Because lupus is associated with the body’s destruction of its own cells, lupus is mainly thought of as an autoimmune disorder but lupus is also considered a rheumatic condition because it can also cause pain and stiffness in joints, muscles and bones.
While the exact cause of lupus is still unknown, modern medicine has a number of effective treatments for this often unpredictable disorder. Corticosteroid hormones help reduce inflammation, antimalarials treatments address flare-ups and immunosuppressive medications work to keep the immune system in check.
But a number of natural and herbal products may also help some lupus patients deal with the debilitating symptoms of this unpredictable disorder. If prescription medications are not working for you, or you’d like to address your symptoms in a more “natural” way, ask your doctor if one of the following supplements is appropriate for you.
Green Tea & Lupus
A growing body of evidence suggests that green tea, and extracts made from it, may help at least some lupus sufferers both by reducing inflammation and by slowing the progression of the condition. Researchers know that the incidence of lupus is lower in countries where green tea is a primary beverage and a 2006 study suggests that the polyphenols in green tea may provide protection against both inflammation and cell death.
Reducing Inflammation with Herbs
Because inflammation plays such a large role in the discomfort many lupus patients experience, herbal medicine has consistently focused on ways to gently but effectively reduce that inflammation. While herbal anti-inflammatories don’t directly address lupus, they can, at least for some people, provide temporary relief from the pain and stiffness many lupus sufferers experience.
The two most popular anti-inflammatory herbs are ginger and tumeric. The “active” ingredient in these herbs is believed to be a chemical known as curcumin and a half-dozen clinical trials involving humans has found curcumin safe and effective at reducing inflammation.
Chinese Herbs & Immune Support
A number of herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine, which puts heavy emphasis on supporting the immune system, are also showing promise in the management of lupus symptoms. Currently, the study of Chinese medicines to treat lupus symptoms is in its infancy but some of the most promising new remedies include the fungus Cordyceps sinensis and herbs like Thundergod vine and Epimedium.
Talking to your Doctor about Herbal Remedies for Lupus
Anyone wishing to add herbal remedies to their existing lupus regimen should talk to a qualified health care professional before incorporating herbal medicines into their lupus regimens. All herbal medicines have at least some potential for side effects and may not be appropriate for everyone. If you’re taking prescription medications, it’s especially important that you make your doctor aware of any nutritional or herbal supplement to minimize your risk of a possibly life-threatening interaction.
REFERENCES:
Hsu, S., Dickinson, D. (2006). A new approach to managing oral manifestations of Sjogren’s syndrome and skin manifestations of lupus.
Lu, L. (2002). Study on effect of Cordyceps sinensis and artemisinin in preventing recurrence of lupus nephritis.
Qiu, D., Kao, P. (2003). Immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory mechanisms of triptolide, the principal active diterpenoid from the Chinese medicinal herb Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. f.
Cai, D., Shen, S., Chen, X. (1998). Clinical and experimental research of Epimedium brevicornum in relieving neuroendocrino-immunological effect inhibited by exogenous glucocorticoid.
Chainani-Wu, N. (2003). Safety and anti-inflammatory activity of curcumin: a component of tumeric (Curcuma longa).
