About Herbal Remedies Used To Treat Lupus

Systemic lupus erythematosus, or lupus, is an autoimmune condition that affects certain parts of your body, including your joints, skin, kidneys and other organs. The National Center for Biotechnology Information states that the precise cause of lupus is unclear. In some causes, lupus may be severe enough to be fatal. Lupus is much more common in women than men, and African-Americans and Asians are more commonly affected than others. Herbal remedies have long been used to help manage lupus-related symptoms, but talk to your doctor before trying to treat yourself with them.

Lupus Information

Lupus, a chronic inflammatory disease, occurs when your body's immune system attacks various tissues and organs throughout your body. Lupus, notes MayoClinic.com, may cause a variety of symptoms, including fever, fatigue, joint pain and swelling, dry eyes, depression and a malar rash, or a rash shaped like a butterfly that appears on your face. MayoClinic.com states that most cases of lupus involve periods of improvement followed by flare-ups of your symptoms.

Herbal Approach

The herbal approach for the treatment of lupus involves the use of numerous herbs to minimize the symptoms associated with this condition. Nutrition researcher Phyllis A. Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," recommends the following herbs for lupus: Red clover, feverfew, pau d'arco and burdock. Yucca may help to reduce arthritis-like symptoms, while goldenseal extract helps to treat mouth sores and inflammation. Licorice root helps to boost your immune system, and milk thistle cleanses your liver and helps to protect it.

A Powerful Remedy

Yucca is a powerful remedy in the treatment of lupus. Yucca has been used to treat a variety of ailments, notes Balch, including arthritis, osteoporosis and various inflammatory disorders. The roots of the yucca plant contain several important nutrients and plant chemicals and are used in herbal preparations. Yucca root possesses antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties. Yucca is a small tree that thrives in desert conditions such as the American southwest and Baja California.

Additional Information

Herbal remedies used to treat lupus may be beneficial in reducing your symptoms, but they will not cure your condition. Herbal remedies should be treated with respect and caution and used judiciously for lupus or any other health condition. Certain herbal remedies are known to cause undesired side effects if they are not taken properly or taken for too long. Schedule an appointment with a licensed naturopathic doctor, herbalist or other health-care provider to get more information about herbs, including their benefits and risks.