One of the most potentially debilitating central nervous system diseases is multiple sclerosis (MS). Characterized by structures known as plaques in the brain and spinal cord, visible on an MRI scan, are diagnostic of the disease. Symptoms include numbness and tingling of the extremeties, blurred vision and weakness. As the disease progresses, urinary problems come into play. While the condition remains incurable, a number of natural treatment for MS can control symptoms and hold back relapses.

Multiple Sclerosis is one of a group of diseases called autoimmune disorders. In this case, cells of the immune system known as T-cells are believed to attack the myelin sheaths that line nerve cells to facilitate nerve conduction. The incidence and prevalence of the condition vary with geological region; cases tend to cluster with increasing distance from the equator.

Once believed to affect only the white matter of the brain, it has become clear that the grey matter of the brain is also involved. This would explain such diffuse symptoms as cognitive dysfunction. Epidemiologists are trying to figure out what is so special about the regions where the disease is prevalent. It has been noted that people who are born in a region with low levels of MS migrate to a region where levels are high, they take on the phenotype of their new habitat.

George Jelinek, a professor of Emergency Medicine in Australia, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at the age of 45. He keeps his condition under control using a few simple lifestyle rules and runs a 5-day retreat at the Gawler Foundation in Australia for patients with multiple sclerosis. He also runs retreats in New Zealand.

Prof Jelinek has five simple rules: Do not eat animal-derived trans fats under any circumstances, take high doses of vitamin D, get regular exercise, learn to meditate and supplement with conventional medications if necessary. Jelinek takes glatiramer, an immunomodulator, to help control his symptoms.

The wife of Mitt Romney, Ann, went to the doctor in 1998 after experiencing the notorious brain fog. She was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. She made public the information that horseback riding offers her protection from the symptoms. It is noteworthy that this is compliant with the Jelinek protocol. When a television presenter at MSNBC publicly poked fun at her for saying this, it flushed out another person with MS, Fox News Channel senior Neil Cavuto, who had strong words for him.

Jack Osbourne, son of Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne, has also been stricken with the disease. He was diagnosed in 2012 after suffering from impaired vision. He had just turned 26 and had also just become a father for the first time. His symptoms are responding to healthy diet and lifestyle changes. Other celebrities affected by multiple sclerosis include country singer Donna Fargo, Annette Funicello, a former mousketeer and star of 60s beach movies, and two of the Osmonds, Alan and David.

Another promising natural treatment for MS is a tincture of two cannabinoids manufactured in the United Kingdom. Formulated as an oral spray, it helps to control the spasticity that is associated with multiple sclerosis. The preparation has been approved for use in several European countries.