What natural treatments are there for MS?

There is no cure for multiple sclerosis (MS), but natural treatments such as adopting a healthful lifestyle and diet, can help to manage symptoms.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, progressive disease that causes the immune system to attack myelin. Myelin is a substance that coats the body’s nerves. Problems with the myelin layer can make communication between nerves difficult, disrupting the central nervous system (CNS). This can lead to movement issues, pain, and trouble thinking clearly.
central nervous system (CNS)
Keep reading to learn more about the best natural treatments for MS and how to incorporate them into a treatment plan.
treatments for MS
Vitamins and herbal supplements 
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While people experience mixed results, some of the following supplements may help alleviate some symptoms of MS.
Certain nutritional deficits may make symptoms of MS worse. People with this condition should ask a doctor about the following supplements, which may have some benefits in managing their symptoms:
may have some benefits
Vitamins A, C, and E: The antioxidant vitamins A, C, and E may slow inflammation. Vitamin C may also prevent urinary tract infections. However, high doses of vitamin A can be harmful in pregnancy, while high doses of vitamin E may increase the risk of dying. Talk with a doctor before taking these supplements.
antioxidant
Vitamin B1: Vitamin B1, or thiamine, plays an important role in CNS health. Vitamin B1 intake may reduce fatigue and other MS symptoms.
may reduce
Vitamin B6: Vitamin B6 intake helps support cognitive function and myelin formation. However, research into direct links between vitamin B6 and MS is lacking.
Vitamin B12: Some studies suggest people with MS have lower levels of B12, a vitamin common in meat and animal products.
Vitamin D: People who do not get enough vitamin D may have worse MS symptoms. A high vitamin D intake may also reduce the risk of developing the disease.
may also reduce
Calcium: There is little evidence that calcium deficiency causes MS or that taking calcium will improve symptoms. However, the supplement can reduce the risk of osteoporosis, which some people with MS have a higher risk of developing.
calcium deficiency
osteoporosis
Some people take alternative supplements to reduce their MS symptoms, including various herbs, natural oils, fruits, and roots.
Some studies, many with serious design flaws, suggest that echinacea may promote immune health and reduce the risk of the common cold and some other infections. Some people with MS are more susceptible to infections. However, MS causes the immune system to become overactive, so echinacea might be harmful — although no studies have tested this potential risk.
Some studies

echinacea
St. John’s wort may improve symptoms of depression. However, there have been no studies testing its effects in people with MS. Additionally, the substance tends to interact with other medications, so it is important to consult with a doctor before trying it.
St. John’s wort
depression
Oily fish, such as mackerel and salmon, contain high levels of omega-3 fatty acids and other healthful fats. Studies show that fish oil supplementations can reduce the rate of MS relapses, lessen inflammation, and improve the overall quality of life in people with MS.
omega-3
Studies
Extracts of Gingko biloba may help reduce inflammation and fatigue in people living with MS.
reduce inflammation
However, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) states that there is no conclusive evidence to prove the extract’s helpfulness. Nonetheless, people still use Gingko biloba as a complementary therapy for many conditions.
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH)
Valerian root may help with MS-related fatigue. Some studies suggest it can decrease the time it takes to fall asleep, but none have included people with MS. Those with the condition who feel tired or experience brain fog during the day may find that valerian root makes these symptoms worse.
Valerian root
studies
Some older studies highlight the potential benefit of turmeric in managing MS symptoms. Turmeric contains high levels of curcumin, a natural compound that may reduce neural inflammation.
potential benefit
Some studies suggest cranberries may prevent the growth of harmful bacteria in the urinary tract. For people with MS, urinary tract infections can be problematic, so cranberries may be helpful, especially since they do not typically cause side effects.
studies
cranberries
urinary tract infections
Research indicates that cannabis may help with pain and spasticity. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve it for treating MS. While preliminary research shows some positive results, there is not enough data to conclude that cannabis offers consistent benefits.
Research indicates
cannabis
Diet
MS causes chronic inflammation, so diets that prevent or reverse inflammation may help.
causes chronic inflammation
Although there is no conclusive evidence suggesting certain diets can treat the condition, plenty of scientific data shows that, in theory, certain foods may reduce inflammation or offer other benefits. While only anecdotal evidence, many people with MS report that their symptoms improve with dietary changes.
MS support groups advise consuming a low fat, high fiber diet, which is also good for the heart and general health, making it a suitable choice for most people.
MS support groups
However, there is little or no scientific evidence that certain specialized diets can improve symptoms of MS. For example, no data support a gluten-free or paleo diet.
scientific evidence
With this in mind, a person with MS may help ease some of their symptoms by eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and omega-3-rich foods.
omega-3-rich foods
Some foods to eliminate or reduce include:
include
High fat dairy: There is an association between high dairy consumption in adolescence and later development of MS. Dairy may also contribute to certain kinds of inflammation, especially in high fat products.
Salt: Limited evidence suggests that salt may promote certain types of inflammation, but the data is inconclusive.
Saturated fat: Diets high in saturated fat increase the risk of numerous health conditions. They may also make it more likely that a person will develop MS or that MS symptoms will worsen. At least one study comparing dietary patterns by region found that areas with lower saturated fat diets had lower MS rates.
Learn more about MS and diet here.
Learn more about MS and diet here
Exercise
Exercise promotes heart health and may help a person with MS remain strong and active. Everyone, including those with MS, should participate in regular aerobic exercise and strength training.
Some people with MS may benefit from other forms of exercise. For example, yoga may help with fatigue and improve mood, although it will not help with mobility or thinking ability.
yoga
fatigue and improve mood
Small studies show that tai chi may also have a marked benefit on balance, muscle mass, and overall quality of life in those with MS. However, researchers note that further higher-quality studies are necessary to confirm its efficacy.
Small studies
Learn more about some exercises for MS here.
Learn more about some exercises for MS here
Complementary therapies
While there is no cure for MS, many people use complementary therapies to manage their MS symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, and muscle stiffness.
anxiety
According to a review of studies from 2001–2016, there is little research into the efficacy of these treatments, but people may find them helpful as a complement to their regular treatment plan. Complementary therapies include:
little research
find them helpful
acupuncture
acupuncture
reflexology
reflexology
massage
psychotherapy
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Summary 
Natural remedies can make the symptoms of MS more manageable and help reduce or prevent flare-ups.
People who wish to try natural MS treatments should keep a symptom diary to track the effects of various approaches.
Always talk with a doctor before changing diets or trying new supplements.
Read this article in Spanish.
Read this article in Spanish