Before studying herbal medicine, I did not realize what powerful healing medicine brewed tea could be.  I learned there were different herbs that could be brewed into teas and tinctures that could allieviate a variety of ills.  There were Anti-inflammatory herbs, Adaptogenic herbs, Anti-viral herbs, Anti-rheumatic herbs, Diuretic herbs, Nutritive herbs. Here is a helpful list of what is available.

Alterative herbs (Milk Thistle, Nettle, Dandelion, Licorice and Pau d’Arco) help to remove toxic substances from the body.

Anti-inflammatory herbs work like cortico-steroids reducing pain and inflammation. (Wild Yam or Licorice) These contain natural hormones and saponins stimulating aldosterone and cortisone helping the body to hold on to its own prednisone and cortisone enhancing their effectiveness as opposed to long-term use of cortisone-like drugs that cause adrenal atrophy and the suppression of the body’s defense system, weight gain, edema, osteoporosis, depression and sleep disturbances.  

Adaptogenic herbs help the body cope with overall effects of the disease soothing frazzled nerves. (Ginseng, Ashwaganda, Schizandra, Holy Basil and Borage or Buplerum) These increase circulating ACTH within the blood protecting the adrenal glands from deterioration caused by long term use of prednisone.

Immune Modulating or Antiviral herbs help the body heal itself. (Ashwaganda, Pau d’ Arco, Usnea, Garlic, Elderberry or Astragalus) These herbs are rich in polysaccharides; a chief nutrient needed for the regulation of the immune system.

Anti-rheumatic herbs ease painful joints (Wild Yam, Buplerum, Nettle, Ashwaganda, Licorice and Black Cohosh).

Diuretic herbs reduce edema caused by Lupus or medications given for Lupus (Nettle, Borage, Artichoke Leaf, Celery, Dandelion).

Nutritive herbs prevent tissue damage benefiting the overall vitality of the body (Oat Straw, Nettle, Dandelion, Spirulina, Chorella and Horsetail).

All of these herbs are not meant to replace allopathic medications instead they tone and support the body; hopefully reducing the dependency on steroids and other medications.

Cecelia Avitabile of The Herb Corner and Learning Center in Melbourne FL is a Certified Holistic Health Practitioner with a Masters of Herbalism degree and over 20 years of herbal experience. A member of American Association of Drugless Practitioners and the American Herbalist Guild. Visit www.herbcorner.net and call 321-757-7522