Homeopathic Treatment for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic health condition that causes inflammation in connective tissues, which offer the necessary flexibility and strength to structures throughout the body. SLE can also be defined as an autoimmune disorder that occurs when the immune system of the body attacks its very own tissues and organs. SLE can affect not one but many organs, such as kidneys, skin, joints, lungs, central nervous system, and hematopoietic system (blood-forming).

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus is found to be more common in women than in men. The severity of the disease may vary from mild to life-threatening. The disease is also widely known by the name ‘lupus’, even though it is only one of the various forms of Lupus. The other common forms of Lupus are:

Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus: A form of lupus confined to the skin alone is called cutaneous lupus erythematosus.
Drug-induced Lupus Erythematosus: It results due to continuous medication for some other disease, such as Tuberculosis, High blood pressure, hypertension, etc. This type of lupus rarely affects any major organs.
Neonatal Lupus: It affects the infants of women who have lupus and results due to the antibodies from the mother that affect the infant while in the womb. This is not a common form of lupus.

Causes of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE):

SLE, as we stated earlier, is a form of autoimmune disorder, however, the exact cause of the onset of lupus is unknown. A few of the most common factors identified from the patients’ pool who have been identified with SLE are genetic traits, environmental factors, and change in the hormonal activity (specific to women). Detailed study and analysis of the various factors resulting in lupus kind of condition are still underway within the medical fraternity.

Symptoms of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE):

Lupus, as we have seen, can affect a lot of the organs, such as joints, lungs, skin, kidney, etc., Hence, the symptoms may also differ accordingly. Sometimes, lupus symptoms may come and get subsided over a period. The most common symptoms include:

Fatigue or kind of extreme weakness
Joint Pain
Skin rashes

Let us see in detail how it affects various body organs

(i) Joints: Joints of the hands and feet can get severe pain in the lupus stage. The swelling of joints is also possible in the worst condition. The inability to move the hands and feet freely is also one more after effect of lupus.

(ii) Kidneys: The inflammation of kidneys is also a common symptom of lupus. The patient may complain of the presence of blood in the urine.

(iii) Blood Vessels: High blood pressure or high cholesterol are also symptoms and counter symptoms of lupus. Certain patients may get affected by anemia once the bone marrow gets affected due to the reduction in the number of platelets.

(iv) Nervous System: The patients may go into a state of depression or anxiety once they are affected. Some people may come up with symptoms of migraine also.

(v) Heart and Lungs: Lupus can lead to inflammation in the lining tissues around the heart and lungs. This can occasionally lead to a state of breathlessness or heaviness in the chest area.

(vi) Skin: The patients with lupus may develop a change in the skin color on exposure to the cold weather. The skin texture may turn to blue or red in extreme cases.

Homeopathic Remedies for SLE

A permanent cure for SLE or lupus type disease is far off at present. Consulting an experienced medical practitioner can help you in getting the best available remedies for lupus. Homeopathic medicines can go a long way in bringing down the disease state to manageable proportions. The medication may get extended over a period depending on the severity. A few of the most common remedies suggested for SLE in homeopathy are mentioned below:

(i) Rhus Toxicodendron: It is suggested for treating lupus symptoms, such as lower back pain and stiffness in and around the tail bone and pelvis accompanied by bruising. Swollen and painful joints indicate this medicine. The patient may experience relief with massage, heat, gentle motion.

(ii) Ruta Graveolens: It is an effective remedy when the patients complain of a feeling of great stiffness. When the patient is unable to move the finger and feet joints freely, this medicine is indicated. Tendons and capsules of the joints might have been affected.

(iii) Calcarea Carbonica: Symptoms, such as the inflammation and soreness of joints, particularly that of knee and hands, indicate this remedy. It also helps treat the stiffness around the neck area.

(iv) Thuja Occidentalis: When joint inflammation with pain and itching of the skin etc. are noticed, thuja is suggested as an ideal treatment.

(v) Apis Mellifica: It helps treat the symptoms, such as red burning rashes often associated with fluid retention and swelling. The patient will improve with a systematic dosage of Apis over a period.

Along with the medication, a positive outlook towards life is also required for a holistic improvement in the patients suffering from Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. One should not confine themselves to the four walls of their room, and instead one should come out in the society to lead a normal life like any other person.