Autoimmune Diseases—November 20, 1995

Autoimmune Diseases—November 20, 1995

The body's immune system has the function of distinguishing between "self" and "non-self." Normally, the immune response targets only non-self cells and tissues, producing antibodies to eliminate them. However, in some individuals with immune system abnormalities, the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues, leading to diseases characterized by rapid erythrocyte sedimentation rate, joint pain, high fever, and skin rashes. Almost all connective tissue diseases fall into this category; myasthenia gravis, various chronic liver diseases, necrotizing lymphadenitis, subsepsis, allergic purpura, and sarcoidosis also belong to this group. Western medicine generally prioritizes hormones for treating these conditions, but they come with side effects and rebound phenomena (about 100%). After many years of experimentation, I believe that Gui Zhi Shao Yao Zhi Mu Tang should be the first choice for treating such diseases, with Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang, Bai Hu Tang, and Wu Wei Xiao Du Yin also usable as appropriate alternatives.