i'm curious. i've been reading about grapefruit seed and olive leaf.
i have been taking 2 drops of grapefruit seed extract in water. the other day i took 3 drops in water.
i read where a herx from a tincture or extract can cause the organs to herx pretty hard and the skin too.
so if i'm having liver/spleen/gastro type problems and burning feet and skin, could these be a herx?
you just never know with this stuff.
Posted by j100100 (Member # 30277) on :
Every time I take Grapeseed extract I get pain in my liver. So I guess in a way I can relate to what your saying.
Posted by randibear (Member # 11290) on :
ah thank you. i'm having liver pain big time...
maybe time to detox or stop the grapefruit seed...
rats...
or should i continue??
Posted by chiquita incognita (Member # 30381) on :
Yes it could be a herx. But it sounds like you took a fairly hefty dose. Grapefruit seed extract is very strong stuff. I would suggest starting with one drop, and see how you respond to it . Listen to your body and its responses. Don't increase it before you are ready. Only increase it, gradually, when you are ready.
You could increase gradually in this way:
Start with 1 drop a day (or every other day, if your body is really sensitive, then work up to 1 drop daily after a week or two)
Alternate with 1 drop a day and 2 drops the next day, repeat sequence. Do this for a week or two, depending on how your body settles in. DOn' t push it.
Then alternate 2/3 drops per day, etc.
I wouldn't think you would need more than 3 drops per day but then again I am a herbalist, not a doctor who can prescribe. Ask your doctor about the dosage.
I don't know what GI stuff you have going on but if you notice any hyper-acidity going on, stop. The bitters stimulate bile from the liver, which (in already hyperacidic individuals) can cause hyper acidity.
We need bile for breaking down fats, cholesterols and for detox, as laxative, and many other functions. It's a good thing to stimulate bile, not a bad thing at all. The only time it's contra-indicated is in hyperacidic conditions.
If you are hyperacidic, and notice that increasing with GSE, then GSE may not be for you. Ask your doctor about increased olive leaf extract or some other substitute.
The same will be true with artemesinin, it's very bitter and will stimulate bile. OBserve cautions above and ask your doctor, s/he has the final word.
The above information has not been evaluated by the FDA and does not diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. THis is for your educational purposes, designed to arm you with questions that you can ask your doctor. Your doctor guides your wellness regimen, not anyone else and certainly not me. If you have any medical concerns or side effects, talk to your doctor.
Posted by steve1906 (Member # 16206) on :
Olive Leaf Extract Side Effects and Precautions
Sometimes good things do come with a small price. Although the benefits of olive leaf extract are substantial, in some chronic cases, there may be a quick and somewhat adverse reaction often called a detox reaction. This is due to the liver, kidneys, intestines, and skin may become overburdened as the body begins to deal with dead microbes.
If you experience common reactions such as fatigue, diarrhea, headaches, muscle and joint aches, pimples, rashes, and flu-like symptoms the benefits of olive leaf extract is actually working and these reactions are a good sign.
To help reduce reaction symptoms you may want to try drinking at least four cups of water between doses. If the side effects of olive leaf extract persist, reduce dosage or stop taking it all together for a short period of time allowing the body to eliminate the toxins and dead microbes.
It is important that you consult a qualified health care provider before taking any dietary and/or herbal supplements, especially if you have a health condition and/or are on medications.
As with all herbal supplements, refrain from use if you are pregnant or nursing.
Side Effects of Grapefruit Seed Extract
Grapefruit can inhibit a digestive enzyme in your intestine, increasing the absorption rate of other drugs you are taking, as well as their effects. Therefore, eating grapefruit while on certain kinds of blood pressure medication or Coumadin (warfarin) is not beieved to be a good idea, and the same is true of GSE. Ultimately, there are significant safety concerns about the type and amount of synthetic preservatives found in commercially prepared GSE.
Steve 1906 you are great. Thank you for such a well thought-out and concerned post about GSE and olive leaf
Just two very minor corrections:
Grapefruit *increases, does not inhibit* an enzyme system called P450 in the liver. This family of enzymes detoxifies a long list of medications and yes, one should be sure to ask one's doctor about it. I am not clear whether or not the seed has the same action fyi and have to find out more about this. Until I know for sure, for accuracy's sake I will refrain from commenting about GSE and P450, but my suspicion is that you are right. It probably does stimulate P450.
Herb-drug interaction studies here: www.herbmed.org but the best source is the book by Jonathan Treasure/McKee/Stargrove called Nutrient, Herb and Drug Interactions. I showed this to an MD and she was very impressed.
As for pregnant women being off "all" herbs, no. There are some herbs that are specifically indicated in pregnancy, and for differing sets of circumstances. AND there also are herbs that are very specifically *contra-indicated* in pregnancy and can cause uterine contractions, stimulating premature labor. Careful there.
That said, it is advisable and even important to check with a qualified healthcare practitioner or MD who is knowledgeable about herbs, especially if you are pregnant.
Sources for further reading about herbs and pregnancy:
Linda Rector Page, ND her book "Healthy Healing" is a reference book in most healthfood stores and has a pregnancy section. Herbs, nutrients et al.
Aviva Romm, MD has written a book about herbs in pregnancy and is a topnotch herbalist, as well as MD gradaute of one of the ivy league schools (memory blank which one right now, but the point is she is more than just good). I don't know the name of the book but if you google her name, it will come up.
Well said, my friend! Thank you.
Posted by steve1906 (Member # 16206) on :
chiquita, thank you for the kind words! Let us know if you find the ans. to (GSE & P450).