Treat Lupus Successfully With the Help of Natural Remedies
Lupus is an autoimmune disease that is often difficult to diagnose. It happens when the immune system of the body attacks its tissues and organs. It can cause inflammation and affect different body organs like skin, kidney, liver, brain, heart, and lungs. The most prominent sign of lupus is a facial rash that looks familiar to the wings of a butterfly. Know how to treat lupus using natural remedies.
The most common type of lupus is Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) while there are other types such as cutaneous lupus and drug-induced lupus. There is no particular cure for it, but some there exist home remedies for lupus and other treatments that can help mitigate its symptoms. The Lupus Foundation of America(1) states that at least 5 million people worldwide have lupus.
Table of Contents
Causes of Lupus
People often question that is lupus genetic. John Hopkins Lupus Center(2) confirms that lupus develops due to a combination of certain factors like hormones, genes, and the environment. Some other potential triggers of it include sunlight, infections, and medications.
Cutaneous lupus is caused on the skin due to prolonged exposure to sunlight, which causes lupus rash; whereas drug-induced lupus is caused by an overreaction to certain medications.
There is also neonatal lupus which occurs when an infant acquires auto-antibodies from its mother. The scientists also believe that some people are born with a tendency to develop the disease which is then triggered by the factors mentioned above.
How to Treat Lupus?
There is no specific treatment for Lupus but there are certain natural treatments for lupus which can improve the quality of life and control the symptoms.
- Home Remedies
- Herbs
- Essential Oils
- Foods
- Supplements
Did You Know!
Lupus is called an “invisible illness.”
CURE 1: Home Remedies for Lupus
1. Drink plenty of Water
Why does this work?
Maintaining a healthy diet and controlling body weight helps combat lupus. Drinking plenty of water combined with a specific diet for lupus keeps you hydrated and healthy.
How to use?
Drink water whenever possible throughout the day; however, make sure you do not drink in between meals or immediately half an hour after a meal.
How much to use?
Try to drink 3-4 litres of water every day.
2. Keep skin moisturized
Why does this work?
In lupus, the skin needs to be constantly moisturized to avoid dryness and further irritation. Once out in the sun, make sure you apply a good SPF of at least 30.
How to use?
Make sure all the products you use on the skin are gentle and formulated to relieve sensitive skin.
How much to use?
Apply moisturizer on your skin twice or thrice in a day and especially when out in the sunlight.
CURE 2: Herbs for Lupus
1. Turmeric for lupus
Why does this work?
Turmeric is rich in curcumin, an active ingredient that is effective in treating lupus. Turmeric also has anti-inflammatory properties that heal skin rashes and itchiness.
How to use?
Add one teaspoon of turmeric in a glass of milk, heat it and drink it. However, do not apply turmeric paste directly on the skin as it irritates when dry.
How much to use?
Make sure you drink turmeric for lupus every night before going to bed.
Also Read: Proven Health Benefits of Turmeric
2. Ginger
Why does this work?
Ginger also has inflammatory and antioxidant properties which reduce skin rashes, swelling, and joint aches.
How to use?
There are many ways ginger can be consumed. You can add ginger in your tea and also in the vegetables you cook. You can also drink ginger juice directly with a pinch of honey in it.
How much to use?
Try to consume ginger in one form or another once a day.
3. Tulsi
Why does this work?
Also known as Holy Basil, Tulsi helps decrease stress and inflammation. Along with improving organ functioning, it ensures overall well being by reducing fatigue.
How to use?
You can add Tulsi leaves in your tea or directly chew them after washing them properly. Tulsi plant is very common and can be found easily. You can also grow it in your kitchen garden.
How much to use?
Chew 4-5 leaves every day or drink herbal Tulsi tea twice a day.
4. Flaxseeds
Why does this work?
Flaxseeds are a great source of omega 3 fatty acids which reduces inflammation. It also helps treat kidney and renal failures due to lupus.
How to use?
Flaxseeds can be consumed directly by mouth to help treat lupus.
How much to use?
30 grams of flaxseeds in a day is one of the best natural treatments for lupus.
5. Green Tea
Why does this work?
Green tea is rich in antioxidants that control the symptoms of lupus and also prevents infections in the body.
How to use?
Green tea can be consumed by boiling some green tea leaves in water, straining it, and drinking it hot.
How much to use?
You can drink this tea every day in the morning or before going to bed.
Also Read: Health Benefits of Green Tea: Healthy Infusion
CURE 3: Essential Oils
1. Olive Oil
Why does this work?
Olive oil helps reduce inflammation and other symptoms while maintaining strong bones and muscles. It also helps in combating the side effects of medications by maintaining a healthy body.
How to use?
You can incorporate olive oil in your diet by doing the majority of cooking in it.
How much to use?
They are no strict quantities as to how much olive oil to consume in a day. Therefore make sure you eat at least one dish cooked in olive oil each day.
2. Lavender Oil
Why does this work?
Been used for aromatherapy for several centuries, lavender oil helps reduce stress and achieve calmness through healthy sleep cycles. It is also beneficial for reducing inflammation and pain experienced due to lupus.
How to use?
You can get a lavender oil massage or use it in the form of bath salts. Make sure you do not consume it directly.
How much to use?
Try to use lavender oil, one of the best natural treatments for lupus in any form at least thrice a week to see good results.
3. CBD oil for lupus
Why does this work?
CBD oil for lupus is widely known to reduce pain and inflammation. The usage of it is controversial and not enough research has been done on it to understand how it functions in treating lupus.
How to use?
Although considered illegal, there are a lot of options of using it like smoking, taking capsules, topical ointments and drops under the tongue.
How much to use?
A very small quantity of it should be consumed as an overdose of it can trigger many other problems and side effects like dry mouth, alteration in hormone levels, low blood pressure, etc.
People with Lupus may have a harder time than others thinking, focusing, or remembering certain things.(3)
Also Read: How CBD May Have Anti-Aging Effects on the Skin
CURE 4: Foods for Lupus
1. Fish
Why does this work?
There is no particular food that can cure lupus, but it is important to eat healthy and nutritious food to avoid lupus flare-ups. Fish is one such food that can promote good health. Switch from meat to fish as it is rich in omega-3 acids and reduces the risk of heart diseases and controls inflammation.
How to eat and how much?
Out of many, some fish that are easily available and can be consumed are salmon, tuna, mackerel, sardines, etc. Try to consume fish once a day to combat lupus.
2. Nuts
Why does this work?
Beans, nuts, and seeds are rich in vitamin E, protein, and fiber, which maintain a healthy body and weight and eliminate the problems of chronic pain and swelling.
How to eat and how much?
Some nuts which can be eaten as snacks all day around are Chia seeds, Brazil nuts, Kidney beans, Walnuts, Lentils, etc. However, buy all these in unsalted form and when buying canned beans, don’t forget to rinse them before consuming to remove extra sodium. Try to eat them every day between meals or incorporate them into the meal itself.
3. Raw Milk
Why does this work?
The good bacteria found in dairy products helps reduce the symptoms of lupus. Raw milk is also rich in vitamin D, which is also beneficial for the body. The processing of milk kills many bacteria; hence, it is recommended to drink it in the raw form.
How to use?
However, when consuming raw milk, make sure it is hygienic and comes from a clean environment.
How much to use?
Drink one glass of raw milk every day to help manage lupus symptoms.
4. Bone Broth
Why does this work?
Bone broth is a liquid made out of bones and connective tissues. The bones of cow, chicken, and fish are used to make this. It is considered to be therapeutic as it contains many vitamins, minerals and amino acids which heal inflammations, swollen joints, skin infections, etc.
How to use?
If not found at the market it can be easily made at home. Just save bones from the regular meals and boil them with water and some vinegar. Let it cook slowly for a few hours and strain it before consumption. Big batches of it can be made and stored in the refrigerator.
How much to use?
Drink half a glass of it every day, and some vegetables and salts can be added to it as well to eat it during meals.
CURE 5: Supplements for Lupus
1. Vitamin D
Why does this work?
People with lupus have low levels of vitamin D, and additionally, a low level of vitamin D also causes severe lupus. Sunlight is a source of Vitamin D, but people with lupus are sensitive to the sun; hence, the deficiency of it has to be completed through supplements and food.
How to use?
It can be taken in the form of tablets and capsules which can be taken directly by mouth. Also, make sure you eat food rich in vitamin D.
How much to use?
If taking supplements to make sure you take one every day and in case of doubt, please consult a doctor.
2. Calcium
Why does this work?
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases(4) states that people with lupus are at increased risk for osteoporosis. Hence, it is recommended to keep your bones strong to eliminate the risk. Calcium helps in maintaining strong bones and muscles and also reduces joint aches.
How to use and how much?
Eat food rich in calcium and also take supplements of it if possible. Tablets and capsules of it can be taken directly by mouth. Take one tablet every day to keep your bones healthy.
3. Omega 3 Fatty Acid
Why does this work?
Omega 3 fatty acid helps reduce inflammation and also improves kidney function.
How to take and how much?
It can be taken in the form of tablets and capsules which are easily available at any pharmacy. Also try to consume seafood like fish, oyster, and flax seeds which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. If you are taking supplements, one tablet a day is enough.
4. Probiotics
Why does this work?
Probiotics are good bacteria which helps reduce kidney inflammation in lupus patients.
How to use?
All the dairy products are rich in Probiotics, and it is also available at pharmacies in powdered form. Just mix the powder in a cup of water and consume it.
How much to use?
If you are taking it in powdered form, make sure you take one dose of it thrice a week. Also try to consume dairy products like yogurt, buttermilk, milk, etc. every day.
Living with Lupus
Lupus Foundation of America(5) states that lupus affects women more than men and 90% of people suffering from lupus are women. No real reason behind it has been identified apart from the symptoms which people with lupus experience. The majority of people develop it between the ages of 15-44 and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 16,000 cases registered per year.
Understandably, a lupus diagnosis can be disturbing and life-changing. But it is also important to realize that you don’t have to face the challenge alone.
Accurate, reliable and trustworthy health care is available to take care of you along with your family members who are always there to support. Do not take this to be the end of the world instead takes steps ahead by maintaining a healthy lifestyle by considering all the above mentioned natural remedies for lupus and according to what your doctor suggests.
FAQs
1. What are the beneficial vitamins for lupus?
Vitamins A, E, B, zinc are all beneficial for lupus and should be included in the diet regularly.
2. Is yoga for lupus helpful?
Regular yoga practice can help attain calm and relieve stress and pain. It also treats joint pain, skin rashes, inflammation, etc.
3. Which foods trigger lupus?
Alfalfa and garlic are two things you should probably avoid as it can flare up the symptoms of lupus.
4. Is lupus contagious?
No lupus is not contagious and does not spread through touching.
5. Is there a cure for lupus?
There is no specific cure for lupus, but certain home remedies and lifestyle changes can control the symptoms.
