Lupus is notoriously difficult to diagnose, as its symptoms resemble those of many different illnesses. Many individuals may have to try several unsuccessful medications before an accurate diagnosis is reached. In a few cases, it may take years before a proper diagnosis is made. If you are looking for home remedies to manage the symptoms, scroll down to check them out. One of the main symptoms of lupus is a facial rash that unfolds across both cheeks and closely resembles the wings of a butterfly. This symptom is quite prevalent in many cases of lupus that have been reported, but not all. The exact cause of lupus is yet to be discovered. However, it mainly results from your immune system attacking the healthy tissues in your body. Let’s look into the cause of lupus right below.
What Causes Lupus? What Are Its Risk Factors?
Lupus is often thought to develop in people with a genetic predisposition to the disease, who come in contact with potential environmental triggers. Such triggers may include:
Sunlight Infections Certain medications
Some factors that may increase your risk of developing lupus are:
Gender – It is more common in women. Age – It can affect people of any age but is more common in those between 15 and 45 years. Race – It is found to be more common in Asian-Americans, Hispanics, and African-Americans.
The signs and symptoms associated with lupus are quite similar to those of other ailments. They may vary depending on the affected body system.
What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Lupus?
The symptoms of lupus can occur gradually or suddenly, may be mild or severe, and may also be temporary or permanent. Most people with lupus develop mild symptoms that may flare-up for a while before improving or even completely disappearing for some time. The common signs and symptoms that surface with lupus are:
Fever Fatigue Pain, stiffness, and swelling of joints A butterfly-shaped rash across both cheeks and the nose Rashes on different body parts Appearance of lesions that worsens post-exposure to the sun Breathing difficulty or shortness of breath Dry eyes Pain in the chest Memory loss or confusion Headaches Fingers or toes that turn blue while stressing or when exposed to cold (also termed as Raynaud’s phenomenon)
Lupus needs immediate medical attention to prevent any potential complications. The risks and side effects associated with it are discussed below.
Risks And Side Effects
Lupus can lead to severe complications, such as:
Kidney damage Memory problems Anemia Blood clotting Pleurisy Pericarditis Heart attack
The other serious side effects of lupus include:
Infections due to a weak immune system Cancer Avascular necrosis or bone tissue death Pregnancy complications, such as miscarriage
Treating lupus is mainly aimed at managing its signs and symptoms. While there are several anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive medications that can help to manage the symptoms, most of them come with side effects. Therefore, many people are looking at natural remedies to manage the condition. The following are the best home remedies that can help you manage lupus while also improving your quality of life.
9 Natural Remedies To Manage Lupus
1. Vitamin Supplements
Introduction of vitamins E and D in lupus patients was found to help with the progression of the disease. Vitamin D can ameliorate inflammatory and hemostatic markers associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (2). Vitamin E can suppress the production of autoantibodies, which are involved in the development of systemic lupus erythematosus (3).
2. Essential Oils
a. Lavender Oil
2-3 drops of lavender oil 1-2 tablespoons of coconut oil
You may do this once daily. The analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of lavender oil can help in soothing the rashes associated with lupus while also relieving pain (4).
b. Frankincense Oil
1 drop of therapeutic-grade certified organic frankincense oil 1 glass of drinking water
You may drink this mixture 2-3 times daily for best results. Frankincense oil possesses strong immunostimulating and anti-inflammatory activities (5), (6). These activities can help in preventing the deterioration of lupus symptoms.
3. Coconut Oil
Virgin coconut oil (as required) You may do this 1-2 times daily. Virgin coconut oil exhibits significant anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that can soothe the inflamed rashes that often accompany lupus (7).
4. Epsom Salt
1 cup of Epsom salt Water
You must do this once daily. The presence of magnesium in Epsom salt imparts anti-inflammatory properties to it, which can help alleviate the inflammatory symptoms of lupus (8).
5. Tulsi Or Holy Basil
¼ cup of holy basil leaves 1 cup of hot water
You may drink this 1-2 times daily. The immunomodulatory nature of holy basil can benefit those battling lupus as it can help strengthen their overall immunity (9).
6. Flaxseed
1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed Add a tablespoon of ground flaxseed to your favorite cereal or salad. You can consume 1-2 tablespoons of flaxseed daily. Flaxseed is a rich source of alpha-linolenic acid (alpha-LA) that possess anti-atherogenic properties. It also contains lignans, which prevent the activation of platelet-activating factor receptors, thus preventing inflammation. These properties of flaxseed can help improve renal function associated with lupus nephritis (10).
7. Green Tea
1 teaspoon of green tea 1 cup of hot water
You may drink green tea 1-2 times daily. Daily consumption of green tea can help in managing the symptoms of lupus and also improve certain aspects of the patient’s quality of life (11).
8. Turmeric
1 teaspoon of turmeric powder 1 glass of hot milk
You may drink this once daily. The active component of turmeric is curcumin. Curcumin reduces the proliferation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells in lupus nephritis patients and suppresses the activation of the enzyme that causes inflammation (12).
9. Ginger
1 inch of sliced ginger 1 cup of hot water
You may drink ginger tea twice daily. The immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory nature of ginger can work wonders in managing lupus and its inflammatory symptoms (13). In addition to trying out these remedies, you also need to follow a few tips to prevent flare-ups.
How To Prevent Lupus
You can’t prevent lupus, but you can surely avoid the triggers that might result in flare-ups and worsening of your condition. Do the following:
Limit your exposure to the sun. Always wear a sunblock with SPF 70 or more while going out. Avoid medications that may trigger further sensitivity to sunlight. Manage your stress by practicing yoga or meditation. Avoid close contact with people who are ill. Get enough sleep and rest.
Are bananas good for lupus? Bananas are rich in potassium and hence should be consumed in moderation or after consultation with a healthcare provider by individuals with lupus. What foods trigger lupus flare ups? Garlic, foods from the nightshade family like tomatoes and potatoes, processed foods, refined sugars, and alfalfa sprouts are known to cause lupus flareups. Does drinking water help lupus? Yes, drinking plenty of water may help with digestive issues associated with lupus and facilitate the elimination of toxins from the body. Are eggs good for lupus? Yes, eggs are good for lupus as they are nutrient-rich and safe to consume on a lupus diet. Does lupus make you sleep a lot? Fatigue is one of the most common and persistent symptoms of lupus. The fatigue may lead to daytime sleepiness or excessive sleep. How do you know when lupus is getting worse? Lupus may be getting worse if symptoms worsen or there are new symptoms such as appetite loss, achy or swollen joints, hair loss, rashes, new sores in the nose or mouth, or increased fatigue. It is advised to contact your healthcare provider in this case.
