The musculoskeletal system includes bones, muscles, cartilage, tendons, and ligaments, all working together to support your body, protect your organs, and facilitate movement. For a comprehensive study on the anatomy and physiology of the musculoskeletal system, be sure to read our Musculoskeletal System Function blog. ย
In the following article, weโll review the key herbal formulas from Doctor Morse that help maintain healthy bones and muscles, as well as protocols for addressing musculoskeletal imbalances including discomfort, weakness and how to herbs to support healthy inflammatory levels. ย
Disclaimerย
Before diving into the formulas and protocols, we encourage you to consult with your healthcare provider before beginning any new health regimen. Musculoskeletal imbalances can sometimes be related to broader health issues, and itโs essential to get personalized advice.ย
The protocols outlined here have been designed by Doctor Morse and have helped many people on their healing journey. However, these recommendations should complement professional medical guidance. ย
Formula Favorites for the Respiratory Systemย ย
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Protocolsย ย
General Maintenanceย
Our general maintenance protocol supports the bodyโs daily detoxification efforts through key body systems and includes Kidneys & Bladder Daily, Lymph Drainage Daily, GI Daily and Endocrine Daily. These foundational formulas support any health protocol. *ย
Bone and Connective Tissue Support is added to this general maintenance protocol as it is Doctor Morseโs primary supporting formula for the musculoskeletal system. It is a daily tonic formula with mineral dense herbs including alfalfa, dandelion root and horsetail, as well as sustainably sourced deer antler and sea kelp frond. ย
Muscles by Nature is also recommended as a daily tonic for supporting the musculoskeletal system. You can add the powder to smoothies and pressed juices or take it in capsule form. Muscles by Nature is a nutritionally dense formula created to wholistically support and rejuvenate the body after periods of intermittent cleansing. Muscles by Natural is also a great pre workout powder to add to smoothies. A similar formula to High Energy by Nature but with the addition of American ginseng, eleuthero, and he shou wu root for boosted energy, enhanced athletic performance, and a fortified immune system.*ย
Musculoskeletal Discomfortย
One of the first actions we take when dealing with folks with discomfort in the musculoskeletal system is to ease that discomfort. Putting the body at ease is paramount before addressing the underlying imbalances that could be causing this discomfort; most often, the discomfort is the physical manifestation of a deeper imbalance. More on that in the following protocol. ย
Healthy Joints is our go-to formula for bone, muscle and joint discomfort. The turmeric, cat's claw and devilโs claw support healthy inflammatory levels, managing joint and muscle health while supporting both flexibility and comfort. Meadowsweet is also in this formula, and it is one of the first known natural sources of salicylic acid, the compound that inspired the creation of modern aspirin. Meadowsweetโs salicylic acid content helps support a healthy inflammatory response and can assist in soothing joint discomfort, making it an excellent addition to the Healthy Joints formula for overall bone, muscle, and joint health.*ย
Spasm Calm is also included here as it is our formula containing many herbs traditionally used for their antispasmodic action. Antispasmodic herbs are traditionally used to soothe discomforts housed in the smooth muscles of the body, which are the muscles found in the walls of internal organs, such as the stomach, intestines, and blood vessels, and they control involuntary movements like digestion and blood flow.*ย
Kidneys & Bladder Hydrate is included to support the function and fortitude of the urinary system, as we want to restore function here before moving lymph too much. Therefore, it is paired with Lymph Drainage Gentle as well as Adrenal Support for added kidney support. ย
The Ultimate Salve is a great addition to these formulas as many musculoskeletal discomforts benefit from topical applications of soothing and supportive herbs like aloe, slippery elm and chickweed.*ย
Musculoskeletal Weaknessย
Once we ease discomfort in this system, we can start to assess the deeper imbalances. Weakness in this system indicates that there is possibly a disconnect between what you eat and what is absorbed/assimilated and delivered to the bones, tissues and muscles of the body. When we work to shift a person away from discomfort in the body, we start in the gut. Pancreas Support formula is often recommended to support the release of pancreatic enzymes to help breatk down food into its absorbable nutrients. *ย
We also want to gently support the primary channels of elimination, and add Kidneys & Bladder Restore, Lymph Drainage Daily. Endocrine Daily is recommended as its adaptogen herbs are wonderful for supporting cellular resilience. Adaptogens found in Endocrine Daily include eleuthero, ho shou wu and schisandra, which are all uniquely nourishing โfoodsโ for endocrine system function and restoration.*ย
In a similar vein, Muscles by Nature is recommended for musculoskeletal weakness because it is a building formula containing nutritive herbs, fruits, bee products (royal jelly) and sea vegetables. It is one of a only a few formulas containing American ginseng. Known for its adaptogenic properties, this potent root contains ginsenosides which support the body in managing stress, maintaining healthy inflammatory levels, and cognitive function. Polysaccharides strengthen immune function, while polyacetylenes offer antimicrobial and protective benefits for overall cellular health. Rich in flavonoids, American ginseng also provides antioxidant support, making it a vital herb for promoting vitality, immune resilience, and long-term well-being.*ย
It's important to remember that while a 100% raw fruit diet is a powerful detox tool, it's not meant to be a long-term lifestyle diet. Over time, relying solely on raw fruit may deplete your body of essential nutrients needed for rebuilding and maintaining muscle, which come from other plant-based sources like nuts, seeds, beans, oils, and grains. Especially in colder climates, where fruits arenโt as readily available year-round, warming and nutritive foods are crucial for keeping the body balanced. If you're experiencing muscle weakness or discomfort, it could be a sign that your body is asking for more diverse, nutrient-dense foods to support recovery and strength. Detox is a seasonal practice, not the full journey.ย
Supporting Healthy Inflammatory Levels in the Musculoskeletal Systemย
A dysregulation of the bodyโs healthy inflammatory response can be a sign of toxic build up and acidosis in the body. When this type of stiffness and irritation shows up, our protocols focus on opening the lymphatic and urinary channels to draw out deep-seated acidosis. Here we recommend Kidneys & Bladder Drain and Lymph Drainage Gentle Mover. ย
Blood circulation is added to this protocol as its warming herb complex encourages the movement of blood, carrying oxygen and nutrients to the capillary and tissues while also sweeping up carbon dioxide and cellular waste.*ย
Healthy Joints is a wonderful formula for supporting both healthy inflammatory levels, with its turmeric, catโs claw and devilโs claw content, as well as mild discomfort thanks to meadowsweet. Also be sure to try our new Turmeric Curcumin capsules for supporting healthy inflammatory levels!*ย
This protocol is also excellent for post-surgery support as the bodyโs inflammatory response is triggered during most surgeries. Add on Brains and Nervous Systems as its gotu kola content has been shown to support healthy collagen production.*ย
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*FDA warning: This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.โฏThis product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.ย