Sjogren's Syndrome
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Natural Remedies for Sjogren's Syndrome

| Modified on Mar 12, 2024
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Sjogren's Syndrome is an autoimmune disorder (much like arthritis or lupus) that characteristically attacks the mucous membranes and results in symptoms of  dry mouth and sore, dry eyes. Typically, Sjogren's (pronounced SHOW-grins) affects more women than men and emerges after the age of 40.

Natural remedies for Sjorgren's syndrome involve phytotherapy (aka medical herbalism), which is a medical practice supported by scientific research but applies a more traditional approach using medicinal herbs. Since Sjogren's causes dryness of the eyes and mouth, certain common foods and herbs like ginger, apples, chamomile, and cucumber contain elements that help produce fluids the body needs.

5 Natural Remedies for Sjorgen's

1. Apples

Apples are one of the most effective home remedies to alleviate Sjogren's symptoms. The vitamin C and anti-oxidant properties of apples boost the body's immunity, important to Sjogren's patients.  

This fruit's best-known benefit is aiding dental care, which explains why it is a recommended natural remedy for the disease.  Consuming an apple stimulates the secretion of saliva, an alkaline compound, triggering its antibacterial properties. The apple pulp, which contains fiber, cleanses the teeth and gums.

Sjogren's syndrome also affects the eyes and an apple's antioxidant phytonutrients and flavonoid compounds lowers the impact of free radicals in the eyes, which leads to the prevention of eye diseases and macular degeneration.

2. Chamomile

Chamomile, a medicinal herb, has components that boost immunity, which makes it on the list of Sjogren's syndrome's natural remedies. The tea's phenolic compounds can prevent infections and strengthen the immune system.

3. Cucumber

Cucumber has always been associated with helping with weight loss. But it also has qualities that can qualify it as one of the natural remedies for Sjogren's syndrome. The topical use of cucumber slices to help relieve puffy eyes is not just for aesthetic purposes. This regular habit can also help prevent dryness associated with Sjogren's Syndrome as a cucumber is not only hydrating but also extremely cooling to the eyes.

4. Ginger

Ginger is among the plants with the most medicinal benefits. It's been used as a hot drink to cure gingivitis, periodontitis, and even sore throats. Ginger's bioactive compound called gingerol has potent anti-inflammatory effects that can help ease the dryness of the mouth. Additionally, ginger can impede the development of many types of bacteria and bacteria is one of the causes of Sjogren's syndrome.

5. Green Tea

Green tea often comes out on top of the natural remedies for Sjorgren's syndrome. There have been known benefits of green tea such as aiding in losing weight and helps in the prevention of eye disease and protects the vision.  From the research conducted by the medical researchers of the Medical College of Georgia, the EGCG (Epigallocatechin Gallate) component of the plant helps prevent inflammation. They also found out that the group treated with green tea extract experienced less damage in the salivary glands than the group given with water treatment.

What Causes Sjogren's Syndrome?

The cause or causes of Sjogren's syndrome remains unknown in spite of the medical breakthroughs.

Sjogren's syndrome is an autoimmune disorder which means that the immune system mistakenly attacks your body's own cells and tissues. Some health professionals point to genetics as a risk factor for the disease. The disease is known to specifically target the glands that produce body fluids, such as tears and saliva.

Age is included as one of the significant risk factors for Sjogren's together with age. The incidence of the disease usually happens to women over the age of 40. However, professionals don't discount the possibility of suffering from it at any age.

Common Symptoms and signs of Sjogren's

Because Sjogren’s affects multiple organ systems, signs and symptoms besides dry mouth and dry eyes include:

Chronic Oral Yeast Infections
Vaginal Dryness
Kidney Problems
Thyroid disorder
Chronic Dry Cough 
Hoarseness
Sinusitis 
Bronchitis
Pneumonia 
Extreme Sensitivity to Cold
Fatigue
Dry Skin 
Rashes 
Digestive Problems 
Gluten Sensitivity
Kidney Problems
Brain Fog
Memory Problems
Numbness, tingling and burning pain in the feet and hands
Loss of Taste or Changes to Taste
Enlarged Parotid Glands

The disease was named after Dr. Henrik Sjögren, a Swedish ophthalmologist who identified it in 1933 after determining that a number of his female patients had dry mouth and eyes, two common symptoms of the disorder.

One of the most common complications of Sjogren's Syndrome is dental cavities because the salivary glands are unable to secrete saliva. Saliva helps protect against periodontal disease and decay. Teeth are continuously covered with a layer of saliva. Saliva has antimicrobial agents which help kill bacteria in the mouth.

Two more common symptoms of Sjogren's are corneal damage since the eyes can't produce tears, and yeast infections, either on the vagina or the mouth.

Even though Sjogren's is one of the three most common autoimmune disorders, it is often missed by doctors.  According to the Sjogren's Syndrome Foundation, it may take up to three years to get a correct diagnosis of this condition. Only through blood tests can the disease can be diagnosed appropriately. 1

Physicians diagnose Sjogren's syndrome through sialogram, an X-ray that will help show the amount of saliva is produced. The salivary scintigraphy is a nuclear medicine test that tracks how fast the injected radioactive stope can reach the salivary glands.

Even if it usually affects two organs of the body -- mouth and eyes -- Sjogren's affects the entire body. Initially, patients will experience mild discomfort but as it progresses, it can be debilitating and may change day-to-day life.

While genes are a risk factor, prevention and early detection could help in avoiding the some of the most severe effects of the disease. It can damage other parts of the body such as joints, kidneys, liver, lungs, nerves, skin, and thyroid.

Because the leading cause of Sjogren's remains unknown, holistic treatment is usually about relieving the symptoms.

Continue reading below to learn which natural remedies have helped Earth Clinic readers over the years!

The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
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Black Cohosh

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Posted by Diamond (Ma., US) on 11/22/2014
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I have used a natural remedy for over twenty years-called black cohosh, it has been a God send for all these years. As for dry eyes, it's just the greatest, it also supports the whole system. Black Cohosh can be bought in almost any drug store and some of the leading stores. I thought I would add an extra alternative for many others to use. Good Luck...

Borage Oil

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Posted by Mary (Denver, Colorado) on 01/22/2013
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In response to Angela's post:

09/26/2008: Angela from Broomfield, CO: "A couple times a year I have a painful swelling of one of the parotid glands (main salivary gland) on either side of my face due to Sjogren`s syndrome. I have had this many times before and have never been able to stop the pain and swelling which usually lasts for 2 weeks...until now. I tried the castor oil heat pack the first night, leaving it on over night and woke up with no pain! The gland is still sore to the touch, but I have never experience such relief without the use of corticosteroids. I will continue to use this method from now on. I am a believer!"

Warm pack of castor oil for relief is good to know. I also suffered from inflamation of the salvary and parrotid glands. These glands become sore and enlarged because they do not have the right nutrients to manufacture saliva. Because they are depleted and still trying to work they become larger and painful. It is important to relieve these glands.

In 1985 when I first had the symptoms of Sjogrens with a vengence and found only topical drops for tears, saliva etc, it was apparent to me I needed to find out what was causing this in my body (female, 43 yrs). By luck I found a report serendititously offered at a symposeum by a doctor who reported that while he was not looking for relief for dry eyes among the fishing population which were his test subjects, that was their unamous report to him. He had been giving them an oil extracted from borage. I found borage oil at a small speciality store for vitamins and supplements. Within a few weeks of taking the oil pretty liberally my painfully eyes were relieved and the glands in my face became soft and pain free.

If is the gamma linoleic acid in the tasteless oil which my body needed. Its clear that while the precursors may be in my body, I did not have the ability to convert them into gamma linoleic acid. Once this was supplied the endocrine glands which secrete saliva and tears as well as many other glands such as the liver and pancreas, sweat and mucus in the lining of the reproductive tract, as well as the mamary glands functioned well. One terrific happy result was that the painful fibrous tissue in the breast became soft and pain free.

That been my experience and if it can help someone else be pain free that would give me great pleasure.

Mary

Replied by Ally
(Simsbury Ct)
11/21/2014

Oh my gosh, Mary. I got dry mouth in the worst way. I am basically 47 and entering perimenopause. It has been the most miserable experience... Something we all take for granted but when your mouth is dry, it affects everything and causes such anxiety. I have always been more of a dry person anyway tho my eyes only slightly-mostly my allergy-laden nose. But little did I know the difference the borage oil seems to make for me. I'm taking in conjunction with flax and fish oils I'm hoping it is for real and keeping my fingers crossed! Thanks for your post. Hope it will help other people suffering too.

Replied by Margaret
(Utah)
02/07/2015

Ally, how is that regimen helping?

Replied by Nic
(Golden, Co)
08/07/2016

Can you please tell me the brand of the Borage oil and the dosage you take? My eyes are so painful. Thank you

Replied by Jen
(Green Bay, Wi)
02/26/2018

Does it matter what kind of tea bag? Do you put it in dry or steep it first?

Castor Oil

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Posted by Mary (Utica, New York) on 12/03/2020
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I've used Castor oil in my eyes for years. At night I place Castor oil all around my eyes. I then with a dropper place the organic castor oil in my eyes. Then I place plastic wrap over my eyes. My eyes stay moist all night. The wrap stays on my face because of the oil on my face.

If your eyes feel bad enough you will do this, and be happy you did. 👍Trust me I've tried EVERYTHING, I know this works.

Replied by Kjeanne
(San Jose, Ca)
03/10/2021

Plastic directly over skin that has castor oil on it may not be a good idea, according to all the Edgar Cayce castor oil sites. Usually the castor oil is just either rubbed into the skin, or on a castor oil pack made of wool or cotton flannel, as plastic can leach poison. (Though plastic can be laid ON TOP of the flannel or wool castor oil pack).

Mary
(Utica NY)
08/09/2023
★★★★★

That won't work… the oil will be absorbed into the fabric. If you're in serious pain, and your eyes could be damaged…. You will do this for sure. It's the lessor of the two evils.

Castor Oil
Posted by Nora (Stockholm) on 11/18/2018
 ★★★★★

Yes castor oil helps me too - dry eye sufferer.

Castor Oil
Posted by Holly (New Hampshire ) on 05/06/2018
 ★★★★★

I have RA with painfully gritty dry eyes and mouth. I use castor oil for my eyes with great effect. Use a good grade caster oil cold pressed 100% solvent free, no hexane & paraben free. Before sleep apply thickly to upper & lower eyelids & rub into eye lashes. (The oil may blur your vision, but it will not harm your eyes) the thickness may take some time to get used to just keep it on all night. Apply a thin coat in the morning and whenever eyes are irritated.

I have used this for about 2 months or so and it relieves the dryness and lately have noticed a huge improvement in a lessening of grit which is more easily remover without scratching or tearing to my lower lids. I'm still working on the dry mouth I'm increasing my fluids to 12-14 cups daily, small amounts of coconut oil for dryness as needed and xylimelts. I'm just starting borage oil, as directed on bottle.

Replied by Frances
(Cabarlah, Qld.)
05/08/2018

Holly, I was diagnosed with RA over 50 years ago and am not disfigured but have had all the joint pains, etc. Only recently whilst at hospital for another problem I was told I didn't have RA but Sjogren's disease. This would explain the dry eyes, nose, mouth, vagina, etc.

Replied by Charity
(Faithville , Us)
05/08/2018

Not sure what your weight is but I believe it's an ounce of water for every pound divided by two and then add a good mineral salt(salt holds water in place) as the water would flush out your minerals . 150 pound person would consume 75 ounces of water, including what you consume in soups, ect and add a bit more if they drink coffee or diuretics. Always increase water and mineral salt a bit a day until desired levels to prevent swelling . Watercure by Dr. Batmanghelidj helped a lot of sick people regain their health. Also hot tubs pools baths pull water out of the body and the skin on fingers shrivels. I learned it the hard way.

Histamine is a dehydration signal from the body to alert us there is an imbalance . Most drugs have anti histamine in them and most people who go to hospital get a saline IV and it greatly improves their health.

Blessings, Charity

Castor Oil
Posted by Angela (Broomfield, CO) on 09/26/2008
 ★★★★★

Editor's Choice

A couple times a year I have a painful swelling of one of the parotid glands (main salivary gland) on either side of my face due to Sjogren`s syndrome. I have had this many times before and have never been able to stop the pain and swelling which usually lasts for 2 weeks...until now. I tried the castor oil heat pack the first night, leaving it on over night and woke up with no pain! The gland is still sore to the touch, but I have never experience such relief without the use of corticosteroids. I will continue to use this method from now on. I am a believer!

Replied by Stephanie
(Pittsburgh, PA)
09/06/2022

Thank you. I'm starting year 4 of this and doctors do nothing to help me. Now I have a rash on my neck for 2 years in addition to the pain and swelling. It is now on both sides of my neck. Gonna try this since the medical field does nothing except watch me suffer and act like they can't see the swollen glands.

Coconut Oil

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Posted by Angela (Englewood, Kansas ) on 07/31/2022
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Coconut Oil for Sjogren's Syndrome

I agree with the post from 2015 about using coconut oil. I brush my teeth with toothpaste maybe once a week, all other times I just brush with water to clean them well. Then I brush them with coconut oil, and leave it on them. I've noticed a better tooth condition, more moisture in mouth, and healthier looking gums.

Coconut Oil
Posted by Judy (Tampa, Fl) on 09/02/2015
 ★★★★★

I use coconut oil, about a tablespoon just to hold in my mouth after brushing at night. I leave it in the length of taking my shower & then spit it out into the toilet. I started this months ago for general health of my mouth instead of chemical mouthwashes & the dentist says its doing well for my gums & I don't seem to be bothered by dry mouth much. Hope that helps.

Replied by Anna
(Norwood, Pa)
11/01/2015
★★★★★

Swallow the coconut oil. It is a healthy fat source especially if you are a low fat diet. To combat dryness (eyes, mouth, vagina, skin), I have started drinking Goji juice (one ounce) twice a day. I am going to get Evening Primrose Oil and Borage Oil.

B
(new orleans)
07/23/2021

She's doing the right thing by spitting it out after holding it in her mouth. It's called oil pulling and it's to get rid of the toxins. Eating coconut oil is fine, but not after it's dirty.

Kristina
(Rio Vista, CA)
12/14/2021

Please advise as to how to use Evening Primrose Oil & Borage oil. Thanks

Kalola
(Ottawa Canada)
04/28/2022
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I agree- Coconut oil pulling for up to 30 minutes, then spit out in garbage- it clogs drains! Take a 1/4 to 1/2 tsp to swallow, several times a day to moisturize the mouth.

Collagen and Keratin Capsules

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Posted by Janine (Wellington , NZ) on 08/11/2008
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I have been taking Collagen/Keratin capsules for 2 weeks. I started taking these as a possible cure for neck pain which i have suffered from for years. I developed Sjogrens syndrome 2 years ago as a result of a nasty virus I had. I have had the dry mouth which has affected the linings of my mouth and caused bad breath. In the last year I also had dry gritty eyes, and dry vagina. After two weeks on the collagen/keratin
capsules I now have saliva in my mouth! My eyes and vagina are improving with moisture too. And yes my Neck pain has practically dissappeared. Hope someone else might find this cure works for them too!!

Replied by Deb
(Sherrard, Il)
06/27/2011

how many mg do you take and how may tablets is that. how long did it take before you had results? I was diganoised with sjogren's syndrome and would like to try a natural approach before using meds.

Replied by Jacquie
(Wellington, New Zealand)
08/07/2012

Hi Janine, I'm a 46 year old Wellingtonian with exactly the same symptons as yourself. I also take Collagen for my neck problems and have the dry eye and mouth issue which causes bad breath and drives me crazy!! Could you tell me what collagen keratin capsules you take and if its still working for you 4 years later??

Replied by Denise
(Mishawaka, In)
10/19/2012

I'm seeing a rheumatologist on Novemeber 5th and believe I could have sjogrens syndrome. I have the dry mouth symptoms exactly as you have stated and want to try a natural approach. I was wondering the same thing on how much you use and if it's daily? Please let us know how to take these so I can prevent taking prescription meds. Thanks :)

Dietary Changes

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Posted by Rachel (Lewes DE) on 04/17/2023
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I am 55, white, female. I had whooping cough which left me with Sjorgrens which was largely asymptomatic until it wasn't. Two years after diagnosis I had extreme fatigue, weird rashes and pimply type things on my scalp, very red eyes. I tried anything and everything including the Auto Immune Protocol. It's no joke and it's a big commitment but after a few months it made a huge difference and I was able to start exercising and commuting by bike. AIP has a lot of supplements and it is worth getting one of the main books about them for that. Headlines: No gluten, dairy, alcohol, nightshades, sugar. Only grass fed meat. If you eat meat you eat nose to tail - so liver, skin, marrow. Lots of probiotics in diet. I sometimes cheat (cheese) these days but I have mostly kept it up for four years. I had a flare up while getting over Covid but mostly I have been healthy and highly functional. I think the AIP was a part of it, but I also tried low dose naltraxone, transcendental meditation (wow that helps with everything) Iyengar yoga (alignment and twists benefits internal organs). I also work on a kneeling chair or cross legged on the floor. Who knows which of the things really help - one person once told me they all do. I wish you all well on your quest to manage this condition and live in harmony with the body that you have.

Dietary Changes
Posted by Peggy (Saskatchewan) on 02/07/2020
 ★★★★☆

I found that eating wheat caused my saliva glands to dry up. When I don't eat wheat I have almost normal saliva. Perhaps it would work for others with Sjogrens.

Dietary Changes
Posted by Gokhals (Ca, US) on 12/29/2014 34 posts
 ★★★★★

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Raw milk. A high fat (high quality Ghee, butter, lard, tallow) diet. Digestives such as kraut, kvass, acv, enzymes to enable you to digest proteins. Pesticide free food.

My Sjorgens Syndrome was cured from some combination of these.

Replied by Danielle
(Oceanside, Ca)
08/07/2015

I was hoping for a more detailed description of diet changes. I am trying to help my mom with this.

Rachel
(Delaware)
08/10/2022

Hi Danielle -

Anyone reading up on Sjorgren's might want to consider the AIP diet - especially if their symptoms are overwhelming. If you're not ready for that much change, I was surprised not to see (and I could have missed it) the old wives' tale of giving up Nightshades. (Potato, tomato, peppers, eggplant). I was diagnosed with Sjorgrens after I had whooping cough in 2016. I sort of ignored it because the treatments were annoying and the symptoms were manageable. But by November 2018 I realised I was in fact overwhelmed with symptoms and that something had to change. I followed the AIP diet and started taking supplements - probiotics, fish oil - just everything. I got my hair tested and found that I had a chronic shortage of molydenum and started taking supplements. I got as much sugar out of my life that I could. I learned to meditate. I gave up alcohol for six months and then only went back to an occasional glass of wine.

Replied by Mohan Kumar Nair
(Navi, Mumbai)
08/31/2015

Can you please suggest us the treatment for this, as my wife diagnoses with this and under depression, your kind advise on better treatment and dietary are appreciable.

Replied by Edith
(Texas)
05/04/2016

So, I've been drinking soy milk for about 2 years and first it was mouth, so dry that my mouth would stick together, and then about 8 months later my eyes are doing the same same thing?

Replied by Charlie
(Wyoming)
09/11/2017

Soy however, is not good to eat for long periods of time. Little is better. Check it out on the web.

Replied by Uncertain
(LA)
01/16/2022

How are you doing? Are you still Sjogrens free?

Evening Primrose Oil

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Posted by Steenie (Florida) on 09/03/2013
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Sjogren's Syndrome:

Another source of GLA, Evening Primrose Oil, I hapsed upon it as it said something about 'menstrual help', and I seriously got a regular pharmacy brand, and I began to notice my dry eyes going back to normal (I wasn't sure if I was nuts or it was true, so I stopped... )... I'm about to restart, I empty out these gel caps (couldn't find a veg formula at my store)...

There's actually a pub med study, look up pub med sjogren's and evening primrose oil (EPO)...

Fish Oil

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Posted by Nancy (Los Angeles, CA) on 05/22/2021
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Gwen, Thank you for sharing your experience and protocol... so helpful! As some others suggested, I ordered the sea buckthorn oil, but while waiting for it to arrive, I tried just upping my consumption of cod liver oil (I had been taking 1g/day)... lo and behold, the day after I upped it to 3g/day, my eyes were no longer dry and my mouth had improved by about 50%. And today, 2 days later, my salivary glands are 98% back in action! (Weirdly, I had a dream last night that I couldn't stop drooling. ; P)

I still plan to try the sea buckthorn oil, mainly to see if I get any of the skin benefits, but it's good to know how powerful something as simple as cod liver oil can be (good for vit D, too, which I'm borderline low in). Cheers!

Replied by Nancy
(Los Angeles)
05/25/2021

Just an update... I tried the sea buckthorn oil and, maybe it was a coincidence, but my tongue swelled pretty suddenly (not hugely, just enough to be painful pressing against my teeth) and my lips went all tingly. It was weird and scary, so I don't plan to take any more sea buckthorn oil. Which is a bummer because I thought it might really help. Anyway, just wanted to put that out there in case anyone else had a similar experience. Again, it could be coincidence... if the swelling and tingling isn't gone in a few days, then I'll look for other culprits (like Sjogren's itself), but for now, it seems sea buckthorn oil is not my friend. (This was the Seabuck Wonders brand, btw... the one with both seed and fruit oils.)

Also, I discovered that the fish oil is not something to take high doses of (i.e., 3 tsp/day) for any significant duration either... unless you're able to regularly test your levels of omega-3 vs. 6, AA vs. DHA, etc.. Apparently, when omega-3 levels get too high relative to omega-6, they can cause many of the problems I'm trying to eliminate. I feel like I need to get a whole battery of test$ to see where I am before I take one more supplement. This is becoming one long game of whack-a-mole. I'm going back to basics for now, only supplementing things that (a) I know, based on lab tests, that I'm deficient in, or (b) that I know have no undesirable effects when used in excess of necessary amounts. Good luck everyone... I know the answer is out there! (It just probably looks different for each of us.)

Art
(California)
05/26/2021
2325 posts

Nancy,

If you haven't already, you might look into vitamin D and an absorbable form of zinc such as zinc picolinate or zinc gluconate.

Art

Replied by Nancy
(Los Angeles)
06/21/2021

Hi Art:

Sorry, I just saw this. I think you are spot-on. Vitamin D has been hard for me to budge, but I've started taking cod liver oil, so we'll see. Zinc is actually more interesting to me because the last 3 times I had a migraine coming on, I've taken zinc and it resolved w/in an hour. (I can't take NSAIDs due to fluoroquinolone toxicity and was scratching my head for alternatives, when something in me told me to try zinc... it worked! ) And as zinc is so important to the absorption of so many other vitamins, I suspect it could be a game changer for me. Thanks for your reply!

Replied by Kathleen
(Orange County, ca)
12/20/2022

Are you still taking cod liver oil. How do u take it? Teaspoon, etc? There are many remedies but confusing because no one discusses how they take it, how much, etc. I want to try the least expensive easy option. Please advise

Fish Oil
Posted by Gwen (Cleveland, Ohio) on 09/28/2014
 ★★★★★

Everyone's comments have been incredibly helpful!

I'm a very active, lean, 56-year-old who was experiencing several Sjogren's symptoms for months and they were significantly debilitating -- dry mouth, dry eyes, lung soreness plus heart palpitations. I refuse to seek out the help of traditional doctors because of their reliance on chemical cures. I did, however, engage a Sports Nutritionist that came highly recommended by an active, lean colleague of mine, who is 57 years old. I'm mentioning my age and my colleague's age so women who are of the same "vintage" realize that there is post menopause hope as one's body changes. When I shared my symptoms with the Sports Nutritionalist he said "Have you been tested for Sjogren's?" He also said, "At a minimum, you should be consuming 3000 mg of high grade fish oil per day." I was consuming 1000 mg per day. Interesting.

I next went online, read your comments, and did the following: increased my fish oil soft gels consumption to 3000 mg per day (Carlson Norwegian Salmon Oil), started taking 2 Solgar Flaxseed Oil 1250 mg soft gels per day and started taking 2 Solgar Super GLA Borage Oil 300 mg soft gels per day. The next day, my dry eyes and dry mouth significantly improved! The day after, my eyes and mouth felt normal again. I am still experiencing lung soreness plus heart palpitations, but I have noticed slight improvement there as well. My thought is that it may take longer for the rest of my body to get "fully lubricated" once again. I truly believe that I'm on the right path, so I wanted to share my experiences in case it may help others. As a side note, my Sports Nutritionalist also told me to switch multi-vitamins -- moving from a tablet to soft gels because they are absorbed into your system whereas tablets can pass right through you. One of his clients was being x-rayed for some type of condition, and the doctor saw the multi-vitamin in the gentlemen's intestinal tract, e.g., it hadn't been absorbed into his system. I am going to make this change as well.

I would recommend that if you increase your oil intake, you make sure that you're not over-doing it by eating fatty foods. Too much fat could cause other problems. Eat healthy!

Replied by Prioris
(Fl, US)
09/29/2014

You missed one of the most important oils for dryness problems. Look into Palmatoleic Acid or Omega 7. Primeval has 50% in their brand.

Replied by Gwen
(Cleveland, Oh)
09/29/2014

For Prioris...thank you for your comment. I actually started taking Omega 7 Palmitoleic Acid 4'ish weeks ago, as recommended by my local health food store. I experienced no improvement -- no dry eye, dry mouth, sore lung and heart palpitation relief at all. We're all built differently, so while fish oil, flaxseed oil and borage oil worked perfectly for me, maybe Omega 7 might benefit others.

Replied by Prioris
(Fl, US)
09/29/2014

Omega 7 is relatively new so appreciate hearing your feed back. It helps understanding its limitations. What dosage did you try per day and I assume you took it with fats for absorption.

Here is something on Sjogren's Syndrome.

http://www.seabuckthorn.com/Omega-7 Sea Buckthorn HANDOUT.pdf

They used 3 grams of Sea Buckthorn Oil

It seems to help some people with that syndrome

Replied by Pj
(Tennessee)
04/26/2015

Is the fish oil, etc.. still helping your Sjogren's symptoms? I've been taking fish oil, evening primrose oil, alternating vitamin E and Flaxseed Oil, Ginger and tumeric for 4 weeks now. Some improvement but still significant dry mouth, mucus in throat and dry eyes (but eyes not as bad). How long did it take before you reversed the Sjogren's? Also been on a gluten free diet for 3 weeks still no reversal. Impatient I suspect. Desperate people do desperate things and there is so much out there about Diet, Immune System, etc.. Paleo is so restrictive and I'm losing too much weight as it is already. Just wanted an update on how your Sjogren's dryness symptoms were responding to your supplement regiment .

Replied by Rsw
(Uniontown, Oh)
04/26/2015

Hi PJ,

I was recently diagnosed with Sjogren's Syndrome, but because of the dry eyes and mouth from previous Sicca diagnosis, had been taking many of the same oils you mention. I don't think they were helping me. Then, as I was looking at some of Ted's comments (which I can't seem to find right now), he said the body can't handle all these oils, and even fish oil should be taken about twice a week only. He only uses coconut oil. I have stopped using the oils but remain confused by all this. Does anyone have a better understanding from Ted of what oils may not be good to take, which may be all of them except coconut oil? I think he advises Borax for Sjogren's. I also have high iron and had hoped the oil would stop my blood from sticking together. (Had Hep A, can't donate blood, and doc will only authorize phlebotomy if iron exceeds 100) Thanks everyone.

Replied by Candy
(Clarkston, Wa)
10/26/2015

We found these natural supplements very helpful. You can find them on E-bay or Google where to get them. 1) CoQ10 (get the Ubiquinol form). 100 mg 2-3 times per day. Helps with dryness and heart palpatations. 2) Xylimelts (little mints that help your body create saliva). Put one on the roof of your mouth at bedtime. Flat side on the roof of your mouth and let dissolve. 3)Sugar-Free lemon drops. Helps moisten your mouth. 4) Krill Oil (it's not stinky like fish oil and does the same thing). Whatever amount you take divide the dose to 4 times per day.

Replied by Judy
(Maryland)
05/24/2016

I was wondering why you can't donate blood and how you know your blood is sticking together??

Replied by Rsw
(Oh)
05/24/2016

Hi Judy,

I got severe Hep A in the 80's, most likely from eating contaminated food at a restaurant. Which one, I don't know for sure because it took about six weeks to show up. I will never be able to donate blood or organs because of this. High iron can lead to sticky blood and also damage organs, so if it gets too high, my doctor writes a prescription for a phlebotomy and I can give blood at a donation center, and it is is disposed. Some doctors think high iron is implicated in heart attacks so I try to watch my levels.

Sandy A.
(Albuquerque NM, USA)
01/20/2021

Please have further testing done. My sister was told she had too much iron in her blood but when her husband insisted on more testing, they found she had cirrhosis of the liver. It was nearly too late and she almost died.

Replied by Joyce
(Oceanside, Ca.)
07/27/2016

A temporary ‘assist' with dry mouth....believe it or not....chew gum!

I also have Sjogren's and am happy to read the relief which can cure it. Cod liver oil is horrid...rather than pills, are any other oils helpful? It gags me...but I could increase my take of Olive Oil...any comments? I also use coconut oil, but would have a tough time taking it as a spoonful. I get especially dry after a pain pill.

Replied by Dorothy
(Mass)
10/28/2016

I am finding all of this interesting. Just found out I have Sjogren's. Had my cataracts out in Fed 2016 and my eyes are so dry. Told my eye doctor and he tested for Sjogren's was positive. Its not to bad my mouth gets dry at nite. My eyes forget it. I am useing Restates.twice a day. It helps a little. But! I am going to dry all of these things. I am 75 young healthy can't believe this is happen. I also have a thyroid condition. Goiter. On pills and off. Thank's.

Angela
(Englewood, Kansas)
07/31/2022

The dry eyes, I use Systane. My eye Dr recommended it and it's amazing. Great for lubrication, not aggressive like those script eye drops.

Replied by Karen
(New Jersey)
11/06/2017

Hi,

I've got auto immune disorders--Sjogren's, RA, Hypothyroidism. My current problem is extreme skin dryness/burning pain with cracks/splits in my skin above my mouth. I'm looking for a Rheumatologist in the NY/NJ area.

This condition is both painful and unsightly.

Anyone else have this condition? I've tried so many moisturizers, oils, they help a little. I watch my diet-organic, free range, no dairy, supplements and lots of water.

Any other suggestions? Much appreciated

Brooke
(CO)
04/18/2022

Have you tried Manuka honey? My lips get so dry, they crack and bleed and swell and nothing topically helped until I tried the honey. It is a miracle and helped the dryness go away in two days they looked almost normal again. It's 100% stronger than regular raw honey, made from bees in New Zealand from the tea tree. Look online and see all the benefits. Find some at your local health food store.

Replied by Brandy
(Alberta)
07/18/2018

I did the same thing too. And ended up with fluid around my heart, not being able to breathe and had to have two blood transfusions. A healthy mix of both natural and science is behind more of an intelligent choice.

Replied by Angela
(Englewood, Kansas)
07/31/2022

Post says they had blood transfusions and fluid around heart. What were the blood transfusions used in response too? How did they see fluid around the heart?


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