Many people suffer nowadays from autoimmune issues. Eventhought taking herbs may seem like a great alternative to conventional medicine when dealing with certain issues, certain herbs should be avoided due to their ability to cause more issues.
Which herbs to avoid and what can you take instead?
Simply put, herbs that stimulate the immune system should be looked at more cautiously such as echinacea, goldenseal and astragalus root.
Several case studies have been conducted which resulted in negative effects of echinacea specifically in regards to it impacting autoimmune diseases. One case stated that a woman with a Lupus flare up ended up taking echinacea causing the flare up to become worse.
“Echinacea is best known as an immunostimulant, and there are a series of studies that support these immunomodulatory effects, with both increases in innate and specific immunity.” (1)
With echinacea being an immunostimulant, the other herbs such as astragalus and goldenseal are then assumed to have the same effects on the immune system.
Even when it’s hard to find resources to support it sometimes.
I hear a lot of women with autoimmune issues turn to these herbs to help get them through the cold and flu season or even use an adaptogen like astragalus for help with their kidneys, but there are safer options for people that can also give the same effect.
Alternatives
So what is the safer option you might be wondering? While there are numerous options for dealing with specific issues special to your circumstances, I wanted to zoom in on a class of herbs called adaptogens.
These are herbs which support and balance the immune system without overwhelming it. They are also known for improving resistance to physical and mental stress. (2)
Let’s zoom into a few of my favorites…
Reishi Mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum)
Reishi is one of the mushrooms which I always seem to have brewing in my kitchen. It helps the body to handle stress as well as addressing low energy, inflammation or any hormonal imbalances. (3)
I love using Reishi for women with PCOS or any virus bug. It’s also up my sleeve with clients that have IBS or diabetes.
Contraindications: It is generally safe but when you buy it make sure that you know your source. If you are on a vasodilator, Reishi should be avoided.
Lion’s Mane Mushroom (Hericium erinaceus)
Lions mane is a top anti-inflammatory mushroom as well as an antioxidant. It’s great for managing stress and anxiety even when there are heart palpitations.
This is one that I use personally everyday for my wellness routine. I also use this mushroom a lot with people that have autoimmune issues.
It stimulates Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) which is crucial for people with MS as it repairs the myelin sheath of nerve cells. (5)
Contraindications: some people have reported allergic reactions to mushrooms. If you haven’t tried medicinal mushrooms and experience any itching or swelling or redness it’s important to seek immediate help.
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
Here is a popular herb you have probably heard of before. It’s gaining a lot of popularity here in the US and for good reasons! It has a high reputation for being able to support the adrenal glands and help assist in adrenal fatigue.
This is the herb of choice for clients that I work with which have burn out and need time to adjust to a new rhythm but also need that repair of the adrenals.
Ashwagandha is also known for strengthening the immune system, calming anxiety and decreasing inflammation.
Because autoimmune issues have different symptoms that people might deal with, it’s great to consider this one if someone has symptoms of depression or any hormone dis-regulation.
When women come to me with major PMS symptoms, ashwagandha is in one of the herbs in a blend I provide for them.
In addition to all those great benefits of this herb, it also is known to protect the brain from any negative side effects of physical or emotional stress. (6)
Contraindications: This herb has been widely used but not enough research has been done on long term uses of this herb. There are some sources that say it is safe to take with autoimmune disorders but others that contradict that statement. Because there is no information on safety for long term side effects you need to watch for any issues and consult your doctor if you plan to use this herb over a long period of time.
American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius)
If you deal with autoimmune issues then it’s very common to also deal with fatigue, specifically adrenal fatigue.
Ginseng boosts energy while also decreasing fatigue and is an excellent herb for normalizing the stress response. (7)
Contraindications: should be avoided with people that have rheumatoid arthritis, during pregnancy or if mothers are nursing as well as anyone with gout. It is also best to avoid if one has issues with hormone conditions such as endometriosis, fibroids or any cancer of any kind. Avoid this herb if you have any heart issues as it is stimulating.
Final thoughts
If you’re dealing with any autoimmune issues, there are safer options to many popular herbs that you might be hearing about to help you with any specific issues.
When I work with someone that has an autoimmune disorder, the first thing I try to look at is what is out of balance in their specific body type and how can we bring it into balance.
Usually someone needs to manage a symptom and maybe has turned to an immunostimulant but had a bad experience with them such as a reaction that no one told them about, and they are in fear of ever using an herb again.
I want to encourage you to look deeper into maybe your own symptoms or one of your clients symptoms and go from the hardest symptom or organ which you can begin to balance out.
If there are reoccurring immune issues for someone with ciliac for example, then other things such as lifestyle and diet of course have to be considered as full recovery is a holistic approach.
I hope this helps you on your journey either with your own autoimmune disease or if you are an herbalist helping someone with the disease.
Don’t hesitate to reach out if you need more guidance.
Much love,
Krystina
