Black Cohosh
★★★★★
Borage Oil
★★★★★
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
(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.
(Utah)
02/07/2015
Ally, how is that regimen helping?
(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
(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
★★★★★
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.
(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).
(Utica NY)
08/09/2023
★★★★★
Castor Oil
Castor Oil
★★★★★
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.
(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.
(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
★★★★★
(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
★★★★★
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
★★★★★
(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.
(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.
(Rio Vista, CA)
12/14/2021
Please advise as to how to use Evening Primrose Oil & Borage oil. Thanks
(Ottawa Canada)
04/28/2022
★★★★★
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
★★★★★
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!!
(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.
(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??
(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
★★★★★
Dietary Changes
★★★★☆
Dietary Changes
★★★★★
My Sjorgens Syndrome was cured from some combination of these.
(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.
(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.
(Navi, Mumbai)
08/31/2015
(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?
(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.
Evening Primrose Oil
★★★★★
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
| 5 star (2) | 50% | |
| 4 star (1) | 25% | |
 (1) |
25% |
★★★★★
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!
(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.)
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
(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!
(Orange County, ca)
12/20/2022
Fish Oil
★★★★★
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!
(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.
(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.
(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
(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 .
(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.
(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.
(Maryland)
05/24/2016
(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.
(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.
(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.
(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.
(Englewood, Kansas)
07/31/2022
(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
(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.
(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.
(Englewood, Kansas)
07/31/2022
