How to Treat Lupus With Natural Remedies

Lupus is an autoimmune disorder that can be mild to debilitating. Common symptoms related to this condition are mild fever, joint pain, fatigue, sores inside the mouth, alopecia, a malar rash across the cheeks, blood in the urine, renal failure, sensitivity to sun exposure, vertigo and weight loss. Individuals with Asian, African or American Indian ancestry have the highest incidences of developing lupus. Serious cases of this disorder can be life-threatening, so if you are experiencing any symptoms, getting a diagnosis is important. Should your doctor determine that you have lupus, he is likely to prescribe steroids, but these can have unpleasant side effects. If you want to try optional therapies to help with your lupus issues, there are natural remedies that may work well.

Instructions

• 1

  Eat foods that contain sulfur, such as onions, eggs and garlic, which increase your body's ability to absorb calcium. Calcium is essential for keeping bones strong. Other helpful foods are whole grains, fish, pineapple, dark green, leafy vegetables, fresh fruits, olive oil and canola oil. Avoid foods that can make your lupus symptoms worse, such as dairy products, red meat, potatoes, tomatoes, bell peppers and other nightshade vegetables.

• 2

  Schedule acupuncture treatments. Acupuncture can relieve pain and improve your blood circulation.

• 3

  Consider an herbal approach. Herbs including milk thistle, alfalfa, red clover, flaxseed oil, yucca, licorice root, cat's claw and pau d'arco can be helpful in easing lupus symptoms. These herbs work to detoxify your body. Do not take licorice root if you have high blood pressure, since this herb can elevate blood pressure.

• 4

  Exercise regularly to increase your mobility.

• 5

  Get plenty of rest. You may need to take several naps throughout the day, as lupus causes fatigue, especially during a flare-up. Developing a pattern at night of 8 to 10 hours of sleep is considered appropriate for lupus sufferers.

• 6

  Breathe in aromatic essential oils, such as lavender and chamomile, to help you relax. Pine essential oil can relieve pain in your joints.

• 7

  Avoid stress, which can cause a flare-up of your lupus symptoms.