of the world could all be cured, or so it seems, with a simple prayer of faith.
This may be true for some and if it is then give the glory to God. However, to tell those of us who still suffer with FMS that we are not praying hard enough, long enough or repenting sincerely enough is about the most depressingly cruel thing I’ve read lately.
To put it exactly as it is, these articles make me angry. I am not angry with God so don’t misunderstand me. It angers me that there are some people out there who will stop taking medications prescribed by their doctors and rely on the advise of a Bible thumper or herbalist instead.
Beware of herbal treatments! One of the problems encountered with FMS is that we develop severe allergies to substances that have never given us problems before. I speak from experience. Having been anaphylactic five times in twelve months I know that I will not be ingesting anything that has not been tested and recommended by my doctors. Note that I used the plural of doctor. I am not only being cared for by my family physician but am also a part of a study being conducted by Duke University Medical Center.
Ceclor was prescribed for me as an antibiotic for bronchitis. I had taken the medication in the past with no complications. After having taken only one 250-mg. capsule I was hospitalized with an anaphylactic reaction.
My wonderful husband decided to cook dinner for me one night. The meal began innocently enough with a bowl of she-crab soup. It ended with a trip to the hospital where it was discovered that I was now allergic to all seafood. I had eaten seafood all my life and had never had a problem before. As much as I love and miss it, seafood is not worth dying for.
So, do you think if someone suggests to me to ingest the velvet from an elk’s antler (and they did!) or drink an herbal tea that I’m going to try it? I don’t think so! I will be kind and express my appreciation for your concern but don’t send me email trying to sell me your products, thereby making profit from my illness. That is about as low as it goes.
And please, as I am a member of one of the oldest Christian faiths in the world, don’t suggest to me that your religion is going to heal me. If it works for you, I offer my sincerest congratulations! You are welcome to have at it on your behalf or mine but please don’t doubt and/or condemn my faith or me. I thank you, sincerely.
