Herbal Medicine

Herbal medicine relies on active plant chemicals with biological properties. Many conventional medicines are synthetic compounds designed to mimic the action of plant chemicals. For instance, the heart medication digoxin is derived from the foxglove plant. In herbal medicine, active chemicals are extracted from the plant parts (stems, seeds, roots, or leaves) that are the richest sources. The active chemicals can be quantitatively measured and prepared in the form of capsules, tinctures, teas, tonics, oils, or poultices. Aromatic herbs such as lavender can also benefit the immune system when used topically or as healing oils.

Inflammation is a key feature in autoimmune disease. In some conditions, such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis, inflammation contributes to the disease process. In other conditions, such as Crohn's disease, inflammation may occur as a result of the disease. Inflammation occurs as the immune system reacts to injury, infection, environmental agents, malignancy, and cellular changes. In skin, inflammation is most visible because it causes noticeable swelling, redness, discomfort and pain. The process leading to inflammation, which is known as the inflammatory response, also induces changes that aren't seen but influence the effects of inflammation and their severity.

The inflammatory response is a complex cascade of steps that include an activation of white blood cells, the release of immune system chemicals such as complement and cytokines, and the production and release of inflammatory mediators and prostaglandins. Inflammation may be acute or chronic or relapsing-remitting depending on the disease course. Most conventional treatments for autoimmune disease, including corticosteroids, work by reducing or suppressing inflammation.

Many herbs also possess anti-inflammatory (also known as antiphlogistic) characteristics. Herbs can be used as the sole therapy in autoimmune disease or as complementary corticosteroid-sparing therapies allowing patients to take smaller doses or shorter courses of corticosteroids. Treatment protocols today often rely on both alternative and conventional treatment options in a discipline known as integrative medicine.

Inflammation is a key feature in autoimmune disease. In some conditions, such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis, inflammation contributes to the disease process. In other conditions, such as Crohn's disease, inflammation may occur as a result of the disease. Inflammation occurs as the immune system reacts to injury, infection, environmental agents, malignancy, and cellular changes. In skin, inflammation is most visible because it causes noticeable swelling, redness, discomfort and pain. The process leading to inflammation, which is known as the inflammatory response, also induces changes that aren't seen but influence the effects of inflammation and their severity.

This article describes the use of plant chemicals with anti-inflammatory properties as complementary therapies for patients with autoimmune disease. Also this article I found it interesting because it gives another alternative to the consumption of NSAIDS or other drugs; the alternative way is the use of herbal products that will eventually treat the symptoms.