Lupus: Jumpin’ Through Loops for Herbs

Best Single Herb: Elecampane

Best Combinations: Elecampane; black walnut; Essiac tea; suma; red clover; licorice root; alfalfa; una de gato; grape seed/pine bark extract; barley grass juice powder, wheat grass juice powder, asparagus, astragalus, broccoli, cabbage, ganoderma, parthenium, schizandra, Siberian ginseng, myrrh, pau d’arco; garlic

Other Helpful Supplements: CoQ₁₀; food enzymes; antioxidants, calcium/magnesium with vitamin D

Possible Causes: Candida/parasite infection; environmental poisoning; emotional issues; leak in silicone breast implants; dental work

Complementary Help: Bowel cleansing; dental consultation; juiced barley and wheat grass drunk daily

Lupus is a general term used to describe any of several chronic skin diseases. When used alone, it usually refers to tuberculosis (TB) of the skin.

The three types of lupus conditions are:

1. Lupus erythematosus: This chronic inflammation of connective tissue affects the skin and internal organs. Symptoms include a red, scaly rash on the face; arthritis; and kidney damage. Considered an autoimmune disease, this type of lupus occurs more often in women.

2. Lupus verrucosus: This is a tuberculosis infection of the skin, with symptoms of warty lesions on the arms or hands. This happens to people who have had tuberculosis before and have become reinfected.

3. Lupus vulgaris: This infection of the skin can spread and cause ulcers and severe scarring. Children who have been given a tuberculosis inoculation usually suffer this type of lupus caused directly by the injection.

Terms related to herbs or holistic health

An autoimmune disease is a disease in which the body attacks itself when the immune system (antibodies) is over-stimulated. Some autoimmune diseases include lupus, pernicious anemia, rheumatic fever, and Hashimoto’s disease.

Elecampane

Warnings about the use of herbs

Elecampane should not be taken when pregnant or breast-feeding. It is too strong an herb and can make baby “purge” through vomiting or diarrhea.

Elecampane (Inula heminum) is one of many herbs I would take if I were suffering from lupus. Add elecampane for its high content of anti-amoebic compounds, compounds that kill or repel bacteria and parasites. If lupus is brought on by a parasitic infection, elecampane is one herb that has a great reputation as a powerful internal cleanser.

In the Middle Ages, elecampane — a yellow herb resembling the daisy and also referred to as wild sunflower — was used as medicine and by veterinarians to treat animals and rid them of parasites. It is helpful in ailments of the respiratory tract and has analgesic (pain-reducing) properties.

The Bigger Picture

Because lupus is a disease of the immune system, it will be helpful to alleviate extra stress in your life while you recover. Stress can suppress your immunity, and this includes the physical stress of digesting solid foods. An herbal supplement can help take the energy out of digestion by supplying the enzymes necessary to break down cooked foods. Calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D supplements may prove useful to feed the structural system, and antioxidants can supply your body with what it needs to help protect your cells from free radical damage.

Of course, you will need to do some investigating to find out what may have triggered your lupus and what may be aggravating the problem. Here are my suggestions:

• Fibromyalgia: I suggest reading the section “Fibromyalgia: What a Pain!,” for some other suggestions on helping your body. Fibromyalgia is also a condition in which the body is attacking itself, although not at such an advanced level as is experienced with lupus.
• Parasites/fungus: Read the sections “Fungus Among Us?” and “Parasites: Dealing with Uninvited Guests”. Many herbalists believe this can be the core issue causing lupus. Do some research on parasites in humans, and ask your doctor to test you for any and all possible parasite infections.
• Dental work: Speak to your holistic dentist regarding any dental work that you suspect could have an influence on your immune system.
• Breast implants: Consider problems with a silicone leak if you have breast implants.
• Environmental causes: Think about exactly when your symptoms started. Try to remember what changed in your environment up to two years before your symptoms started. This will give you clues to seeking an answer. If you suspect environmental allergies, see “A Is for Ailment,” and read Poisoning Our Children, by Nancy Sokol Green (The Noble Press, Inc.).

Herb Lore: information related to holistic health

Lupus means “wolf.” It was named this because of the characteristic butterfly-like rash that appears like on the face resembling that of a wolfs markings.

No related posts.