Autoimmune Disease - Using Herbs to Relieve Symptoms and Help With Healing

Autoimmune Disease - Using Herbs to Relieve Symptoms and Help With Healing

This problem is more a condition than a disease [affects the immune system] and it is when the antibodies [a bodies natural defense against infections] in the blood actually start attacking their own host. They may focus on just one organ in the attack or hone in on a particular tissue that is present in a multiple set of organs [the basement membrane of the lungs and kidneys are fine examples].

Non-specific symptoms for this condition:

* dizziness
* exhaustion
* fatigue
* disorientation
* non specific feeling of being unwell
* low fever
* irritability
* anxiety
* fluctuation in weight
* digestive and gastric problems
* sensitivity to cold

Range of autoimmune diseases:

Diabetes mellitus and rheumatoid arthritis are 2 of the most well known in this group, while the lesser known ones include Sjögren's syndrome, dermatomyositis and vasculitis to name but a few. There are many different forms of this disease and a combination of the symptoms above are likely to indicate a immune disorder.

Cause

It is very difficult to pinpoint the specific cause of this problem due to the nature of this disease, other than the big one - hereditary - some other possible triggers that could cause this condition:

* viruses
* UV radiation
* toxic environments
* iodine
* anxiety
* stress
* pregnancy
* unhealthy diet
* lack of exercise
* alcohol and tobacco abuse
* lack of sleep

Although there are a variety of home remedies for Auto-immune disease these do not replace the need for conventional medication but can assist in healing and guard against the negative effects this disease's medication may cause in the patient.

Herbs

Herbs are a wonderful natural source of health and need to be used as much as possible in the patients diet:

* ginger - can help reduce some ot the symptoms of this disease [turmeric has the same capabilities]
* yarrow - helps in the detoxification and cleansing of the blood/bloodstream
* yucca - helps relieve and prevent muscular pain and stiffness, also has the ability to help with skin disorders
* sarsaparilla - has natural anti-inflammatory properties, thus soothing inflamed joints or muscles

Diets are based on the type of auto-immune disease the patient has, and as there are many different types out there it is best to speak to a dietitian or nutritionist to have a specially formulated diet developed for the patient. The doctor should also be involved in this process as he is the one that actually knows what treatment the patient is on [also the patients likes and dislikes] and can assist with the dietitian or nutritionist with the patients dietary needs to combat any of the medications side effects.