1.Introduction:
A 19-year-old aspiring student, was diagnosed with SLE in early 2019 after experiencing fatigue, joint pain, Raynaud’s phenomenon, pleural effusion, and thrombus. Despite initial treatment with allopathic medications including steroids and blood thinners, she faced side effects and turned to Ayurveda and intermittent fasting, which helped her remain symptom-free for nearly two years. After a dengue relapse and persistent itching in early 2023, she visited SLNS Nature Cure Hospital in Telangana, seeking long-term relief through naturopathy. Under the care of Dr. Karthik, showed notable improvements in joint pain and inflammation. In 2025, Tarini returned with symptoms of rashes on the soles, muscle and joint pain, and after 20 days of naturopathic treatment, her symptoms significantly reduced, biomarkers improved, and her EULAR score showed remarkable recovery.
2.Patient Information:
NAME: TARINI
GENDER: FEMALE
AGE: 19 YEARS
An aspiring student who completed her 12th grade and aimed to pursue higher education at Delhi University, had her vibrant teenage life disrupted in October 2018 by unexplained fatigue and extreme tiredness. Her initial symptoms included severe lethargy and itchiness on palms and soles, for which she consulted a dermatologist and was prescribed antibiotics. She managed to travel to Australia, but her condition worsened with bluish discoloration in her toe and severe body pain, prompting further investigation. On returning to India in January 2019, blood and urine tests revealed systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), confirmed later by low C3/C4 levels and high anti-dsDNA values. Diagnosed with Raynaud’s phenomenon, she began treatment under a rheumatologist.
In February 2019, her condition escalated with breathlessness and chest pain. Imaging revealed pleural effusion and a thrombus in her IVC and pulmonary artery, requiring thoracentesis, anticoagulants, and ICU observation. Side effects from medications, including epistaxis, led to hospitalization. Seeking relief from side effects, she turned to Ayurvedic treatment, achieving a two-year symptom-free period. Her mother introduced her to intermittent fasting, which improved her weight and energy levels, and even led to a reduction in HCQ dosage.
In October 2022, she contracted Dengue with ascites, and by January 2023, developed generalized itching. Completing her 12th-grade exams, she opted for natural therapy at SLNS Nature Cure Hospital in June 2023 for joint pain and SLE management. In 2025, she returned with symptoms of itching, rashes on soles, and muscle/joint pains. After 20 days of naturopathic care, her symptoms subsided significantly, biomarkers improved, and EULAR disease activity scale showed drastic positive changes.
3.Medication History:
| S.No | MEDICATION | AFTER TREATMENT | MECHANISM |
| 1 | Hydroxychloroquine – 200mg0-0-1 | Tapered | It increases lysosomal pH disrupting antigen presentation cytokine release and viral entry |
| 2 | Ascorbic acid 500mg1-0-0 | Tapered | It an antioxidant by neutralizing free radicals and supports collagen synthesis for tissue repair. It also enhances iron absorption and boosts immune function. |
| 3 | Fexofenadine hydrochloride 120mgOnly during itching | Tapered | Selective peripheral H receptor antagonistBlocks histamine binding,preventing allergic response without crossing the blood brain barrier. |
After treatment, the medications prescribed were systematically tapered as her condition improved through naturopathic interventions. Hydroxychloroquine (200 mg, 0-0-1), which increases lysosomal pH to disrupt antigen presentation, cytokine release, and viral entry, was gradually reduced. Similarly, Ascorbic Acid (500 mg, 1-0-0), an antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals, supports collagen synthesis, enhances iron absorption, and boosts immune function, was tapered as her body regained its natural balance. Fexofenadine Hydrochloride (120 mg), used selectively during episodes of itching, acts as a peripheral H1 receptor antagonist that blocks histamine binding without crossing the blood-brain barrier, preventing allergic responses. This too was tapered as her allergic symptoms diminished, reflecting her steady recovery.
4.Naturopathy And Lifestyle Intervention:
Dietary Changes: Adopted an anti-inflammatory diet with seasonal fruits, boiled vegetables, and herbal decoctions, avoiding processed, gluten, and dairy-rich foods to manage flare-ups and improve gut health.
Natural Therapies: Underwent hydrotherapy (spinal baths, hip baths, and hot foot immersions), physiotherapy for joint stiffness, and yoga asanas like Ardha Matsyendrasana and Bhujangasana to ease joint pain.
Stress Management: Practiced meditation, pranayama, and yoga nidra to reduce stress, improve sleep, and manage autoimmune triggers.
Supplements: Took natural immune-modulating supplements like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and B-complex, with dosages adjusted to her progress, allowing a reduction in HCQ dosage under medical guidance.
Physical Activity: Maintained joint flexibility and stamina through yoga and nature walks, achieving improved muscle strength and endurance.
5.Results And Follow Up:
| S.NO | Biomarker | Before Treatment | After Treatment |
| 1. | HS CRP | 2.7 | 0.78 |
| 2. | DEOXYCORTISOL | 174.38 | 60.23 |
| 3. | VITAMIN D | 33.89 | 90.96 |
| 4 | VITAMIN B 6 | 4.11 | 17.59 |
| 5 | SGOT | 34.2 | 23.2 |
| 6. | SGPT | 36.9 | 13.4 |
| 7. | GGT | 43.5 | 18.8 |
| 8. | CALCIUM | 8.74 | 9.03 |
| 9. | CYSTATIN C | 1.05 | 0.96 |
| 10. | AMYLASE | 115 | 70 |
| 11 | ANA | Positive | Negative |
During her 20-day naturopathic treatment at SLNS Nature Cure, Ms. Tarini showed significant biomarker improvements. Her HS-CRP reduced from 2.7 to 0.78, indicating lowered systemic inflammation, a key factor in SLE flares. Deoxycortisol dropped from 174.38 to 60.23, suggesting balanced adrenal stress response, critical in autoimmune modulation. Her Vitamin D levels rose from 33.89 to 90.96, enhancing immune regulation and reducing autoimmunity.Vitamin B6 improved from 4.11 to 17.59, supporting neurotransmitter synthesis and reducing fatigue. Liver enzymes SGOT and SGPT dropped from 34.2 to 23.2 and 36.9 to 13.4, respectively, indicating reduced hepatic stress and inflammation. GGT decreased from 43.5 to 18.8, supporting better bile flow and liver detoxification. Calcium rose from 8.74 to 9.03, essential for bone health and neuromuscular function. Cystatin C improved from 1.05 to 0.96, reflecting better kidney filtration and lowered renal load. Lastly, amylase reduced from 115 to 70, showing improved pancreatic function and digestive health—all contributing to her symptomatic relief and enhanced vitality.
EULAR Scale:
| Criteria | Before Treatment | After Treatment |
| Clinical Domains | ||
| ANA Test | Positive antinuclear antibody (ANA) test | Negative antinuclear antibody (ANA) test |
| Mucocutaneous changes | Alopecia, acute cutaneous lupus, scored 6 | alopecia, oral ulcers, or acute cutaneous lupus, scored 6 |
| Serosal | Pleural effusion, scored 5 | No Pleural effusion, scored 0 |
| Joint Involvement | Joint pain, scored 6 | No joint pain, scored 0 |
| Total Clinical Domain Score | 17 | 6 |
| Immunological Domains | ||
| Presence of anti-dsDNA antibody | Contributing 6 to the immunological score | – |
| Complement proteins | Low C3 or low C4, Score 4 | No low C3 or C4,Score 0 |
| Total Immunological Score | 10 | |
| Overall EULAR Score | 27 | 16 |
Symptom Tracker
| S.No | SYMPTOM | SCORE (0-4)BEFORE TREATMENT | SCORE (0-4)AFTER TREATMENT |
| 1 | HEADACHE | 2 | 0 |
| 2 | FAINTNESS | 1 | 0 |
| 3 | DRY SKIN | 3 | 1 |
| 4 | HAIR LOSS | 1 | 0 |
| 5 | FOOD CRAVINGS | 2 | 1 |
| 6 | PASSING GAS | 2 | 0 |
| 7 | IRRITABILITY | 2 | 1 |
| 8 | FATIGUE | 2 | 0 |
| 9 | ARTHRITIS | 1 | 0 |
| 10 | MUSCLE PAIN | 3 | 2 |
| 11 | SHORTNESS OF BREATH | 2 | 1 |
| 12 | ACNE | 3 | 2 |
| 13 | EXCESS WEIGHT | 3 | 2 |
| 14 | MOOD SWINGS | 2 | 2 |
| TOTAL | 29 | 12 | |
6.Discussion:
Her story is one of remarkable resilience and recovery in the face of systemic lupus erythematosus . SLE symptoms in 2023 brought her to SLNS Nature Cure Hospital in Telangana. Here, under the naturopathic care of Dr. Karthik Reddy (BNYS), she underwent a comprehensive 20-day healing program. A blend of personalized anti-inflammatory diet, yoga therapy, physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, and guided mindfulness practices brought a significant transformation in her health. Biomarkers including HS-CRP, deoxycortisol, and liver enzymes showed remarkable improvements, while her Vitamin D and B-complex levels were restored. Her EULAR disease activity score dropped from 27 to 16, reflecting a tangible shift in her condition. The inclusion of immune-boosting plant-based supplements and a structured physical routine helped her regain strength, reduce inflammation, and reconnect with her educational goals and everyday life.
7.Conclusion:
Her remarkable recovery from debilitating SLE symptoms showcases the profound impact of naturopathy in restoring health and balance. Through a personalized naturopathic approach, her energy levels were revitalized, allowing her to resume daily activities with ease. Painful joints and muscles became flexible and strong, and Raynaud’s symptoms diminished as her circulation improved. Detoxification therapies alleviated pleural effusion, restoring her respiratory health. Skin-focused treatments and dietary adjustments resolved the itching and rashes, while hair regrowth symbolized her overall healing. Notably, her C3 and C4 levels, which were initially positive, normalized to negative, marking a significant turnaround in her autoimmune activity. With emotional support and mind-body practices, her mental health blossomed alongside her physical recovery. A customized anti-inflammatory diet, yoga, hydrotherapy, and natural supplements helped ease her inflammation, support immunity, and improve key biomarkers. Her EULAR score dropped from 27 to 16, and her symptom burden reduced from 29 to 12. Tarini’s story is a powerful reminder that holistic care can restore balance, reduce autoimmune flare-ups, and reignite hope for a healthier future.