Lupus (Systemic Lupus Erythematosis) is a serious autoimmune disease that affects the body’s connective tissues. It occurs when the body produces abnormal antibodies that attack normal body tissue as if it were a foreign invader; a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disorder that may affect many organ systems. The disease affects 9 times as many women as men. It may occur at any age, but appears in most people between 10 and 50 years old. (Approximately 1 in 700 women are affected.)
Symptoms of lupus vary widely with the individual and are characterized by remissions and exacerbations. At the onset of lupus only one organ system may be involved; additional organs may become involved later. The course of the lupus may vary from mild episodic to fatal illnesses. The following organ system manifestations may be seen, but other manifestations are possible:
Musculoskeletal. Almost all people with SLE have joint pain and most develop arthritis. Frequently affected joints are the fingers, hands, wrists, and knees. Death of bone tissue can occur in hips and shoulders and is frequently a cause of pain in those areas.
Skin. A malar “butterfly” rash over the cheeks and bridge of the nose affects about half of those with SLE. The rash is usually worsened by sunlight. A more diffuse rash may appear on other body parts exposed to the sun. Other skin lesions or nodules can occur.
Other symptoms include: fever, general discomfort, uneasiness or ill feeling (malaise), skin rash, malar “butterfly” rash, sunlight aggravates skin rash, joint pain and swelling, sensitivity to sunlight, pleuritic chest pain, seizures, psychosis, fatigue.
Causes of lupus: elevated estrogen levels may increase the risk of SLE; excessive stomach acid; aspartame is suspected; leaky gut syndrome may be a cause due to over-the-counter pain medications (chronic use).
Lupus may cause these ailments: chilblains (rarely) as a side effect; hypertension (via the impaired kidney function caused by nephritis; Pericarditis; Raynaud’s disease; edema (due to nephritis); nephritis; fever; joint inflammation; muscle weakness; numbness.
Types of Lupus Erythematosus
Discoid Lupus (DLE) is a skin ailment characterized by red lesions that form on the face and scalp; Systemic Lupus (SLE) damages the kidneys, heart, liver, lungs, nervous system, joints and skin; Drug-Induced Lupus is characterized by lupus-like symptoms triggered by various pharmaceutical drugs—Hydralazine (high blood pressure meds), some heart medications, epileptic, tuberculosis, rheumatoid arthritis medications.
Medical perspective will diagnose the problem by looking or the facial rash, take a blood test and may recommend over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS) that can cause their own damage without resolving the lupus. They may also recommend prednisone or other immunosuppressive drugs that may also carry dangerous toxicity or side effects.
Natural perspective includes diet, stress relief and other following natural treatments. The lupus sufferer may need to use natural therapies for flare-ups, specific organ or joint weaknesses, and homeopathic constitutional treatment.
For diet, remove toxic substances such as tobacco, alcohol, black tea, coffee, sodas and reduce processed foods.
Prognosis for Lupus
The outcome has improved over previous years for people with SLE. Many affected have mild illness. Women with SLE who become pregnant are often able to complete pregnancy safely and deliver normal infants if severe renal or heart disease is not present, and the SLE is under treatment. The 10-year survival rate exceeds 85%. People with severe involvement of the brain, lungs, heart, and kidney have the worst prognosis in terms of overall survival and disability.
The following natural supplements may alleviate Lupus symptoms:
Magnesium levels are often abnormally low in lupus patients. Use as much magnesium as possible until you get diarrhea and then back off the dosage.
Pycnogenol may be a useful adjunctive treatment as an antioxidant
MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) at 5000mg a day may help to prevent and treat SLE.
Fish oil at 6000mg per day may be effective.
Herbs for Lupus
Herbs are plants valued for their specific strengthening/ tonifying properties.
Use a combination of the following herbs in capsule or powder for maximum benefit, and adjust as your condition improves. Therapeutic dose is equal to one capsule of each herb or 1 liquid dropper full of an herbal tincture 3 times a day.
Rosemary leaves are antioxidant as well as promote good circulation.
Gingko leaves herb have antioxidant properties protective of veins, arteries, brain, and heart.
Schizandra berries are an adaptogen herb for adrenals, liver and respiratory system.
Reishi mushroom is an immune protector, liver protector, nerve and heart protective.
Cordyceps mushroom is an adaptogen, liver protective and improves blood quality.Rhodiola root is an adaptogen, antioxidant, heart protective and makes the mind sharper.
Paul Bergner recommends licorice and turmeric for flare-ups at 1 to 2 capsules of each 3 times a day.
Cell Salts to Help with Lupus
To make a cell salt solution, put up to 10 tablets of each cell salt in a 16- to 24-ounce bottle; fill with water and swirl to dissolve tablets. Sip throughout the day.
#7 Kali sulph 6X – liver weakness, irritability, brown spots on the face
#9 Nat phos 6X – emotional component of grief; craves salty foods; wants to be alone
#12 Silicea 6X – for delicate people that feel cold, inflammation or infection, connective tissue problems
Lupus Homeopathic Remedies
Homeopathic remedies are non-toxic natural medicines safe for everyone including infants and pregnant or nursing women. You may use 6X, 30X, 6C or 30C potencies.
Arsenicum album – burning pains; right side of the body; mucus membranes, lungs, spleen; perfectionists, nervous persons that are immaculate housekeepers.
Lachesis – left-sided remedy and affects nerves, circulation, lungs, heart, female organs; person can’t stand anything tight around the neck; jealous, talkative when nervous and hates snakes; obsessive-compulsive or bipolar disorder.
Lycopodium – right side of the body; digestive, lungs, and urinary tract; poor self esteem; tired from 4 to 8 pm; can be dictators, arrogant and avoid responsibilities.
Medorrhinum – left-sided remedy that affects the mucus membranes and nerves; passionate, extreme, feel unreal; time passes too slowly.
Nitricum acid – mostly left-sided; splinter-like sensations; liver, prostate, and skin problems; negative, discontented, oversensitive and selfish; bitter, resentful, vengeful and accusative.
Psorinum – affects skin, ears, lungs, and colon; anxious, forsaken, pessimistic, hopeless and sensitive to storms; important skin remedy.
Sulphur – left-sided remedy that affects the stomach, mucus membranes, skin, liver, and gallbladder; intellectual, dreamer, has great ideas; hot and stick feet out of the covers at night.
Thuja – affects nerves, skin, and urinary system; left side of the body; deep secrets, religious delusions, emotional rigidity, frailness, and is very shut down.
Tuberculinum – right-sided remedy that affects the lungs; feeling of being unfulfilled, desire for travel, suppressed anger, and a sense of destructiveness.
Source: Dave’s Healing Notes
