In my opinion, autoimmune disease is such a tricky one to approach holistically. With our immune systems attacking ourselves, the goal is to tamp down the immune system some, so it won't go overboard on us. Most holistic practices and tend to concentrate on strengthening and ramping up the immune system, so it's a delicate balance. I chose to use herb-infused or diluted essential oils on the parts that swell and ache on and off, to help with comfort, without feeding my immune system. I have also added Turmeric and Coconut Oil to my supplements to help with swelling and pain, but very careful so as not to defeat the goal of what I'm on Methotrexate for to begin with.

I agree with the previous answers. I am a RN and a certified herbalist. Therapies should be used to compliment one another. Do your research or preferably see a certified herbalist before taking anything. If nausea can be treated with peppermint tea it is much preferred to pharma. Make sure you are open and honest with all your healthcare professionals about what you take and what therapies you would be interested in.

Great point @A MyLupusTeam Member. I firmly believe in holistic approaches being a complement to Western medicine. There's no way I'd even still be alive if it wasn't for Western medicine. I see some of the natural things I have done (to include some diet changes and specific exercises) as a compliment to western medications that not only saved my life many times over, but has provided me with a better quality of life. I enjoy what the combination of the two has provided me with :)

I also believe in the combination of Western and Eastern medicines. I have tried acupuncture, acupressure and reflexology. Have been drinking turmeric or ginger tea sometimes with honey and lemon, wakes up with a warm glass of freshly squeezed lemon juice with a bit of baking soda on warm water. My drinks are coconut juice and cranberry juice to deal with UTI since I'm on catheter. I also use sublingual stem cell therapy and this one really helps boost my energy, especially on my physical therapy days, which is 3x a week. I could still do PT with this stem cell even when lupus fatigue is in the work. I am taking probiotic supplements as well as superfoods like reishi mushroom, spirulina, goji berry and maca root supplements. Do they really work? I'm not sure but I could say the lemon juice with baking soda makes me feel so much better than when I was on chemotherapy for 6 months. Still going and working despite all I have.

@A MyLupusTeam Member @A MyLupusTeam Member I really appreciate your responses! thank you so much!

I've only begun down this road starting with gluten free/vegan diet and I can tell a difference. I haven't started on any meds yet as I'm still being fully diagnosed(if that makes sense-no insurance and not much income makes it hard to pursue, so I'm kind of going at this on my own) Also, I am allergic to NSAIDS and aspirin and Dr has advised cutting back on Tylenol(It really only takes the edge off after doubling doses) So I thought perhaps a holistic approach would be helpful rather than being a slave to pills and Drs I can't really afford right now. Already I realize that it only "helps" but doesn't entirely take of EVERYTHING. Haha Still I'm not going to give in to this.

Mentioned Users

A MyLupus...