Recent Articles
-
10 Facts About Honey That Will Astound You November 21, 2024
-
How To Store Herbs: 5 Ways To Make Them Last Longer November 08, 2024
-
5 Powerful Herbs For Heart Health: Cardiovascular Wellness Naturally October 17, 2024
Helpful Tips
12 Supportive Herbs For Autoimmune Conditions
- Type 1 diabetes
- Graves disease
- Lyme disease
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Fibromyalgia
- Multiple sclerosis
- Psoriasis
- Lupus
- Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
-
Inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis
What is autoimmunity?
- Inflammation
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Intermittent low grade fever
- Extreme sensitivity to cold
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Swelling in joints
- Neuralgia
- Skin issues
- Weight changes
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Irritability, anxiety and low mood
- Hormonal issues
- Vertigo
- Chronic pain
Supportive herbs for autoimmune conditions
Certain plants are believed to have anti-inflammatory, immune-modulating, or adaptogenic properties, making them potentially beneficial in managing autoimmune symptoms and promoting balance within the body.
1. Turmeric
2. Ginger
3. Boswellia
4. Ashwagahanda
Ashwagandha is a well-known plant known for its stress-reducing properties. It can also modulate the immune system and has anti-inflammatory effects (making it an adaptogen). It’s ability to help in a variety of different ways makes it a great plant to help with managing autoimmune-related stress and inflammation.
🌿Related: 5 Simple Herbs For Stress (And Other Hot Tips)
5. Green tea
Green tea is a great supportive herb for autoimmune conditions as it contains catechins, notably epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), with strong anti-inflammatory properties. Studies suggest green tea may help reduce inflammation and improve immune function, potentially benefiting autoimmune diseases. Green tea is also high in antioxidants, which can be helpful in reducing free radical damage that can occur with inflammation and stress.
6. Licorice
Licorice root is another herb for support autoimmune conditions. It contains an active constituent called glycyrrhizin, which works as an anti-inflammatory and can also help with modulating the immune response. It is also recommended to help support nervous systems that are overworked or stressed. Licorice is often used to help manage symptoms of autoimmune diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
7. Reishi mushroom
Reishi mushroom has become a popular adaptogen and immune-modulator. It has been found to reduce inflammation and support a healthy immune system, making it a supportive herb for autoimmune conditions. You can have reishi as a tea or a powder that you can add to coffee, smoothies or baking.
8. Cat's claw
Cat's claw is known for its anti-inflammatory and immune-regulating effects. Studies suggest it can be beneficial in helping to manage symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases. Cat’s claw has shown it’s ability to protect cells against oxidative stress and reduce inflammation in many in vitro studies.
9. St John's wort
As some autoimmune conditions start with a viral infection, St John’s wort has been shown to be useful for those that started as an enveloped virus - such as herpes, Epstein Barr virus, cytomegalovirus, as well as hepatitis B and C. The anti-viral activity, as well as the hyperforin content in St John’s wort helps to block the inflammatory cytokines as well as providing support for the nervous system with its antidepressant and nervine activities.
10. Burdock root
11. Milk thistle
12. Globe artichoke
Cynarin, one of the compounds in globe artichoke, has been shown to be supportive for those with autoimmune conditions. Globe artichoke is traditionally used to support the liver and digestive system, but its bioactive phenolic acids can also help regulate the immune response as well as provide anti-inflammatory activity.
