Every time I take this particular herb, I feel way worse and my CD57 goes down 20 points.
Is it "activating" the spirochetes and not killing them?
So should I discontinue this herb? I can't imagine anything making Lyme stronger!
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- What is the herb?
Is it in combination with others (as most herbs work best as a team player)?
If we know the herb, it may help but I'm not sure anyone can really answer all your questions, though, as there are so many variables and your entire protocol would have to considered. If this is taken away, then something else would need to replace it for whatever purpose this is supposed to serve, etc.
Do you have a LL naturopathic doctor?
About the CD57 drop 20 points. Is this herb the ONLY variable?
About feeling worse on it, maybe it's not right for your body, maybe you need more liver / kidney or adrenal support. Some herbs can cause a herxheimer reaction - that's why the balance and combination approach helps. -
Posted by LymeNut (Member # 40314) on :
It's the MC-BB-1 from Beyond Balance: the Susan McCamish (spelling?).
I've taken it twice with the same results and the same goes for my 4 year old son: his CD57 decreased from 60s to the 20s and his belligerent behaviors portrayed these results.
It was the only thing we both took--no other stuff. 1-2 weeks after stopping this herb, CD57 went back up and we felt better.
Should we stick with this herb? And accept that in a Herx reaction, CD57 will decrease?
I REALLY like taking herbs b/c there are only little side effects for us. Rx antibiotics, we both can't tolerate for more than 5 days due to GI issues.
What should we do?
Posted by Razzle (Member # 30398) on :
Supposed to stimulate lymphocyte production (CD-57 is a type of lymphocyte), but you may be having a paradoxical reaction.
Strongly suggest trying something else instead...
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- There are many avenues explored here.
When considering herbal / nutritional / adjunct methods:
if at all possible - because each person & each case is different - it's best to consult with an ILADS-educated LL ND (lyme literate naturopathic doctor) (or similar) who has completed four years of post-graduate medical education in the field of herbal and nutritional medicine -
- and someone who is current with ILADS' research & presentations, past and present, and has completed the ILADS Physician Training Program (see: www.ilads.org )
Many LL NDs incorporate antibiotics (depending upon the licensing laws in their state). Some LLMDs and LL NDs have good working relationships.
When possible, it's great to have both a LLMD and LL ND and even better when they have a long-standing professional relationship.
Integrative / Holistic M.D., etc. (Be aware that those in this category can have various levels of formal herbal &/or nutritional education, perhaps even just a short course. Do ask first.)
Links to many articles and books by holistic-minded LL doctors of various degrees who all have this basic approach in common:
Understanding of the importance of addressing the infection(s) fully head-on with specific measures from all corners of medicine;
knowing which supplements have direct impact, which are only support and which are both.
You can compare and contrast many approaches.
BASIC HERBAL EDUCATIONAL & SAFETY links,
BODY WORK links with safety tailored to lyme patients,
& WHY you need an ILADS-educated, Lyme Literate Doctor (whether LLMD or LL ND, or both) -
Posted by LymeNut (Member # 40314) on :
So, Razzle, in a Herx reaction, CD57 is NOT supposed to decrease?
Posted by jwall (Member # 22999) on :
A herx reaction would cause it to decrease from what I have read.
Posted by LymeNut (Member # 40314) on :
Keebler, I'm seeing an LLMD who unfortunately isn't totally up to speed with the latest Lyme-related findings which is why I love to ask all of you guys.
Posted by Razzle (Member # 30398) on :
quote:Originally posted by LymeNut: So, Razzle, in a Herx reaction, CD57 is NOT supposed to decrease?
I don't know. Maybe a decrease in CD-57 is normal for herxing, I have not looked into it.