I looked in the archives here, and it seems like not many people are reporting herxing on Cat's Claw, the non-TOA-free-version.
I am taking Cat's Claw (Uncaria tormentosa) by Raintree. For the most part, taking 2 capsules twice a day (don't always get it in twice a day).
It is kicking my butt! I have Buhner's book, and I didn't see anywhere where he actually says HOW we should expect to react to Cat's Claw. I didn't see whether he said to expect a herx or not, etc.
He says it is an immune potentiator and immune stimulant.
What I am experiencing: Headaches, especially back of head, but all over too. Achiness, especially in joints like knees.
Also, the most disturbing thing, is that I'm getting some mild tinnitus, similar to what I got while taking prescription Quinine. I think Cat's Claw contains alkaloids, right? So it is aggravating something from my past quinine usage?
And anyone else herx on this stuff?
Posted by viva (Member # 8183) on :
Cat's Claw is a very powerful herb.
I can't remember exactly what my husband's herxes consisted of, but I do remember that he did herx, and that he had to ramp up toward Buhner's recommended dosage very slowly. He used the Raintree brand as well.
So yes, herxing on Cat's Claw does occur. You might want to cut back on dosage and go up slowly.
Viva
Posted by Forgetfulgirl123 (Member # 27939) on :
I definitely herx on ALL forms of Cat's Claw. I've taken powders, pills, and drops, and I've taken TOA free and regular. I herx on all of them.
I also get a terrible headache on it was well, which is odd for me because I never get headaches. They're really intense and feel like a migraine, and with it I had tinnitus a few times and frequent severe sound sensitivity. It seems that I got very neurotoxic on it.
Posted by Hoosiers51 (Member # 15759) on :
Thank you.
Forgetfulgirl,
Yes, I never get headaches now, thanks to proper treatment. In fact, my only symptom left is fatigue/oversleeping, so was thinking most of my Lyme was gone.
However, since starting Cat's Claw, I have these crazy Lyme headaches. And tinnitus. Ugh.
Posted by Forgetfulgirl123 (Member # 27939) on :
I'm sorry Hoosiers, I know it's really unnerving. I hope it improves soon.
I'm not sure why we had similar symptoms on the Cat's Claw. It makes me wonder what it could have been killing, because I suppose if we have similar symptoms it could be a similar infection.
After I was on the Cat's Claw for a while, it intensified and I believe I had some adrenal involvement with adrenal episodes where I'd sort of have something that would resemble a panic attack.
Keep an eye on your symptoms and remember to detox! Hang in there..
Posted by Hoosiers51 (Member # 15759) on :
I just felt like it was worth a shot. I am going off my antibiotics soon, so I figure anything that brings bb (Lyme) out of hiding is good for now.
What's interesting is that Samento makes me feel better. Off the Samento now though.
Very strange. I can't decide if I should continue with the cat's claw or not.
Posted by canefan17 (Member # 22149) on :
onbam,
And this Swiss researchers evidence or proof of that is.....? what?
Posted by kadee (Member # 21199) on :
quote: I'd be careful with cat's claw of any sort, as, while there have been studies like Sapi's indicating it helps, there's also a Swiss researcher named MArtin Sievers who concluded it promoted Bb growth.
One thing is important to know: Sievers never did a comprehensive study on Cats Claw. He just made an observation, which, in my eyes, doesn't count much.
Posted by Hoosiers51 (Member # 15759) on :
I'm pretty sure these headaches have got to be herxes. From my immune system recognizing something, I suppose, since I'm gathering that Cat's Claw isn't really an herbal antibiotic, so-to-speak.
It hurtttttsssss (the massive headaches/migraines).....can anyone give me an approximation of about how long on Cat's Claw this lasted? Or did you guys not stick it out long enough to find out?
Posted by 17hens (Member # 23747) on :
Can you back down on dosage, Hoosiers? Even stop for a day or two and then ramp up slowly?
Posted by aMomWithHope (Member # 19255) on :
I just started my daughter on this--I hope this doesn't make her headaches worse--ugh--never know if I'm doing the right thing...........so frustrating!