Key takeaways

  • While some herbs and supplements may alleviate MS symptoms, research is limited, and they might interact with prescription medications. Always consult your healthcare team before adding alternative therapies to your MS treatment regimen.
  • Vitamins like B1, B12, and D are crucial for neurological and immune functions, and deficiencies may worsen MS symptoms. However, more research is needed to fully understand the benefits and appropriate dosages of vitamin supplementation for MS.
  • Supplements such as DHA and magnesium may offer neuroprotective benefits and reduce inflammation in people with MS. Discuss the use of these supplements with your healthcare team to make sure they are appropriate for your specific condition and medications.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic condition affecting the central nervous system. Its symptoms range from mild and intermittent to severe and permanently damaging.

There’s currently no cure for MS, but some pharmaceutical and alternative treatments are available to help slow progression or treat the disease.

Research is limited overall on how beneficial certain herbs, supplements, or dietary interventions may be for those who live with MS.

Around the world, people with MS use complementary and alternative medicine.

Many people turn to nonpharmaceutical treatments when conventional treatments don’t work to improve their symptoms. Others decide to try these options when their healthcare professional makes a referral or when they hear about the promise of alternative treatments.

Regardless of your reasons for seeking information on herbal and supplementary treatments for MS, always consult your healthcare team before stopping prescribed medications or adding a new therapy to your treatment regimen.

Some herbs, supplements, and alternative therapies can cause:

  • drug interactions
  • adverse health conditions
  • medical complications when used incorrectly

This may be particularly true for people with MS, who may have varying symptoms and may take different prescription medications for their condition.

You can learn more here about MS and disease symptoms.

The following list doesn’t cover every available herbal or supplementary option for treating the symptoms of MS.

Instead, the list offers a brief summary of the important information about the most common herbs and supplements people with MS may take.

Ginkgo biloba

Ginkgo biloba is a Chinese herb that’s been used for centuries for a wide variety of ailments. It’s popular for its potential to improve memory and mental clarity.

According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), ginkgo extract or supplements are possibly effective for:

  • improving thinking and memory difficulties
  • relieving leg pain and overactive nerve responses
  • affecting eye and vision problems
  • reducing dizziness and vertigo

It hasn’t been widely studied in individuals with MS, but ginkgo biloba may help people with MS by reducing inflammation and fatigue.

Most people can safely take ginkgo in supplement form, but it may interact with a wide variety of other medications and herbs. For this reason, it’s important to ask your healthcare professional or pharmacist before taking this supplement.

Ginger

Ginger has long been used for its flavor and its medicinal purposes.

In folk medicines, ginger is commonly used to aid in:

  • stomach problems
  • nausea
  • joint and muscle pain
  • diarrhea

Most people can tolerate reasonable use of ginger with few or no side effects.

Current research doesn’t show a clear benefit of using ginger to help with MS, but some early research does show possible promise based on ginger’s anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective potential.

More human clinical research is needed to determine whether ginger and related spices can actually benefit people with MS.

Milk thistle

Traditionally used as a liver tonic, researchers are currently studying milk thistle for its effects on liver inflammation and health. The herb is available in a variety of forms, such as tinctures and supplements. However, the appropriate dosage for treating conditions in humans is unknown.

Milk thistle may modulate the immune system in people with MS and help MS medications work better, but more research needs to be done before this herb can be officially recommended for the treatment of MS symptoms.

Turmeric

Turmeric is a popular spice containing curcuminoids, which have been shown to have neuroprotective effects. Its anti-inflammatory abilities also show promise for alleviating MS symptoms.

However, its true impact on MS symptoms and its proper dosage must be studied further before it can be widely recommended for treating MS.

Vitamin B1 (thiamine)

Vitamin B1, also known as thiamine or thiamin, is critical for proper brain function. Thiamine is also essential for healthy metabolism and nerve, muscle, and heart function.

Deficiencies in thiamine are linked to a variety of neurodegenerative conditions, including depression for those with MS. Too little vitamin B1 can also cause weakness and fatigue.

Thiamine can be found in:

  • nuts
  • seeds
  • legumes
  • whole grains
  • eggs
  • lean meats

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is important for the proper function of:

  • nerve cells
  • red blood cells
  • the brain
  • many other body parts

Deficiencies lead to:

  • weakness
  • weight loss
  • numbness and tingling in hands and feet related to nerve damage
  • balance problems
  • confusion
  • memory problems

People with MS may be more likely to develop a B12 deficiency, making supplementation a good option for some people. However, there’s not enough evidence to connect vitamin B12 supplementation to improved MS symptoms.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is essential for bone, muscle, nerve, and immune system health.

Most people obtain vitamin D from:

  • sun exposure
  • fatty fish
  • fortified foods and drinks

According to a 2018 review, vitamin D, including sun exposure and daily or weekly supplements, may have benefits for people with MS. Research suggests that vitamin D deficiency may be linked to a higher MS risk.

However, more research is necessary before the practice of vitamin D supplementation becomes standardized and the strength of vitamin D’s effects on MS is fully understood.

A 2024 study involving 230 participants with untreated relapsing-remitting MS found that taking vitamin D may help with MS-related symptoms and the progression of the disease. However, more clinical studies are needed to validate that conclusion and determine what vitamin D dosage may be appropriate.

Make sure to consult your healthcare team before making any changes to your MS treatments or before using any herbs or alternative treatments for your MS.

DHA

DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid that can be obtained by consuming:

  • vegetable oils
  • fatty fish
  • omega-3 dietary supplements

According to the NCCIH, DHA is essential for:

  • blood flow
  • muscle activity
  • digestion
  • cell growth
  • brain function

DHA supplements may help protect the central nervous system in people with MS, and its ability to promote brain health may also prove beneficial. Side effects of DHA supplementation are typically mild, although it can thin the blood and make clotting difficult.

Most people with MS can safely use DHA supplements with their healthcare professional’s oversight.

Magnesium

Magnesium is essential for a wide variety of bodily functions. Deficiencies in this mineral can cause:

  • weakness
  • fatigue
  • tingling
  • cramps
  • seizures
  • muscle contraction
  • numbness
  • personality changes

Magnesium deficiency contributes to low grade inflammation in your body, and that’s a factor in many diseases — including MS. But research isn’t conclusive on whether magnesium is linked to MS and just how that might work.

A 2022 review suggests a link between the two, but other research, including a long-term 2019 review, found no link.

Consulting your healthcare team

Your doctor and healthcare team are always the best resource to discuss any MS treatments or if your symptoms change.

Make sure to consult your MS care professionals before changing any treatments or turning to any herbs, supplements, or alternative options that you’ve heard could help with your condition.

Many herbs and supplements have strong medicinal properties. Some have limited clinical research showing possible benefits for people with MS.

However, alternative remedies may not be beneficial for your health or MS symptoms specifically. Some may even interact with prescription medications.

Make sure to discuss any plans for alternative or complementary therapies with your healthcare team before making any changes yourself.