Lupus (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus) or SLE is usually grouped with the autoimmune diseases. Conventional medicine doesn’t know for sure what causes it and — because they theorize that for some unknown reason the patient’s immune system has decided to begin attacking its own body — most of the treatment revolves around suppressing the immune system, which causes a whole new set of problems.

Women in their prime of life (ages 15-44) are nine times more likely to develop lupus than men.

That autoimmunity is just a theory, with often conflicting test results, does not stop rheumatologists from having a field day using the pharmaceutical tools they have to weaken the body’s protective immune system, leaving the patient exposed to yet more dangers from opportunistic infections.

Multiple organ systems are affected by Lupus — How much of the damage seen is caused by the medications and how much is intrinsic with the disease? Nobody knows, but then, is anybody looking?

Rather than get into an academic discussion of the theories supporting the various methods of treating lupus, let’s just allow two women — both of whom use the herb kratom to manage their symptoms — to tell their stories.

Here’s Angie’s Story:

“In 1992 I was in a car accident. I have herniated discs in my neck and back thanks to that. In 1998 I was diagnosed with Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Raynaud’s. I have scoliosis in which the curve (of my spine) pushes on the herniated discs in my back causing almost continuous pain. I have a bad knee from a sports injury as a teenager needing yet more surgery. I have arthritis in my left big toe so bad it no longer bends. I will always be on Plaquenil to keep my lupus under control as much as possible but there is no cure for lupus. For pain I have been on Corticosteroids (steroids like prednisone), anti-inflammatory drugs (Naprosyn or ibuprofen), pain meds (Vicodin, Vicoprofen, Percocet), muscle relaxers (Flexeril) and sleep meds (Lunesta or Ambien and/or trazodone) for many years. While the pain meds helped at first it never completely handled all the issues plus it came with side effects. I refused to take any RA biologics (like Enbrel or Humira) for the pain or cancer drugs (methotrexate) because I felt the side effects far outweighed what it might help. The pain continued to get worse over the years. I struggled daily and continued to use only ibuprofen for pain. Most people know people with lupus are in pain but another thing you battle is extreme exhaustion. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year non-stop exhaustion.

Two years ago a close friend of mine brought over some all natural pain medicine she got from the chiropractor. They were gelatin capsules filled with Mitragyna Speciosa better known as kratom. It is the ground up leaves of an evergreen tree in the coffee family that is native to Indonesia. I tried the (capsules) to humor her. I was expecting absolutely nothing. However, I was surprisingly amazed! My back did not hurt. My neck did not hurt. My toe did not hurt even while wearing tight fitting shoes. I also noticed I had more energy. With kratom I was able to do basic chores for more than 10 minutes at a time. I ordered myself some of the capsules and that was the beginning of my kratom journey.

I began to do more and more research on kratom. I read tons of great things about people who took it for various reasons; chronic pain, energy, MS, RLS, depression, diarrhea, insomnia, Crohn’s, Lyme Disease, diabetes and opiate withdrawal. I joined groups and forums to talk to others using this wonderful plant. I learned about different strains that offer different results. Some are more stimulating, others more relaxing. I learned about various ways to take kratom such as with water, juice, coffee, cider, smoothie, making tea, capsules etc. I read anything I could find on kratom be it good or bad. Throughout reading the information a pattern became obvious. People who were taking kratom said wonderful things about it. Things like how much it has helped them and changed their quality of life. However, the DEA and media say something completely different. I would like to say that they are inaccuracies but that would be an understatement. Fallacies would be the correct term. Below you will find three examples.

Kratom gives you heroin like high.

FALSE. You do not get high from kratom.

Kratom is dangerous and you can overdose.

FALSE. You cannot overdose on kratom. If you take too much kratom you will get nauseous. It you really take too much you will throw it up.

Kratom is addictive and you will go into withdrawal without it.

FALSE. You do not go into withdrawal. I’ve used it on and off for two years and have never had any withdrawal symptoms. What you WILL notice when you stop taking it is how much it was helping you.

I cannot say enough good things about how this plant has changed my life. Most days I have no pain at all except for some in my knee which requires surgery. However, overall even my knee feels better. I have energy again. I am able to do chores, go shopping and even some yard work. At night I am able to relax and sleep without pain and without drugs. Someone recently asked me to describe my life with kratom. I said I feel normal again. I am able to participate in my life instead of watching it go by. What an amazing feeling that is.”

Angie’s doctor is aware that she is a consumer of kratom and is supportive of that because of the visible results in her blood tests. Angie also uses the herb Turmeric to help control the pain and inflammation that come with Lupus. There is some very compelling scientific research that supports Turmeric for this purpose.

Here Is Lois’ Story:

“I was diagnosed with lupus/scleraderma when I was around 10 years old. I have pain from head to toe, RA, hardening of the esophagus and several muscles, several DVTs, chronic illnesses, (get sick easy and stay sick longer than most), exhausting tiredness, and neuropathy. I have been to more Dr’s than I can count and in and out of hospitals over the past 10 years. I’ve tried every treatment they suggested, many were steroid drugs for inflammation and to prevent tissue damage and neurontin . I was with pain management for 10 years and was treated with methadone and a surgical device called a neuro-stimulator. I’ve gained 60 plus lbs and lost all my teeth due to medications. I came across kratom around 7 months a go. I stumbled on it surfing the Web for natural alternatives for pain relief. I was skeptical and thought to myself that there was no way something natural could truly help me.

Up until I tried kratom for the first time, I spent most of my life in bed, missing out on life experiences. Racked with pain and depression and suicidal thoughts, I gave kratom a try. 7 months later I happily report that I currently do not take any prescription drugs. I no longer stay in bed everyday. I’ve only been sick a few times and was very minor and the duration was very short. Compared to being sick more than I was well is huge. I have a clear head, unlike the methadone life I led. I now enjoy my 6 grandchildren. Kratom gave my family me back.

I had a doctor tell me I would never be well and I most likely would die a painful death. I know better.”

Editor: They love to threaten their patients with pain and death if you don’t do what they (MDs) order, don’t they?

Lois: “Exactly! Then treat you like a drug seeker.”

Editor: If you are doing much better now, by objective standards, than when you were on their meds, that really makes one wonder what conventional therapies for Lupus are all about.

Author Paul Kemp harbors a deep skepticism about the pharmceutical-driven U.S. healthcare system after almost 6 decades of noting its failures in family and friends. He has found good health by avoiding processed foods and supporting his health with nutrition and kratom.

http://nutritionfacts.org/video/fighting-lupus-with-turmeric-good-as-gold/

Angie’s testimony is used courtesy of the American Kratom Association

To Learn More About the Herb Kratom, Visit Online Kratom