A Novel Therapy With Promising Results
“Never in a million years did I think it would help,” says Jeri-Anne Lyons, an associate professor of biomedical sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM), after testing how multiple sclerosis responded to near-infrared (NIR) light therapy.1 As she soon discovered, MS animal models responded favorably after being exposed to the light for only one week. However, there’s a catch: determining the best wavelength is challenging — as is finding the appropriate amount of time and dose. Even so, researchers are optimistic about the potential of NIR therapy. Here’s why.
NIR and Autoimmunity
Scientists have known for years the healing benefits of certain wavelengths of light when applied within precise parameters. However, the mechanism at play is somewhat of a mystery. NIR is oftentimes referred to as photobiomodulation (PBM) or low-level laser therapy that uses red to near infrared light to stimulate wound healing, reduce pain, and lower inflammation.2 It has also been shown to relieve depression and improve cognitive function.3,4
Now, Dr. Lyons and her team have established that NIR has a direct impact on mitochondria and a specific enzyme called cytochrome C oxidase that stimulates cellular repair in animal models.1 They found that 670 nanometer (nm) and 830 nm light is beneficial, but 730 nm isn’t. In their research, NIR at these wavelengths resets the mitochondria so they function normally again, which in turn calms the inflammatory response and lowers the production of free radicals generated by the immune response from injury, illness, or in the case of this study — autoimmunity.
Beyond these benefits, light therapy has also been shown to improve the clinical signs of patients with multiple sclerosis by reducing demyelination, while providing antioxidant benefits and improving muscle function.5,6,7 The range of application with the experiment was three to four times a week — or 21-24 sessions twice per week. Another study found that PMB decreased oxidative stress markers, such as nitric oxide (NO), inducible nitric oxide (iNOS), and nitrite in animal models of MS.8 This is important to note as multiple sclerosis presents higher levels of oxidative stress markers that contribute to the progression of the disease.
The team concluded:
“The findings of this systematic review suggest that PBM can be a promising non-pharmacological intervention for MS, as it has been shown to modulate markers linked to inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. Clinically, PBM has been associated with improvements in motor, sensorial, and cognitive functions in MS patients, indicating its potential as an adjunct therapy to standard MS treatments. No study presented adverse effects of PBM.”9
Managing Autoimmunity with Medicinal Herbs
While near infrared light therapy is an exciting new area of research for those struggling with autoimmunity, it is not yet widely available in a clinical setting as an FDA-approved treatment option. This is where time-tested herbal remedies can provide an excellent alternative for managing autoimmune symptoms.
I personally use the products in our Warrior Bundle every day for my multiple sclerosis with outstanding results. These include Lion’s Mane, Reishi, and Turkey Tail medicinal mushrooms, along with Elderberry, Usnea, and our Balanced Gut Blend. They work together to calm inflammation, support cognition, heal the gut, and protect against contagious illness that can lead to a flare. Interested in learning more? Here are the specific benefits of each:
Lion’s mane helps to enhance memory and focus, encourage Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) to encourage the repair of nerve cells, support sleep and mood, ease anxiety and depression, and boost energy by improving oxygen use and reducing muscle fatigue.
Reishi helps the body to navigate stress (think: high cortisol, fatigue, brain fog); supports restorative sleep and immune balance; calms inflammation; and contains beta-glucans, glycoproteins, and triterpenes linked to gut and metabolic health.
Turkey tail provides prebiotic fibers for a robust and healthy microbiome; helps soothe inflammation; addresses leaky-gut and candida imbalance; modulates the immune system; protects against infectious illness; and boosts energy.
Elderberry is traditionally used for immune and respiratory support. It’s anti-inflammatory; shortens the length of contagious illness; and fortifies against the negative impact of stress. Usnea lichen has long been used against viral, bacterial, and fungal infections — including those of the throat and sinuses. It is such an effective remedy that I never leave home without it!
Our Balanced Gut Blend is formulated with extracts of reishi, turkey tail, plantain, slippery elm, and marshmallow root to soothe the mucous membranes and ease inflammation, while protecting and healing the digestive tract — including leaky gut. This blend also nourishes the beneficial bacteria in the microbiome and addresses acid reflux.
AN ANSWER TO OUR PRAYERS!
“Your tinctures have literally changed my life in only the month or so I’ve been taking them – and the life of my mom, who has PPMS. I had been going through nearly a year of daily morning panic attacks and my mom has been in a wheelchair due to her MS for almost 9 years. Within a week, my panic attacks (and anxiety in general) were GONE, which was a miracle to me in itself. I immediately got my mom to buy your MS bundle and after just over two weeks she was able to lift her right leg off the ground. That may not sound like much, but that leg has been COMPLETELY paralyzed for three whole years. So much so that two years ago she broke her foot trying to transfer when it wouldn’t move. I can’t tell you how grateful I am for you and your products. We have both ordered your book and I’ve told everyone I know. You are 100% an answer to prayers.” -Amanda L.
Are you ready to improve energy, cognitive function, and feel your best? Shop the apothecary today and experience the difference our Warrior Bundle can make!
Nicole Apelian
Nicole’s Apothecary Products in this Post
Warrior Bundle
References
- University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee. “Light as medicine? Researchers explain how.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 22 October 2013. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/10/131022102227.htm>.
- Chung, H, Dai, T, Sharma, SK, Huang, YY, Carroll, JD, and Hamblin, MR. The nuts and bolts of low-level laser (light) therapy. Ann Biomed Eng. (2012) 40:516–33. doi: 10.1007/s10439-011-0454-7
- Vargas, E, Barrett, DW, Saucedo, CL, Huang, LD, Abraham, JA, Tanaka, H, et al. Beneficial neurocognitive effects of transcranial laser in older adults. Lasers Med Sci. (2017) 32:1153–62. doi: 10.1007/s10103-017-2221-y
- Salehpour, F, Farajdokht, F, Erfani, M, Sadigh-Eteghad, S, Shotorbani, SS, Hamblin, MR, et al. Transcranial near-infrared photobiomodulation attenuates memory impairment and hippocampal oxidative stress in sleep-deprived mice. Brain Res. (2018) 1682:36–43. doi: 10.1016/j.brainres.2017.12.040
- Kubsik, A, Klimkiewicz, R, Janczewska, K, Klimkiewicz, P, Jankowska, A, and Woldańska-Okońska, M. Application of laser radiation and magnetostimulation in therapy of patients with multiple sclerosis. NeuroRehabilitation. (2016) 38:183–90. doi: 10.3233/NRE-161309
- Rouhani, M, Tolentino, M, Lyons, JA, and Ng, AV. Effects of photobiomodulation therapy on muscle function in individuals with multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler Relat Disord. (2024) 86:105598. doi: 10.1016/j.msard.2024.105598
- Seada, YI, Nofel, R, and Sayed, HM. Comparison between trans-cranial electromagnetic stimulation and low-level laser on modulation of trigeminal neuralgia. J Phys Ther Sci. (2013) 25:911–4. doi: 10.1589/jpts.25.911
- Goncalves, ED, Souza, PS, Lieberknecht, V, Fidelis, GS, Barbosa, RI, Silveira, PC, et al. Low-level laser therapy ameliorates disease progression in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis. Autoimmunity. (2016) 49:132–42. doi: 10.3109/08916934.2015.1124425
- Front. Neurol., 11 September 2024 Sec. Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology, Volume 15 – 2024 | https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2024.1465621
