Natural remedies
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Hello Liz 
I'm sure that there are many here who have tried natural remedies and I'm sure that there are people here who also use some sort of complementary medicine to help them. These can include homeopathy, reflexology, acupuncture...
I think the main thing is that one has to be very careful. Prior to diagnosis and in sheer desperation I did take some alternative medicine recommended by my chemist. The problem is that a chemist doesn't necessarily know a lot about lupus and, of course, at that time we didn't know I had lupus. Those remedies reduced inflammation to a degree however, I now know that they included substances well known for stimulating the immune system (which is definitely not recommended when one has an auto-immune disorder). Is it a coincidence that my disease activity suddenly spiraled after that? Maybe, maybe not.
I would no longer take any medicine without having discussed it with my rheumatologist first. Obviously, some rheumies might not be very open to alternative medicine - I don't have that problem - but it is essential that the person "prescribing" knows the implications of lupus. That is fairly rare as true lupus specialists are few and far between.
Some medicines can "stimulate" the immune system and bring on a flare, some "detoxify" and put unnecessary strain on kidneys that may already be finding life hard with lupus, .... just two examples.
I'm not saying DON'T look into other things that may bring you some relief. I'm just saying be very careful and make sure that you don't take things because Aunt Hilda said that it "cured" her rheumatics.
That's my take anyway - I have lived with this disease in some ways all my life (my mother has dermatomyositis and lupus) and although I tend to be good at denial, somewhere in the back of my mind I know just how serious it can be and I wouldn't want to take risks with it.
I'm sure you realise that if there were a "miracle" cure out there, the drug companies would be quick to invest in approving and patenting it (remember that alternative medicines are not subject to the same stringent testing).
Sorry to have gone on a bit, I do do that sometimes :lol:
Katharine
I'm sure that there are many here who have tried natural remedies and I'm sure that there are people here who also use some sort of complementary medicine to help them. These can include homeopathy, reflexology, acupuncture...
I think the main thing is that one has to be very careful. Prior to diagnosis and in sheer desperation I did take some alternative medicine recommended by my chemist. The problem is that a chemist doesn't necessarily know a lot about lupus and, of course, at that time we didn't know I had lupus. Those remedies reduced inflammation to a degree however, I now know that they included substances well known for stimulating the immune system (which is definitely not recommended when one has an auto-immune disorder). Is it a coincidence that my disease activity suddenly spiraled after that? Maybe, maybe not.
I would no longer take any medicine without having discussed it with my rheumatologist first. Obviously, some rheumies might not be very open to alternative medicine - I don't have that problem - but it is essential that the person "prescribing" knows the implications of lupus. That is fairly rare as true lupus specialists are few and far between.
Some medicines can "stimulate" the immune system and bring on a flare, some "detoxify" and put unnecessary strain on kidneys that may already be finding life hard with lupus, .... just two examples.
I'm not saying DON'T look into other things that may bring you some relief. I'm just saying be very careful and make sure that you don't take things because Aunt Hilda said that it "cured" her rheumatics.
That's my take anyway - I have lived with this disease in some ways all my life (my mother has dermatomyositis and lupus) and although I tend to be good at denial, somewhere in the back of my mind I know just how serious it can be and I wouldn't want to take risks with it.
I'm sure you realise that if there were a "miracle" cure out there, the drug companies would be quick to invest in approving and patenting it (remember that alternative medicines are not subject to the same stringent testing).
Sorry to have gone on a bit, I do do that sometimes :lol:
Katharine
Hi Liz
I am very new to lupus. I will share my own experience though. Pre-diagnosis I was having acupuncture having thought I had a virus. I did ask the guy twice if I shouldn't go and have some blood tests at my GP - he said he didn't think there was much wrong with me! It did help in some ways but he also made other things worse, some of which haven't sorted themselves out 6 months later! I think he over-stimulated my immune system. I am kind of mad at him! I would not have acupuncture again.
I wouldn't be prepared to risk anything herbal whatsoever with this thing. I do occasionally take Bach flower remedies as I believe they are of a homeopathic dose and therefore minimal risk of harm. I find the olive one helps with tiredness and the rescue remedy gives a bit of a general boost. Personally I would stick with homeopathy from now on.
Mamoosh
I am very new to lupus. I will share my own experience though. Pre-diagnosis I was having acupuncture having thought I had a virus. I did ask the guy twice if I shouldn't go and have some blood tests at my GP - he said he didn't think there was much wrong with me! It did help in some ways but he also made other things worse, some of which haven't sorted themselves out 6 months later! I think he over-stimulated my immune system. I am kind of mad at him! I would not have acupuncture again.
I wouldn't be prepared to risk anything herbal whatsoever with this thing. I do occasionally take Bach flower remedies as I believe they are of a homeopathic dose and therefore minimal risk of harm. I find the olive one helps with tiredness and the rescue remedy gives a bit of a general boost. Personally I would stick with homeopathy from now on.
Mamoosh
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