I'm still a newbie, so I need some advice regarding Herbal treatments. I am all about adding herbal/natural supplements to my IV doxy, that I will be starting next week.
Since I've gone 19 years untreated, I am expecting a hell of a herxing. I am trying to help my body prepare to get rid of the toxins. I've always been a huge fan of raw apple cider vinegar.
I took it regularly for 2 years. Then I stopped based on my hemotolgists' recommendation. She said it's too hard on my chronically inflammed stomach.
It just dawned on me, that I have felt so sick since I stopped taking the raw apple cider vinegar. So I started it again today. I am hoping it will help with the herx reaction. Had anyone heard of this concept? If so, does it work?
Also, if there are known herbals that really work, please let me know. I am going to try the foot pads to pull out the toxins. It seems to make sense. I'll give things a shot, if I see it's working for others. I'd appreciate feedback.
Thanks
Trina
-------------------- Nineteen years without treatment. Cranky and miserable, but ready to start IV antibiotic therapy. Please pray for me, as I am very sick. Posts: 15 | From Boothwyn, Delaware Co. PA | Registered: Mar 2006
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clairenotes
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 10392
posted
Hello --
I used to take apple cidar vinegar for a little while, but it was a little hard on my stomach. But I have read that it has some anti-microbial effects, which is why you may feel better on it. Maybe it is addressing some aspects of the illness, somehow but difficult to know which ones.
I think if it were me, I might want to get a baseline first of how you feel on the new IV abx for awhile. Then slowly introduce the apple cidar vinegar and observe the effect.
If you start it at the same time, you may not know what is doing what. No way to compare and contrast. I try to do that with all of the remedies I have taken, introducing one at a time slowly so that I can see the effect and determine if it is helpful or not.
I like the footpad idea. I have done the foot detox bath which is similar with good results.
Anyway... hope all goes well.
Claire
Posts: 1111 | From Colorado | Registered: Oct 2006
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My recommendation is to check with your LLMD (Lyme Literate Med Dr) before taking anything that could possibly have an effect on your treatment.
Some supplements & herbals are helpful, but some combinations may not be recommended.
I think it's best to be sure that your LLMD approves. He/she may have some helpful suggestions for dealing with a herx.
To get the best results, you & your doctor will be working together as a team - a therapeutic alliance.
Posts: 4638 | From South Carolina | Registered: Mar 2001
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clairenotes
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 10392
posted
The vinegar I used for medicinal purposes was the same amount one would use in a salad. Small amounts are normally recommended.
When we are talking about food, do we still need to run it by an LLMD? Should I not order a salad in a restaurant while on abx?
Otherwise, I do agree with you cbb, that staying in communication with an LLMD on most issues is important.
Claire
Posts: 1111 | From Colorado | Registered: Oct 2006
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posted
Claire, You can order as many salads as you want. You can choose how much info you share with your doctor.
I'm sorry you misunderstood my response. I was speaking in generalities. I did not address the "vinegar question" specifically.
On LymeNet, people generously share info they have learned through studying Tick-Borne Diseases and through their experiences in dealing with TBDs, especially Lyme.
This is an excellent source of info which has been a tremendous help for my grandson & me. I only regret that I did not find it before my father died of complications of Lyme disease 10 yrs ago.
For a long time, I've been concerned that some newbies who come to LymeNet may decide to use some of the shared info without their dr's being told. In some instances, this will not matter at all, but in others, it could have an adverse effect.
I'm sorry you were bothered by my comments. This is just one person's opinion.
Posts: 4638 | From South Carolina | Registered: Mar 2001
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posted
The reason you probably felt better with the vinegar is because it cuts down the acid in your system and improves your PH . Your system becomes alkaline with vinegar , and less acidic. Lyme Bb thrives in an acidic habitat. Making your system more alkaline really helps you in health in multiple ways.
If you can't tolerate the vinegar , try drinking water with lemon juice added .
It probably would not hurt to have a little vinegar taken with meals daily ( not on an empty stomach).
Alka seltzer is great for a bad herx , as it makes the system more alkaine. If I am miserable and I take it , I feel better within a few hours ( noticeably ).
Another product that some people like for its alkaline properties is Alkabase .
posted
The reason you probably felt better with the vinegar is because it cuts down the acid in your system and improves your PH . Your system becomes alkaline with vinegar , and less acidic. Lyme Bb thrives in an acidic habitat. Making your system more alkaline really helps you in health in multiple ways.
If you can't tolerate the vinegar , try drinking water with lemon juice added .
It probably would not hurt to have a little vinegar taken with meals daily ( not on an empty stomach).
Alka seltzer is great for a bad herx , as it makes the system more alkaine. If I am miserable and I take it , I feel better within a few hours ( noticeably ).
Another product that some people like for its alkaline properties is Alkabase .
Thanks for explaining how vinegar alkalizes the body. I knew it did something good....I just couldn't remember.
I am going to stop take it for now. I was to start my IV Doxy on 12/26, but I had to postpone it. My Mom lives with me and she's been in the hospital. I just have to be sure she's able to care for herself before I have the PICC put in and start the abx.
Now knowing how I'm going to feel, makes me uncomfortable with the thought that I might not be in the position to care for my Mother. She's 87 yrs. old and blind. Up until last week she was very healthy. Now she has A-Fib, so I have to back-burner my treatment for a week or two.
Once I start the IV, then I will slowly add the vinegar back in. I pray I don't herx. I remain hopeful. Merry Christmas to Everyone and a Healthy and Happy New Year.
Trina
-------------------- Nineteen years without treatment. Cranky and miserable, but ready to start IV antibiotic therapy. Please pray for me, as I am very sick. Posts: 15 | From Boothwyn, Delaware Co. PA | Registered: Mar 2006
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Foggy
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 1584
posted
Ask your dentist, too. Apple vinegar can Destroy tooth enamel.
Posts: 2451 | From Lyme Central | Registered: Aug 2001
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posted
Regarding preparing for herxes from hell, I am in the middle of my own and I'll share my experience-
I am 10 years undx and full o bugs from multible bites. I just had another one this week, the whole state heard me screaming.
But from research on this site, I read a monograph on how to prevent the toxins from recirculating in your body. I am fully lymebrained so I cannot cite the refs, sorry. There was a lot of info, but I learned apple pectin carries toxins out in fecal matl. So I tried to time a little apple fast and colon cleanser routine for when i saw a herx coming. So simple, eat an apple or two, eat lightly and cleanly and take a colon cleanse. I use a vit c based capsul.
So far this method has served me well twice. I am just finishing the second ordeal and again, the herx from hell was over in two days. One problem I continue to face is what I call velcro throat.
Nothing will go down. Yesterday I thought I would explode like a roman candle and I was desperate to get the stuff down. Since I am treating myself fwith essential oils I was so desperate I decided to dump my bottle of peppermint essential oil on my head to try to loosen the stomach.
I am having trouble typing and entering so the short version of this story is tummy finally loosened took apple, cordyceps, and chewed some sugarless gum. Night of sleepless hell, pooped. toxic nastyness gone and I am ready for the next, i think.
I hope you and your mum haave a wonderful holiday,
-------------------- na Posts: 16 | From Mendocino, | Registered: Sep 2006
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posted
Years ago, before I was diagnosed with Lyme, a friend recommended bathing in apple cider vinger.
I did this weekly for a while and felt better, calmer and yet more energtic.
Has anyone else tried this?
Posts: 628 | From the south | Registered: Dec 2005
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Vermont_Lymie
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9780
posted
Hi Trina,
Hope you feel better soon with the IV doxy. My doxy herx made me feel very spaced out and unable to focus or do work, but that passed after a few days.
Seems important to plan to have back-up for that first week, in case your herx hits you in the same way. That is, plan to be able to take time off work or major responsibilities during the first week or so, if possible. Good luck and keep in touch!
Don't know much about apple cider vinegar for lyme, but I have found it to be a fantastic pre-shampoo remedy for dandruff! really, i have very long hair, and it works great.
Posts: 2557 | From home | Registered: Aug 2006
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posted
serendipity, I haven't tried it but it sounds interesting. How much vinegar did you put in the bath?
Posts: 117 | From . | Registered: Oct 2006
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posted
Hi Summer, This was years ago. I believe half a bottle. This was not organic raw apple cider vinger so it was quite cheap. It would be more expensive using raw apple cider vinger.
Posts: 628 | From the south | Registered: Dec 2005
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posted
Hi Trina, I was online and looking up info about organic apple cider vinegar. I have just recently started using it after reading about it in Kevin Trudeau's book. I have studied into natural and herbal remedies for several years now. But I read your post and wanted to give you some info that may help you and others on this board. I do not have Lyme's disease, but hear it is very difficult to get rid of. So my prayers are with all of you. I wanted to write and give you a website that has what is called 4-Herb tea and also known as Essiac Tea. The place I get it from grows it organically and it is not expensive at all. It naturally cleanses the liver and the blood and is a gentle detoxer. It is not hard to drink at all. Just tastes like a mild tea. It has been known to help with alot of different ailments, helps boost the immune system. You can go to the website and read the testimonials on how it has helped people with alot of different problems. I cant say that it will cure you, but it might. If not it will definately help with pain and keep your immune system up. The site where you can find it is www.herbalhealer.com.Posts: 1 | From NC | Registered: Dec 2006
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Thanks for responding Serendipity. I might give it a try sometime.
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hi cbb. Hope you are doing good and have a good holiday!
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