Scleroderma Herbal Treatments PDF Print E-mail
Wednesday, 14 April 2010 12:02
Scleroderma is a connective tissue disease. It causes the skin and internal organs to become hard and tight. This hardening can make it difficult for the sufferer to walk or move and can cause organs to fail. According to the Scleroderma Foundation, in the United States, about 300,000 people suffer from scleroderma. The condition can be ultimately disfiguring and cause a decrease in the quality of life of the sufferer.

Turmeric
Turmeric is native to India and is commonly used in Indian curry dishes to give them their color and flavor. The root and underground stem of the plant are used for medicinal purposes. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), turmeric has been shown to reduce inflammation. Turmeric contains the property curcumin which has antioxidant benefits. It is the curcumin that helps to relieve inflammation by lowering the histamine levels and increasing the production of natural cortisone. In addition to reducing inflammation, turmeric is also a good herbal treatment for pain and discomfort. However, more studies need to be done on this herbal treatment to determine its exact benefits. A turmeric supplement can be easily purchased at your local health food store.

Bromelain
Bromelain is an herbal treatment that may be helpful in the treatment of scleroderma. UMMC defines bromelain as a mixture of protein digesting enzymes that are found in pineapples. This remedy has been used for centuries to treat various medical ailments. Bromelain is not a specific treatment for scleroderma but it does help with reducing pain and inflammation. Consulting with a physician is necessary for the appropriate dosing because higher doses of bromelain are used for specific medical conditions.

Gotu Kola
Another herbal remedy that can be used to treat scleroderma is gotu kola, an herbal plant that grows in swampy areas in India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Madagascar and South Africa and in Eastern Europe. UMMC reports that gotu kola can be used for blood vessel health and circulation. Also, some of the purified extracts of gotu kola even seem to reduce the symptoms caused by scleroderma. Taking a dose of about 50 to 250 mg of this herbal supplement may be helpful in treating scleroderma. However, more research is needed on this herbal treatment to determine its full benefits.

For more information on herbs, do vist one of our previous articles here.

Source: LiveStrong
 
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