According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), fibromyalgia affects around 2 percent of the population. That’s over 6 million people in the United States alone. Doctors aren’t exactly sure what causes fibromyalgia, but they do know that it affects middle aged women the most. People who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis are also at higher risk of developing fibromyalgia as well.

Luckily, there are a few natural remedies you can use to reduce sudden fibro flare ups:

1. Black cohosh
In addition to menopause, black cohosh has successfully been used to treat the symptoms of fibromyalgia. This plant is a native woodland herb in North America, and the root of the plant is what’s typically used for medicinal purposes. Don’t worry if you can’t find any on your own. It’s commonly sold as an over-the-counter herbal supplement and is readily available. Studies have discovered that it works by binding to the opioid receptors in the brain, providing relief from muscle pain. It’s a great non-addictive, natural pain reliever.

2. Cayenne
Believe it or not this pepper can actually help with nerve pain. Cayenne peppers contain capsaicin. When capsaicin is applied topically, it alleviates pain by reducing the amount of neuropeptide sent to the brain. This specific substance is what signals the brain that it’s in pain. Since fibromyalgia overemphasizes pain signals, capsaicin is a great product to add to your routine. It’s not just great for people with fibromyalgia, but it’s a great pain reliever for almost any type of injury or chronic pain.

3. B Vitamins
Maintaining a healthy level of vitamins in the body is an important step in achieving good overall health, but it can also be used to help with the symptoms of fibromyalgia directly. The disease is typically known to make people feel sluggish and lethargic. B vitamins are known for their energy producing properties, meaning it might be exactly what you need when suffering from a fibromyalgia flare up.

4. Lavender
In today’s world, it seems there is an essential oil for everything. Lavender is especially beneficial for people suffering from fibromyalgia. The disease, being able to cause non-stop pain for weeks at a time, also mentally stresses out the patient. It is usually burned specifically for its calming properties. In addition to being used as an aromatherapy, this essential oil can also be applied directly to the skin. Simply put, this essential oil is about reducing the stress that fibromyalgia causes.

5. Milk Thistle
Milk thistle is one of the most underutilized plants in the world of homeopathic medicine. It has properties that allow it to manage cholesterol, lower blood glucose levels, and increase liver function. It also has anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties. This plant won’t specifically help with the pain associated with fibromyalgia, but it helps with side-effects of other medication. Pain medication is especially bad for your liver, and this useful plant will help detoxify the liver and keep it in good working order.