Lupus Living With Natural Remedies for Treating Lupus By Cathy Wong Cathy Wong Facebook Twitter Cathy Wong is a nutritionist and wellness expert. Her work is regularly featured in media such as First For Women, Woman's World, and Natural Health. Learn about our editorial process Updated on April 26, 2020 Medically reviewed Verywell Health articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and healthcare professionals. These medical reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Lana Butner, ND, LAc Medically reviewed by Lana Butner, ND, LAc Facebook LinkedIn Lana Butner, ND, LAc, is a board-certified naturopathic doctor and licensed acupuncturist in private practice in New York City. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Print Table of Contents View All Table of Contents What Is Lupus? Lupus Symptoms Natural Treatments Using Natural Remedies Lupus is an autoimmune disease. It occurs when your immune system turns against tissues and organs throughout your body. Symptoms vary, but often include fatigue, joint pain, and hair loss. Alongside standard medical treatment, some people reduce their symptoms with the help of various natural remedies. This article explains lupus and natural remedies to help manage it. What Is Lupus? There are several types of lupus, including: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) Chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus (skin lupus) Drug-induced lupus Neonatal lupus Childhood lupus Lupus can set off inflammation and cause damage to the heart, lungs, blood vessels, brain, joints, skin, kidneys, and other parts of the body. In addition, it can trigger major health problems, including: Kidney disease Neurological dysfunction Rheumatoid arthritis While complications arising from lupus can be fatal, the disease often goes into remission, sometimes lasting for years. However, since lupus can be life-threatening, it's crucial to seek medical care rather than attempting to self-treat the disease. Claudia Totir / Getty Images Lupus Symptoms Lupus is sometimes difficult to diagnose. That's because the symptoms often overlap with symptoms of other health conditions. In addition, they can vary widely from case to case. Symptoms of lupus include: Fatigue Skin lesions (typically aggravated by sun exposure) A butterfly-shaped rash on the face (covering the cheeks and bridge of the nose) Weight gain or loss Joint pain and swelling Hair loss Mouth sores Chest pain Depression Anxiety Memory loss Could It Be Lupus? Signs and Symptoms Natural Treatments Keep in mind that so far, scientific support for the claim that any form of alternative medicine can treat lupus is lacking. However, there are some complementary therapies that some people find beneficial. Omega-3 Fatty Acids Omega-3 fatty acids can curb inflammation. In addition, several studies have also found that they improve lupus symptoms. You can increase your omega-3 intake by eating oily fish (such as salmon and sardines), flaxseeds, or by taking a daily omega-3 supplement. Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Arthritis Symptoms Herbal Medicine Though not explicitly studied in lupus patients, some herbs may support lupus symptoms. Specifically, anti-inflammatory herbs like ginger and turmeric may be helpful for those experiencing arthritic symptoms. Vitamin and Mineral Supplements Corticosteroids (inflammation-fighting drugs often used in lupus treatment) may thin your bones and increase your risk of osteoporosis. Ask your healthcare provider about daily vitamin D and calcium supplements to keep your bones strong while on corticosteroids. Mind-Body Therapies Using mind-body techniques like hypnotherapy and guided imagery may help you deal with the stress of lupus. To further alleviate stress, make sure to get plenty of sleep and exercise regularly. Ask a healthcare provider about the amount and types of exercise that are right for you. DHEA Research suggests that dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a steroid hormone essential to the production of estrogen and testosterone) may enhance quality-of-life for people with lupus. While DHEA shows promise as a complementary treatment for lupus, regular use of DHEA supplements could raise your risk of heart attack and some types of cancer. Therefore, it's critical to use DHEA only under the supervision of your primary care provider. What Is DHEA? Recap There is insufficient evidence to support using most supplements as lupus treatments. However, some commonly used for symptom relief and support include omega-3 fatty acids, herbs and vitamins, and relaxation techniques. Using Natural Remedies Due to a lack of supporting research, it's too soon to recommend alternative medicine to treat lupus. In addition, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not test or regulate supplements. Therefore, the content of some products may differ from what is specified on the product label. Also, keep in mind that the safety of supplements has not been established in higher-risk populations, including: People who are pregnantThose who are breastfeedingChildrenThose with medical conditionsPeople who are taking medications If you're considering alternative medicine, talk with a healthcare provider first. Self-treating a condition and avoiding or delaying standard care may have serious consequences. Recap There is not enough evidence to recommend most natural remedies for treating lupus. If you want to incorporate natural therapies into your care, be sure to talk about it with your healthcare provider first. They can help you determine which therapies might complement your treatment plan best and how to choose the right products. Summary Lupus is an autoimmune condition that has many varied symptoms. In addition to standard medical care, some people use natural remedies, including vitamins, herbs, and relaxation techniques. However, it is essential to work with a healthcare provider before incorporating supplements into your treatment plan. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit 5 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Lupus symptoms. Greco CM, Nakajima C, Manzi S. Updated review of complementary and alternative medicine treatments for systemic lupus erythematosus. Curr Rheumatol Rep. 2013;15(11):378. doi:10.1007/s11926-013-0378-3 Constantin MM, Nita IE, Olteanu R, et al. Significance and impact of dietary factors on systemic lupus erythematosus pathogenesis. Exp Ther Med. 2019;17(2):1085-1090. doi:10.3892/etm.2018.6986 Yuen HK, Cunningham MA. Optimal management of fatigue in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: a systematic review. Ther Clin Risk Manag. 2014;10:775-86. doi:10.2147/TCRM.S56063 U.S. Food and Drug Administration. FDA 101: Dietary supplements.