Lupus is the Latin word for wolf. The term has been associated with the disease since the 10th century, it is speculated that the name was given to describe the skin lesions (sores), which typically are red and were thought to resemble the bite of a wolf. Lupus is a chronic inflammatory disease that can affect various parts of the body, especially the skin, joints, blood, and kidneys.

Some herbal properties that many be useful are:

• Anti-inflammatories: as Lupus is a disease process with marked inflammation.
• Demulcents: demulcent to help with the associated chest pain and cough, and to assist the expectorant action.
• Nervines: to help the body cope with the overall effects of such a stressful illness. Also to address the insomnia and itching on an as needed basis
• Anti-rheumatics: to ease the joint pain and stiffness involved
• Diuretics: as needed to help alleviate the edema associated with the use of steroid therapy.
• Chronic Fatigue: Fight chronic fatigue assciated with lupus.