Lupus is a complicated disease that affects multiple parts of the body, and whose symptoms vary from mild and manageable to fatal and requiring urgent medical attention. Lupus is characterized by chronic inflammation that results from the body’s immune system targeting one’s own tissues. Owing to this, the condition is often difficult to diagnose as the symptoms mimic those characterized by different diseases. In addition, there is no single test that can accurately diagnose Lupus. When it is eventually diagnosed, individuals can experience periods where there are almost no symptoms of the disease before the symptoms flare up and seem out of control.

tumeric rootThere are different types of lupus, with the most common one been SLE – Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. SLE affects the skin, inner organs and joints among other locations in the body. To-date, the precise cause of Lupus is unknown, although it is believed that it results from one’s genetic predisposition coupled with external factors in the surrounding environment. Other factors include stress, chronic diseases as well as the use of specific medication which can easily trigger Lupus.

The difficulty of diagnosis, coupled with the lack of a cure means that treatment options focus on controlling the symptoms of the disease. The same is applicable for the use of home remedies. The most important thing to note about home remedies for lupus is that they MUST be used as a secondary line of treatment following medical diagnosis and primary treatment. You are also advised to consult with your doctor on any of the choice remedies.

1. Ginger:

Time Required: 20 Min
What You Need: 1 Inch piece of fresh ginger root, a strainer, 1 cup of water and fresh fruits. Ginger supplements (optional).
Difficulty: Easy


Ginger plays a key role in managing some of the symptoms of Lupus, especially those which mimic those of arthritis. Some of these symptoms include fatigue, joint pain and joint swelling. Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties which help reduce the pain and inflammation. This herb is especially effective for managing swelling within the joints. One of the most effective ways to use ginger is to prepare ginger tea. If, however, you do not have access to fresh ginger, you may opt for ginger supplements.


  1. Peel the fresh ginger root and wash it well.
  2. Chop the root into small pieces and place in a pan.
  3. Add the water and bring the mixture to boil.
  4. Once the mixture has started boiling, turn off the heat and let the ginger steep for 5 minutes.
  5. Pass the tea through the strainer and allow to cool before drinking it.
  6. It is advisable to drink the ginger tea alongside fresh fruits that are packed with antioxidants. Use this remedy as often as needed.
  7. Alternatively, use ginger supplements in place of the ginger tea.


2. Turmeric Milk:

Time Required: 20 Min
What You Need: 1 Teaspoon of turmeric powder, 1 glass of warm milk and 1 teaspoon of raw honey Turmeric supplements (optional).
Difficulty: Easy


Turmeric is a popular herbal remedy for many conditions which cause pain and inflammation, which is why it is recommended for the natural treatment of lupus. The bright orange herb contains an active ingredient known as curcumin and this is what helps manage the inflammation. Recent studies indicate that for Lupus patients whose blood pressure is affected, turmeric comes in handy as it helps stabilize the pressure readings especially in those whose kidneys are affected by lupus.

NOTE: If you suffer from conditions affecting the gallbladder, you need to be cautious about using turmeric as this may worsen the disorder. Additionally, turmeric may also cause blood thinning, so its use needs to be managed with caution, preferably under your doctor’s guidance.


  1. Place the turmeric powder in the glass and pour over it the milk.
  2. Bring the mixture to boil to allow the herb’s healing properties diffuse into the milk.
  3. Add the honey and stir well before drinking. Use this remedy at least twice daily or whenever needed (especially during flareup sessions).
  4. Alternatively, use turmeric supplements following your doctor’s directions.


3. Frankincense Essential Oil:

Time Required: 20 Min
What You Need: Frankincense essential oil, dropper, warm water or honey. Capsules containing the oil (optional).
Difficulty: Easy


Frankincense essential oil plays a key role in decreasing the pain and levels of inflammation when the symptoms of lupus flare up. The oil is effective in managing the reactions within the body’s immune system, making it an easy but effective way to treat the symptoms. The oil is intended for oral use, and may be taken alongside water or honey. If you cannot access the essential oil in liquid form, you can always purchase it in capsule form from your chemist or health store.


  1. Take 3 drops of the essential oil and add to water or honey.
  2. Mix well before drinking.
  3. Alternatively, take the oil capsules in place of the oil mixture.


4. Essential Oil Mixture:

Time Required: 20 Min
What You Need: Lavender oil and/or Geranium oil and cotton wool. Carrier oil (such as olive oil) – optional.
Difficulty: Easy


One of the most common symptoms of lupus is skin inflammation that causes reddened itchy patches to form. In dealing with this inflammation, one of the best remedies available is essential oils for topical application. the oils soothe the skin, while reducing the pain and itching sensation. You will need cotton wool for the application process. Carrier oils are added to the remedy for those with sensitive skin, thus enhancing the healing process.


  1. Place 3 drops of the lavender or geranium oil in a shallow bowl and mix with your choice carrier oil.
  2. Mix the two well before soaking the cotton wool.
  3. Dab the oil onto the skin to reduce inflammation.


5. Probiotics:

Time Required: Varies depending on your choice food.
What You Need: Cultured foods that are rich in probiotics. Probiotic supplements (optional).
Difficulty: Easy


Probiotics are a great addition to a lupus patient’s arsenal. The reason for this is simple: probiotics play a fundamental role in the development of the immune system. For lupus patients, this is extremely important as it prolongs the lupus remission. In addition to this, the probiotics also help reduce the intensity of flareup symptoms significantly. Research indicates that probiotics are extremely helpful in the regulation of Cytokines, one of the most important compounds in the inflammatory response sequence. Probiotics will largely include fermented and cultured food products. These include, but are not limited to yogurt, tempeh, kefir and miso.


  1. Make sure you add any of the aforementioned foods to your diet and make it a regular part of your meals.


6. Epsom Salts:

Time Required: 30 Min
What You Need: 1 Cup of Epsom salt and a warm bath.
Difficulty: Easy


Epsom salts are excellent in dealing with fatigue, one of the symptoms that often accompanies different types of Lupus. Soaking in an Epsom bath is especially effective for the arthritis-like joint pain and goes a long way in managing inflammation. The salts are also a great option in toxin removal from the body, in effect reducing the fatigue and making it easy to get relief from the fatigue.


  1. Place the cup of Epsom salts in the bathtub and run the warm water.
  2. Soak in the water for half an hour, and repeat this at least once daily.


7. Virgin Coconut Oil:

Time Required: 5 Min
What You Need: 2 Tablespoons of virgin coconut oil.
Difficulty: Easy


Coconut oil is used for the treatment of lupus because its high concentration of medium-chain fatty acids plays a great role in maintaining the balance of the immune system while supressing the symptoms associated with flareups. Other benefits of using coconut oil include decreasing the amount of cholesterol in the body, regulating the concentration of glucose in the blood as well as enhancing proper digestion. The latter is especially important for those whose Lupus causes a disruption within the digestive system. As with a number of home remedies, the key to getting the healing benefits of the oil lies in using the oil moderately.


  1. Make sure you take the coconut oil at least once daily.
  2. Alternatively, use it in preparing your meals or in your smoothie preparation depending on your personal preferences.


8. Regular Exercise for Lupus Patients:

Time Required: Varies depending on your choice exercise.
What You Need: Appropriate exercise gear where applicable.
 Difficulty: Easy


Regular exercise is the key to a healthier lifestyle for all people. For those who suffer from lupus, this is actually recommended as a remedy. Exercising on a regular basis is a great way to get rid of stiffness in the joints as well as deal with fatigue. Over a period of time, this exercise also strengthens the muscles and overall the cardiovascular system. Research shows that gentle/moderate exercises alongside aerobics goes a long way in ensuring lupus patients improve their quality of life. Lastly, exercise is a great mood booster and helps deal with stress, one of the most common precursors for flareups.


  1. Some of the gentle exercises that those with lupus can benefit from include water aerobics, walking, swimming and moderate cycling. These exercises are suggested because they do not exert too much pressure on the body and strike the delicate balance between exhaustion and strengthening the body.


9. Organic Apple Cider Vinegar:

Time Required: 20 Min
What You Need: 1 Teaspoon of organic ACV, a cup of warm water and freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Difficulty: Easy


Organic Apple cider Vinegar (abbreviated ACV) is used to treat lupus naturally. Experts in the field of natural health hypothesize that in patients with lupus, there is a deficiency of hydrochloric acid. When one takes ACV, they aid the body’s production of Hydrochloric acid, thus sustaining the body’s equilibrium. Additional benefits of using ACV include the process of detoxification while improving the process of digestion. To get the most of this remedy, it is best to use organic ACV as it does not contain any additives. Note however, that it must be diluted as described below.


  1. Place the ACV in a glass and add the warm water.
  2. Stir well before adding the freshly squeezed lemon juice.
  3. Drink the solution at least thrice daily.
  4. This remedy is best taken half an hour before meals.


10. Bone Broth:

Time Required: 24-36 Hrs
What You Need: 4 lbs of beef marrow bones, 1/2 cup raw ACV, 1L of water, 3 of each of the following: celery stalks, onions and carrots, a bunch of parsley and salt to taste. Crock pot to boil the broth in.
Difficulty: Easy


Bone broth is an age-old remedy for a number of diseases. It is ideal for lupus patients because the broth contains minerals that reduce autoimmune reactions while reducing the pain and inflammation that is associated with the disease. Broth is also easy to digest, and is rather friendly to the digestive system. This reduces the extra stress placed on the body when diet consists of hard-to-digest foods. Lastly, broth helps strengthen the immune system.


  1. Clean the bones before placing in the crock pot.
  2. Add the water and ACV and allow the bones to marinate in the water for an hour. The purpose of this step is to ensure that the mineral salts leach out of the bones and into the broth you will prepare.
  3. You may add the water until the bones are fully covered.
  4. Bring the mixture to boil, at which point you will notice the frothy substance form at the top.
  5. Skim this frothy substance and discard.
  6. Wash and chop all the vegetables then add them to the boiling mixture.
  7. Lower the heat and allow the broth to simmer overnight. If this does not auger well with you, simply turn off the heat and let the broth simmer the next day.
  8. After about 12 hours, add the parsley for a delicious flavor and extra minerals.
  9. Allow the broth to cool before straining. If you used marrow bones, make sure you have removed the marrow prior to straining.
  10. Add salt to taste and enjoy the broth. the broth may be refrigerated for up to a week after preparation, or frozen for up to 6 months for later use.


In addition to these remedies, other tips that you need to remember if you want to manage lupus include getting regular medical checkup, avoiding stressful situations as well as getting adequate sleep every night. It also helps to avoid foods which burden your digestive system while taking on low fat and low animal protein foods. Make an effort to quit smoking and alcohol intake as both of these habits increase pain and inflammation, which in turn increases the risk of flareups and shortens the remission period.