Home Remedies and Herbs for Lupus (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus SLE)
What is Lupus (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus SLE)?
Lupus is a chronic and inflammatory autoimmune disease that attacks many parts of the body including skin, joints, blood vessels, lungs and other organs.1 There are several types of lupus, but systemic lupus erythematosus is the most common. Other types of lupus include discoid lupus erythematosus which causes a persistent skin rash, subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus which causes skin sores wherever exposed to sunlight, drug-induced lupus which is caused by certain medications, and neonatal lupus which affects newborns. 2 Depending on the type and severity of lupus it can range from being a mild to a life-threatening condition.3
What Causes Lupus?
Lupus is the result of an autoimmune disease, whereby the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells which produces inflammation. This inflammation leads to a variety of symptoms that are part of the lupus condition. Though there is no single known cause of this autoimmune condition, it is thought to possibly be inherited genetically and triggered by external factors. There are several possible triggering factors. These triggers may include:3,4
- Sunlight
- Infections
- Illness
- Injury
- Medications
- Stress
Any of the above factors are thought to possibly trigger the autoimmune disease to activate and attack the body which results in the symptoms of lupus.
Lupus Symptoms
Lupus produces a wide variety of symptoms. These symptoms include:2,4
- Joint stiffness, pain and inflammation
- Fatigue and fever
- A facial skin rash in the shape of a butterfly that covers the cheeks and bridge of the nose
- Skin lesions that worsen with sun exposure
- Raynaud’s phenomenon where fingers and toes turn white or blue in cold or during stress
- Chest pain and shortness of breath
- Dry eyes
- Headaches
- Muscle pain
- Hair loss
- Confusion and memory loss
- Swollen glands
Natural Remedies and Herbs for Lupus
There are several lupus herbal remedies to try at home to help fight symptoms. These lupus home remedies include:
- Fish Oil - Fish oils are high in omega-3 fatty acids which act as a natural anti-inflammatory. Take fish oil supplements or add fatty fish to your diet to reduce inflammation caused by lupus.
- Flaxseed Oil - Flaxseed oil contains anti-inflammatory health benefits that can help to reduce the symptoms of lupus.
- Vitamin D - If your condition is sensitive to sunlight, take vitamin D supplements to ensure you are receiving enough. Vitamin D is lupus alternative treatment that can help to reduce the active inflammation.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids - Omega-3 fatty acids are supplements that can be taken as a lupus natural treatment. Omega-3 fatty acids can help fight inflammation caused by lupus.
- Vitamin E - Vitamin E is a natural antioxidant that can help reduce the activity of lupus in the body. Take vitamin E as a natural lupus herbal remedy to reduce inflammation and fight autoantibody production.
- Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) - DHEA is a natural and mild hormone that can help to improve the lupus condition by controlling inflammation levels.
References
Home remedies, herbs, and food supplements for Lupus (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus SLE)
Flaxseed Oil is the most effective natural product for Lupus (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus SLE) CuresDecoded worldwide community recommends
Flaxseed Oil Product 1 of 36
Effectiveness Score
Method of use: Oral
Flaxseeds are natural anti-inflammatory that can help control systemic lupus symptoms. Add flaxseed oil to your diet by using it as a cooking oil. Or grind up flaxseeds and add them to yogurt, cereal or smoothies and eat daily.
Fish Oil Product 2 of 36
Effectiveness Score
Method of use: Oral
Fish oils from fatty fish like sardines, tuna and salmon are an excellent ant-inflammatory remedy. To control inflammation caused by systemic lupus, eat fatty fish at least three times per week. This will provide a high dose of omega-3 fatty acids. Or take high omega-3 fish oil supplements daily.
Vitamin D Product 3 of 36
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Method of use: Oral
The addition of vitamin D is thought to help improve symptoms in those with systemic lupus. Vitamin D can be obtained naturally through sunlight or can be taken through supplements in tablet form. Dosage may depend on age and other factors. Take as directed on label and consult with your physician.
Vitamin E Product 4 of 36
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Method of use: Oral
Vitamin E is a natural antioxidant that also helps to slow and reduce levels of inflammation such as in systemic lupus. Increase your vitamin E intake through foods like almonds, wheat germ oil, sunflower seeds and nuts. Vitamin E supplements are also available to take daily in the form of capsules.
Horse Chestnut Branch Product 5 of 36
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Method of use: Oral, Topical
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) Product 6 of 36
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Method of use: Oral
Vitamin A Product 7 of 36
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Method of use: Oral
Omega-3 Fatty Acid Product 8 of 36
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Method of use: Oral
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential to human health. They have many benefits including helping to reduce inflammation. Take omega-3 fatty acids to help treat symptoms of systemic lupus. Fatty fish like salmon, tuna, and mackerel are great sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 dietary supplements are also available to take daily.
Astragalus Product 9 of 36
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Method of use: Oral
