As part of my never ending quest for full health/full remission I recently (yesterday)started supplementing with sarsaparilla. I read some interesting Chinese studies re: treating syphilis with sarsaparilla and how 90% of patients with acute syphilis were "cured" and 50% of patients with tertiary syphilis also achieved remission. Considering how syphilis and Lyme disease are both spirochetal infections I decided to dig out some sarsaparilla tea (dry roots - so you need to decoct to get full value). I had about 20 ounces of strong tea last night and had very bizarre symptoms this morning in terms of visual distortion/disturbance.
For about 45 minutes I had strobing and strange twisting lines distorting my vision. I was in the middle of a staff meeting and it was all I could do to not have a little wig out. I figured right away it was the sarsaparilla and was strangely pleased that it appeared to be targeting spirochetes which can hide out in the eyes.
Normally I don't feel the results of a herb for at least 36 hours, but since I biked into work I figured that may have speeded up the process.
My background in a nutshell is this: undiagnosed for over 20 year. Clinically diagnosed in Canada - tested CDC positive for Lyme disease through IGENEX.
I am 80% better through a strictly alternative approach. I have not taken antibiotics. My most important treatments are: energy tested herbal formula (on it for just over two years), vitamin D3, magnesium citrate, grapefruit seed extract, low glycemic diet, juicing every day, no booze, coffee etc, digestive enzymes, coconut oil and exercise four to five times a week (normally biking to work). I have also taken numerous other supplement but I just listed my top treatments.
I just bought Lightworks - but I haven't been able to measure a difference yet - although I have only used it five or six times so far.
sparkle7
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
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posted
Good for you! Thank for sharing.
There seem to be many very good alternatives. Be careful with the infrared light. It can have a very strong effect & it may be cumulative.
I had a very intense herx from Nutramedix Quina a couple of days ago. I think there are many good alternatives to drugs.
Posts: 7772 | From Northeast, again... | Registered: Oct 2006
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Keebler
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Sarsaparilla can be very strong. My guess is that you might have had a bit of stomach upset with that, too.
I have to keep the amount pretty low and in a formula with other ingredients - that really helps me.
when i used it, i had a strong medicinal "tea", and was only taking 100ml 2x a day.
can't possibly compare strengths or type, but 20 oz sounds like too much for sure. on the doses i took, it had considerable effect. it was the "right" time for me to use it, as well, which also matters, as with anything.
best, mo
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disturbedme
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My hubby and I just started taking Smilax (Sarsaparilla) as well and haven't noticed anything with it yet.
-------------------- One can never consent to creep when one feels an impulse to soar. ~ Helen Keller
My Lyme Story Posts: 2965 | From Land of Confusion (bitten in KS, moved to PA, now living in MD) | Registered: Jun 2007
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heiwalove
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the first time i took sarsaparilla (in capsule form) i had a huge herx from just one pill. it caught me off guard, as i wasn't expecting that sort of reaction.
quote:Originally posted by gwenb: For about 45 minutes I had strobing and strange twisting lines distorting my vision. I was in the middle of a staff meeting and it was all I could do to not have a little wig out. I figured right away it was the sarsaparilla and was strangely pleased that it appeared to be targeting spirochetes which can hide out in the eyes.
I'm no doctor but this sounds like a visual migraine aura. It's possible to have an aura without a headache - google 'silent migraine' or 'migraine aura without headache' for more information. Sarsaparilla is said to cross the blood brain barrier so that might be another explanation for this kind of herx.
Posts: 621 | From US | Registered: Jun 2006
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It seems as if it was a visual migraine aura - I have never had one before so it was freaking me out a little, although it only lasted for 45 minutes or so.
I think the sarsaparilla is a keeper. I had about 6 ounces last night and I will have another 4 ounces tonight. This could be psychosomatic but I would say I am about 35% mentally sharper and have more energy - really measurable. I feel quite excited.
Glad you are improving healthwise. Curious as to whether you had coinfections or only Lyme?
Can you share some details on your tea formula. How many ounces of Sarsaparilla or 1/4 cup or whatever measure to how many ounces of water?
Hubby has taken the Sarsaparilla capsules in the past and is currently back on them at 2 (500 mg) capsules 3 times per day. Have never noticed any reaction positive or negative at this dose. Think he might have taken 3 or 4 capsules 3 times a day for at least a couple of months in the past.
Bea Seibert
Posts: 7306 | From Martinsville,VA,USA | Registered: Oct 2004
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I used approximately 3 large tablespoons of sarsaparilla root, from a reputable herbalist, and approximately 2 cups of filtered water. I put in a pot brought to a boil and then simmered for 20 minutes. This amount has lasted me three days.
posted
I also had a weak positive for bartonella. I peronally think I may have had babesia because I used to have brutal night sweats which stopped after I took a lot of artemsia - probably too much because I didn't know what I was doing at the time. My bartonella appears to have cleared up to a fair degree - I judge my progress by the soles of my feet which aren't sore anymore.
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