Speaker: Kenneth Proefrock. The beginning of autoimmune disease from some traumatic accident or illness is described, and how the body builds an immune response to its own tissues. Therapies for lupus, scleroderma and rheumatoid arthritis include general lifestyle recommendations and a materia medica. Botanicals discussed: pokeroot, Stillingia, Iris versicolor, wild indigo, cleavers, licorice, autumn saffron and turmeric. Other therapeutic agents include n-acetylcysteine, potaba, proteolytic enzymes and omega 3 fatty acids. Finally, the benefits of hydrotherapy in autoimmune disease are discussed.