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.

Herbs Used for Lupus

Ashwagandha * Barberry, Common * Black Cohosh * Black Pepper * Blue Cohosh * Bogbean * Borage * Camphor * Cat's Claw * Cayenne Pepper * Devil's Claw * Eucalyptus * Fennel * Feverfew * Ginger * Hops * Lavender * Mate * Meadowsweet * Oregano * Parsley * Pineapple * Rehmannia * Rosemary * St. John's Wort * Turmeric * Vervain * White Willow * Wintergreen *

Astragalus For: Immune system in Lupus
Profile	Astragalus stimulates beneficial components of the immune system in patients with lupus—the natural killer (NK) cells—without stimulating the detrimental components involved in rheumatoid arthritis—the B cells. Phyllis A. Balch, Prescription for Herbal Healing (2002)

Feverfew For: Lupus
Profile	Lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Laboratory studies have shown that feverfew stops white blood cells from absorbing the amino acid thymidine. This in turn reduces the rate at which they can produce inflammatory chemicals known as leukotrienes. This alteration of the cellular chemistry also reduces the production of fatty acid products known as eicosanoids, which are essential to the production of inflammatory chemicals. While clinical studies report mixed results, many people find that taking feverfew for two to three months reduces the severity and frequency of arthritic pain. The advantage of feverfew over many other forms of treatment is that it does not cause stomach upset, but acts in a manner like that of a class of pain relievers known as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors such as celecoxib (Celebrex) Phyllis A. Balch, Prescription for Herbal Healing (2002)

Lupus Information

• Gout :
  Gout, one of the most painful forms of arthritis, is found primarily in men. While we can't cure it, we do have several highly effective treatments to control it.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis :
  Rheumatoid arthritis has been passed down from mother to daughter for at least 5 generations. It seems I have always lived with the pain of arthritis. I used to just accept the fact that I was helpless to do anything about it. Not anymore.
• Fibromyalgia :
  

  Fibromyalgia A herbal approach to treatment will include herbs that address adrenal gland support, stress management, and pain relief, as well as emotional needs.

• Osteoarthritis :
  Herbal treatments to prevent bone deterioration and improve bone and cartilage repair.
• Aromatherapy :
  Because aromatherapy oils are so easy to use, they are a great way to explore the use of natural plant based health. It is as simple as you want it to be.