Herbal Treatment for Lupus

Lupus is a condition that causes chronic inflammation of the connective tissue. It results from the body's white blood cells mistakenly attacking its own organs. Antibodies that normally attack harmful organisms latch onto and attack DNA in the skin cells. This condition usually follows a pattern of periodic attacks followed by remissions. Herbal treatments should be used to make conventional treatments like steroids more effective, minimize side effects and maintain control of the condition on days when steroids are not taken. Be sure to tell your doctor about any supplements you are taking.

Herbal Treatments

Chamomile tea can halt the formation of IL-8, which can destroy tissue. Be sure to use German chamomile and drink a cup at a time as desired. Codonopsis lessens the formation of antibodies that target the DNA of healthy cells. Take 1,000 milligrams three times a day. Feverfew alleviates inflammation and pain in the joints. Take 1,000 milligrams daily for as long as the symptoms are present. Hawthorn relieves fatigue. Take 250 milligrams three times a day. Hoelen helps the immune system stop inflammation. It is particularly good at protecting kidney tissue. Mix one cup of tea with 1.5 g of hoelen. Let the tea steep 20 minutes before drinking. Drink one cup three times a day. Licorice relieves pain and inflammation and increases the effectiveness of steroids, particularly prednisolone. Take 200 to 800 mg daily and use for six weeks at a time with a two week break in between. Be sure to use the glycyrrhizin form of licorice. Milk thistle cleanses and protects the liver. Take as directed on the product label. Stinging nettle root stops arthritic inflammation and helps prevent tissue damage. Take 900 mg daily.

Do not use feverfew if any allergic reactions occur. Avoid hoelen if you have any long-term condition that produces excessive urination. Stay away from licorice if you have glaucoma, high blood pressure or an estrogen dependent disorder such as endometriosis, breast cancer or fibrocystic breasts.

Other Suggestions

Take 500 mg of black currant oil twice a day. It is a rich source of GLA (gamma-linolenic acid), which is particularly effective against inflammation. It is also found naturally in flaxseed cereals and oils, and sardines. Take 600 mg of vitamin E three to four times a week. Vitamin E deficiencies are common in people on steroid therapy. Additionally, a study published in the December 1994 Romanian Journal of Internal Medicine found that vitamin E deficiency was usually present in people suffering from lupus before a flare-up of symptoms occurred. Take 500 mg of L-carnitine daily if you experience fatigue after exertion. This substance assists the heart muscle in using fat to make energy. Get your iron supply from food sources unless you are anemic or otherwise instructed to take a supplement by your doctor. Iron in supplement form can cause pain, swelling and joint destruction in people with lupus. Birth control pills can cause flare-ups, so another method of contraception may be more beneficial.