auto-immune diseases and blood types...what can we do about it?

May 2
3 min read

Autoimmune diseases are like a confused army—your immune system accidentally attacks your own body, thinking it’s protecting you. Chronic inflammation is at the heart of this confusion, constantly keeping the immune system in “fight mode” and leading to flare-ups, pain, and fatigue.

Here's how natural herbs and blood-type-specific choices help calm the autoimmune storm:

🔥 The Inflammation-Autoimmune Link

When inflammation sticks around too long:

The immune system starts misfiring (autoantibodies increase)
Tissues become damaged (joints, nerves, skin, etc.)
You experience flare-ups (hello rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Hashimoto’s...)

So, calming inflammation is step one in managing autoimmune disease—not just the symptoms, but the root.

🌿 How Herbs Help Autoimmune Conditions

These herbs don’t just suppress symptoms; they gently retrain the immune system and reduce chronic inflammation without the side effects of harsh meds:

1. Turmeric

Effect: Regulates inflammatory cytokines and reduces autoantibody production.
Autoimmune Help: Rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Caution: High doses might be too stimulating for some with very sensitive Type O or B systems. Always use with supervision.

2. Boswellia

Effect: Inhibits 5-LOX enzyme – a key player in autoimmune inflammation.
Autoimmune Help: Excellent for joint-related autoimmunity like arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis.
Gentle on the gut, unlike NSAIDs.

3. Ginger

Effect: Balances immune response and reduces oxidative stress.
Autoimmune Help: Useful for MS, IBD, and skin conditions like psoriasis.
Bonus: Helps with nausea often caused by autoimmune flares or meds.

4. Green Tea (EGCG)

Effect: Modulates T-cell activity – which often misbehaves in autoimmune issues.
Autoimmune Help: Supports energy and reduces flares in lupus and Hashimoto’s.

5. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

Effect: Adaptogen – calms the immune system without suppressing it.
Autoimmune Help: Beneficial in conditions like thyroid disorders (esp. Type A/AB), but caution with very active immune diseases like lupus or MS – may be too stimulating.

🧬 Blood Type Connection to Autoimmunity

Certain blood types are more prone to autoimmune reactions because of how they handle stress, inflammation, and dietary antigens:

🔴 Type O – High risk of inflammatory responses. Gut health is key.🌿 Best calming herbs: Ginger, boswellia, licorice root (short-term), turmeric (low dose)

🟢 Type A – Naturally sensitive and prone to fatigue & immune overactivity under stress.🌿 Best calming herbs: Green tea, ashwagandha (careful with thyroid), chamomile

🔵 Type B – Generally balanced, but susceptible to viral-triggered autoimmune flares (like MS).🌿 Best herbs: Holy basil, ginger, boswellia, reishi mushroom

🟣 Type AB – The wildcard; reacts to stress with immune confusion.🌿 Best herbs: Turmeric, green tea, reishi, lemon balm

💡 Autoimmune Tips with Natural Healing in Mind

✔️ Lower inflammation before boosting immunity – don’t stimulate a system already overactive

✔️ Support gut health – 70% of the immune system lives there

✔️ Avoid nightshades and gluten – common autoimmune flare foods

✔️ Tailor herbs to your blood type – for more precise, effective healing

✔️ Work with a practitioner – it’s not one-herb-fits-all!

🌿 Conclusion

Natural herbs are like the immune system’s life coach – reminding it not to attack its own team. When inflammation is brought under control, the immune system calms down, and autoimmune symptoms become much easier to manage.

At Health Basket, we create personalized herbal protocols tailored to your blood type, autoimmune condition, and unique constitution.

📞 Give us a call to chat: 0630434930 or pop in to see us at Shop 12 Willowbridge Mall Shopping centre, Tygervalley

www.healthbasket.co.za

#healingwithpassion | Your health solution since 2010.