Just like any other autoimmune disease, lupus is also a very dangerous disease and may even become fatal if not taken proper medical steps in time. A patient suffering from lupus usually find himself or herself busy taking medication and may also suffer from various health disorders.
But besides medications, there are several herbs that can also effectively deal with the related problems of lupus. Although these herbs may not become immediate cure for lupus problems, their regular consumption can provide relief from some of the common health ailments related to lupus, like inflammation of the joints and alopecia.
Top 5 Herbal Remedies For Lupus
Astragalus
Astragalus is one of the best herbs for treating lupus as it aids in stimulating and correcting the functioning of the immune system. Astragalus is a Chinese herb, which is very popular for its highly effective nature. In case of lupus, this herb works to control and suppress the over-activity of the immune cells, which function unnaturally against the body to attack the healthy tissues and organs of the body. Astraglosides are the primary immunostimulant compounds found in this herb which are responsible for its effectiveness.
Daily recommended dosage of this herb is 9-15 grams which can be used in the form of dried root or in powdered form. The root can be brewed in hot water to prepare an herbal tea and the powder can be mixed with food. However, people who are taking immunosuppressant medications should refrain from using this herb without consulting with a healthcare expert or herbalist.
Turmeric
Turmeric is regarded as a first-rate anti-inflammatory herb as it works almost as effectively as NSAIDs. This versatile herb has been known to reduce and treat inflammation associated with lupus. The anti-inflammatory nature of turmeric can be understood due to the presence of two anti-inflammatory compounds in it, called curcumins and curcuminoids.
Turmeric is one of the most commonly used herb for lupus as it not only aids in providing relief from inflammation but is also a tremendously easy to find and cheap herb that be consumed by simply mixing it to food. Other than using turmeric powder, raw turmeric root can also be consumed with a bit of honey to extract its benefits.
Green Tea
Green tea is also another great herbal remedy for suppressing and getting relief from tremendous joint inflammation related to lupus. Studies revealed that regular consumption of green tea can actually prevent the onset of inflammation related to lupus. People of those countries where green tea is regularly consumed are believed to remain safe from lupus.
Apart from acting as anti-inflammatory agent, green tea is also a nervine herb, which means that it helps the person to cope with other problems related to lupus. Nervine herbs help to calm the senses, thereby helping the person to cope with other lupus related problems like itchiness and insomnia.
Stinging Nettle
Native to England, this herbaceous plant is now readily found in North America. Stinging nettle has been found to be very effective for dealing with inflammation related to lupus as it contains some natural anti-inflammatory compounds like quercetin. Apart from possessing anti-inflammatory properties, stinging nettle is also known to possess diuretic properties which help the body to excrete out excess uric acid, thereby relieving edema due to lupus.
Other than reliving inflammation and edema, stinging nettle also works to fight against alopecia, a hair fall disorder that lupus patients often suffer from. The problems of lupus can be easily and effectively dealt with stinging nettle root and should normally be used in the range of 1000-1500 mg daily.
Licorice
Licorice is another popular herb that has many properties, including anti-inflammatory properties. Glycyrrhetic acid (GA) and triterpenes glycyrrhizin found in licorice roots are two major components that give licorice its anti-inflammatory properties.
Glycyrrhizin blocks the production of prostaglandins, which in turn stops the inflammation that is a related disorder to lupus. Dried or fresh licorice root can be used to control the problems associated with lupus but it is not recommended for prolonged usage.
Caution: Please use Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.
