On my journey, I’ve learned that herbs can be a powerful ally in managing chronic illness. But it must be said—not all natural remedies are safe for people taking immunosuppressants or anyone on medication. Some herbs can actually make symptoms worse or even be toxic. The level of toxicity isn’t always clear, but do you really want to risk it? Some of the potential dangers range from your medication not working to serious organ damage.
Let’s talk about three herbs that are often suggested but you may want to avoid—Ashwagandha, St. John’s Wort, and Neem.
1. Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera)
Ashwagandha has been hyped as a must-have herb for stress relief, energy, and immune support. It’s said to balance cortisol levels, reduce inflammation, and aid adrenal health. Sounds great, right? But here’s the problem—it stimulates the immune system.
For the average person, that’s helpful because it helps the body fight off illness. But for someone with lupus, who is likely on immunosuppressants, this can be dangerous. Immunosuppressants turn down an overactive immune system to prevent it from attacking the body’s own tissues. Taking Ashwagandha while on these medications could counteract their effects and trigger a flare.
Alternative: If you’re looking for stress relief, Rhodiola or Reishi mushrooms may be safer options. They support the body without overstimulating immunity.
2. St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum)
Ever needed a mood booster or something to help with mild-to-moderate depression? You might have been offered or suggested St. John’s Wort. This herb increases serotonin levels, which can help with autoimmune disease-related depression.
However, if you’re taking immunosuppressants, Plaquenil, or steroids, you should avoid St. John’s Wort at all costs. It can interfere with these medications, making them less effective—which is the last thing you want when managing an autoimmune disease.
Another major concern? It increases sun sensitivity. Since sun exposure is already a common lupus trigger, taking this herb could put you at even greater risk for flares.
Alternative: If you’re looking for something gentler, saffron or lemon balm are great options. I personally love lemon balm because it has so many benefits—one of the most surprising? It’s been called nature’s Ozempic for its role in appetite control!
3. Neem (Azadirachta Indica)
Neem is often used by many people to support immune health, improve skin conditions, and even as a natural contraceptive. In fact, Neem is known to be an effective birth control method because it acts as a spermicide, which is important to consider if you are trying to conceive.
Although Neem has some great benefits, it can be harmful for people on immounosuppressants due to its effect on the immune system. This herb is known to overstimulate immune activity, which can increase the risk of flares—a serious concern for anyone managing an autoimmune condition. In high doses, Neem has also been linked to liver toxicity, making it even riskier.
Alternative: If you’re looking for something to support skin health and detox, turmeric or aloe vera are great choices. They offer anti-inflammatory benefits without pushing your immune system into overdrive.
Personal Experience
I was looking into St. John’s Wort for its benefits, but my medical team told me to stay far away from it because I was on Plaquenil and steroids. That moment was a wake-up call. It pushed me to learn more about herbs—not just their benefits but also their risks.
Honestly, I was a little upset with myself for not taking herbs more seriously, especially since I grew up on them. Herbs were just a part of daily life in my family, so I never thought much about their deeper impact. But now, I see them for what they truly are—powerful, and something we have to respect and research, especially when managing a chronic illness like lupus.
Final Thoughts & Disclaimer
While herbs can be powerful tools in healing, not all herbs are safe for people with lupus or those on medication. Always do your research and, most importantly, consult your doctor before adding any new herbs to your routine.
💜 This is not medical advice. clients. Any information I give you is for educational purposes only. Please do your own research and consult a health professional before using any herbs mentioned.
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