I just tested positive for Babesia Dunacni and parasites. I am still waiting on the results of my Igenex FISH test. I start Alinia next week then start Liposomal Artemisinin the following week.
I have very few babesia symptoms (random stabbing pains and occasionally motion sickness) but that is about it. I’m hoping I don’t herx too much while on these herbs since my sx are so mild. I’m afraid to stir up the babesia and wonder if I should just let sleeping dogs lie...
I have been reading about Artemisinin and how it can be deactivated by anti-oxidents. Now, thanks to Dr Google I’m thoroughly confused! (i.e. By Dr Google, I mean I am reading too much on the internet…not to be confused with a real doc! ), From what I have read, Artemisinin has a ½ life of 3 hours. To be safe, should I take my vitamin C and multi-vitamin between doses, with a minimum at 4+ hours after I take the ART to ensure I do not deactivate the Artemisinin? Or do I not take any anti-oxidents?
I’m curious what others have done.
Also, what about taking it with Grapefruit juice to make it absorb better?? Is this true?
Thanks for your help!
Posted by joalo (Member # 12752) on :
Buried on page two.
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Disclaimer: I can't answer your question. Still, there are some things that may help as you investigate.
Artemisinin, itself, has some antioxidant properties, itself. As with all herbs, though, often it gets better when the right herb(s) go with it. [And, for protozoa infections such as babesia and malaria, artemisinin is best with some Rx, too. Just never alone.]
Most herbs have antioxidant properties. But these antioxidants don't all necessary decrease the strength of herbs or even Rx, often they enhance them.
But I do understand your wondering about the half-life and how long this will stick around to do its share of the work, so to speak. The book below will answer that, I'm sure. I don't recall all I read in it but it was essential to me.
I can't speak to grapefruit juice that that can be awfully hard on the stomach for someone with lyme for many reasons. It can be caustic if the stomach lining is tender as often is with lyme.
Artemisinin can stress the liver detox pathway, Cytochrome P-450, (I've read). Perhaps, more specifically:
With lyme, the liver is often overwhelmed, anyway. I know that grapefruit juice can affect the liver's C P-450 pathway but I'm not sure how in relation to this concern. If it adds any stress, that would not be good.
Due to the liver stress it can cause, liver support MUST go along with artemisinin. Now, as to where on the clock that happens, I'm not sure as I could never tolerate artemisinin very long and moved along to other things.
If possible, connect with a LL ND who can answer this but also offer various other suggestions.
You ask what can help artemisinin work better? Be sure to read this book / site page for its detail on artemisinin:
[ 10-27-2013, 01:19 PM: Message edited by: Keebler ]
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- 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.
Be aware that integrative doctors can have various levels of formal herbal &/or nutritional education, perhaps even just a short course. Do ask first. Some have learned on their own from experts in the field. There are many ways to acquire knowledge and most are eager to share basic details about their training. You want someone with a deep knowledge.
Some of the specialities above may not actually treat lyme yet, for things such as physical adjustments, it is just good that they are also LL, at least to some degree (to know never to suddenly twist the neck or spine).
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, etc. -
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
), From what I have read, Artemisinin has a ½ life of 3 hours. To be safe, should I take my vitamin C and multi-vitamin between doses, with a minimum at 4+ hours after I take the ART to ensure I do not deactivate the Artemisinin? Or do I not take any anti-oxidents?