What Herbs Support Autoimmune Disease
Herbs can be a wonderful addition to your meal preparation. But when it comes to supplements you want to tread carefully if you have been diagnosed with an autoimmune disease or suspect you have one. Some herbs can exacerbate symptoms of certain autoimmune diseases.
Echinacea is a flowering plant from North America. It is a popular supplement and herbal tea but it can be proinflammatory. If you have Rheumatoid arthritis, Lupus, Multiple sclerosis, or Chron’s disease it might be best to avoid this herb. This herb can increase inflammation and produce stronger autoimmune flares.
Elderberry is extracted from the flower and berries of the Sambucus plant. This is a common herbal supplement taken for stimulating your immune system to fight off viruses and bacteria. However, if you have an autoimmune disease your body doesn’t like the immune system to be stimulated, this can trigger an autoimmune flare and increase symptoms.
Goldenseal is a very popular herb in the United States. Historically it was used by Native Americans for digestive issues and infections. Although it can be beneficial for some, for those with autoimmune disease it can be especially hard. Most importantly it should be avoid for those with rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and digestive issues.
St. John’s Wort has been used since ancient Greece. It is often taken to support menopause issues and help treat depression. But there are numerous side effects and drug interactions.
Potentially Safer Options: As with any herb I would caution long-term use. I prefer to use them for 2-3 months then wean off. Maybe slowly add a new one, do that for a few months, then wean off. I find this cycle works best for me. Always listen to your body and read labels carefully.
Adaptogenic herbs can help support and normalize the immune system by providing support to improve resistance to physical, mental, and environmental stressors. This class of herbs can also help balance hormones in the endocrine system.
Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb that has been used for thousands of years to support adrenal function, support a healthy immune system, decrease inflammation, bring balance to hormones, and calm anxiety.
Ginseng has strong antioxidant effects and helps improve our reaction to stressors. Asian ginseng is probably the most potent in this family of herbs and should probably be avoided as it might be too strong for a weakened system.
Sarsaparilla can help reduce joint and muscle inflammation. It has been used for centuries to support symptoms of arthritis, gut/digestive issues, psoriasis, and gout.
Food source adaptogenic herbs:
Black pepper
Green tea
Ginger
Cinnamon (my personal favorite)
Cumin
Turmeric
Nutmeg
If you have an autoimmune disease, it is best to seek out professional help from someone like a functional medical doctor, that is very knowledgeable of herbal medicine. I am not a doctor and this information is not intended to diagnose or treat any illness, it is for informational purposes only.
