By Andrew Gaeddert
In this issue of Professional Health Concerns we continue our discussion on anti- fungal therapy with the following case histories.
Louise, a 33 year-old executive, complained of depression, asthma, frequent vaginal yeast infections, urinary tract infections, sinus infections, hay fever, insomnia, and constipation. Her medical history revealed that she had been on birth control pills for several years (although not currently), that she took steroids to control asthma, and had undergone 2 to 3 courses of antibiotics each year for the past 5 years. She drank alcohol, smoked cigarettes and marijuana, and was a heavy coffee drinker (5 or more cups daily). Her pulse was thin, sinking, and slightly irregular, and her tongue was pale and moist.
When we first saw her, she was trying to stop smoking and was undergoing counseling for depression. We recommended to Louise, that in addition to abstaining from alcohol, she reduce her sugar and fat intake and participate in an exercise and stress reduction program. We also started her on Aloe 22 (2 tablets TID) along with Aspiration (3 tablets TID).
Two weeks later she returned with a healthy glow. Although she was unable to reduce her sugar intake, she did cut her alcohol consumption dramatically down to only 2 glasses of wine during the entire 2 weeks; after each drink, she had suffered a headache-a sign, she said, for her to quit alcohol. She had also decreased her smoking to one cigarette a day. Another positive sign was that her bowels were now regular. Louise remained on this protocol for 3 months, reducing the dosage of Aloe 22 to as needed, and using Astra C before and after air travel, which often triggered her symptoms, and whenever others around her were ill. We also recommended one bottle of Phellostatin (1 tablet TID) to counter the effects of yeast die-off.
DISCUSSION
Aloe 22 was chosen as the primary anti-fungal remedy in this case because of its effectiveness in treating the fungus as well as constipation. The second formula that was administered was Aspiration, to address depression. While it is effective, practitioners should inform patients that it takes some time for this formula to exert its effects. Because Louise’s pulse and tongue signs indicated deficiency, we did not use too many Heat-clearing herbs. Therefore, despite the fact that she had latent Heat (alcohol, coffee, smoking, stress, which can all cause Qi stagnation that can transform into Heat), we felt that through diet modification such as by eliminating alcohol and dairy products, much of Louise’s problems would be resolved. Finally, the intention of Phellostatin was to rid the body of residual fungus.
Loretta, a 29 year-old accountant, complained of ear blockage caused by a fungus. Myringotomy (surgical incision made in the eardrum) and anti-fungal medications were ineffective. She felt “stuffy headed” and had headaches. Her history included vaginal yeast infections, frequent colds, flu, hay fever, and constipation, and although her periods were normal, she had been on birth control pills since age 14. Her physician had recommended more surgery to drain her ears. At this time she decided to seek alternative treatment.
When she came to our clinic her pulse was slippery and her tongue had a yellow coating. We advised her to reduce her alcohol intake of several drinks per week, and to eliminate all dairy products. In terms of herbal treatment we recommended Nasal Tabs which contains ingredients that clear the sinuses as well as those that invigorate the Blood, and Coptis Purge Fire to clear Heat (dosage for each formula was 2 tablets QID). We encouraged her to commit to several months of this herbal therapy, since pharmaceutical anti-fungal medications were not effective in relieving her symptoms. After 2 weeks, her tongue coating had returned to normal; thus, Clear Phlegm was substituted for the Coptis Purge Fire. Four weeks later, Lorretta reported that her head felt clearer. By then, hay fever season had arrived, so Astra C was added to the protocol in order to strengthen the Protective energy. In all, she was taking Nasal Tabs, Clear Phlegm, and Astra C (2 tablets of each formula QID).
After one week, she reported that she had had to use antihistamines only once, in contrast to hay fever season the previous year when she was on the medications around the clock. Lorretta maintained this protocol for another month, and though her other symptoms were improving, she still complained of ear blockage and headaches. At this point, we recommended that she take up the anti-yeast diet more fully. Aloe 22 was also added for its anti-fungus and anti- parasite effects. The formula also contains Qi- regulating herbs and Aloe (Lu Hui) which is traditionally used to open the ear orifice and clear constipation. Thus, Lorretta’s herbal protocol at this time consisted of Nasal Tabs (2 tablets QID), Clear Phlegm (dosage reduced to 1 tablet QID), and Aloe 22 (2 tablets QID). A few days later, she complained of borborygmus and indigestion, which could have been due to a diet relapse, or to the Aloe 22 dosage being too strong. So, the dosage of the latter was reduced, and one month later, Lorretta reported that her ears felt much clearer and that she rarely had headaches; in addition, her bowels had returned to normal.
Joyce, a 40 year-old administrator, had been on 6 courses of antibiotics in the previous year: 3 for urinary tract infection, 2 for bronchitis, and 1 for an ear infection. For the past 10 years she underwent an average of 3 courses of antibiotics each year. In addition, she complained of stress, depression, alternating constipation and loose stools, bloating, sweet cravings, and PMS which included fatigue and headaches just before her period. Joyce also experienced frequent muscle aches especially shoulder and neck tension, for which she had visited a massage therapist who referred her to our clinic. She was mostly a vegetarian with her main protein source being dairy products. She had either wine or cocktails several times a week, and occasionally smoked cigarettes and marijuana. Her pulse was thin, sinking, and slightly fast, and tongue purple, with a thin mustard- colored coating.
In planning Joyce’s therapeutic protocol, I first recommended that she break the antibiotic cycle; in doing so, she would have to maintain a diet high in protein, eliminate dairy products, decrease her consumption of sugar and alcohol, and increase her intake of water. Since she was a vegetarian, I advised that she try her best to consume more fish and meat and to use a hypoallergenic protein supplement each morning instead of her usual milk and cereal. Secondly, because she exercised very little, I suggested that she enroll in an exercise class, or enlist the support of friends or family and start an exercise program, since it is easier to keep up with an exercise program when doing it with others.
With regard to Joyce’s herbal protocol, I felt that because of her frequent use of antibiotics, in addition to her other dietary and lifestyle habits, she most likely had a latent yeast infection. For this reason, I recommended Phellostatin (1 tablet TID for the first week, 2 tablets TID thereafter), Biocidin, an anti-fungal herbal concentrate (referred to by diagnostic labs as “Gentiana Formula”), starting at 1 drop before meals, up to 8 drops per day over a 4-week period. As she had signs of Liver Qi stagnation, I also recommended Woman’s Balance (2 tablets TID), taken on alternate days the first 2 weeks, and daily thereafter. She developed a skin rash a few days after starting the herbs, so I advised her to reduce the dosages of all the formulas by one third.
After one month, Joyce’s digestive system was considerably better; she had less bloating, and her stools were more formed. Her pulse was the same, but her tongue coating had less of a bright yellow tinge. She said that at one point she was coming down with a urinary tract infection, however after drinking cranberry juice the symptoms disappeared. A few weeks later she experienced a vaginal yeast infection, a condition that can occur while taking anti- fungal formulas such as Phellostatin and Biocidin (see Discussion below), however, after using an over the counter remedy, the infection went away.
After 2 months she reported that her PMS was less severe, and that she had less intense cravings for sweets. Joyce was now concerned about her depression, and was determined not to resort to pharmaceutical medications, having been on antidepressants several years previously. Her protocol was adjusted so that she was maintained on Phellostatin (2 tablets TID), Woman’s Balance, and Aspiration (both formulas at 2 tablets TID).
A few weeks later she had a stressful incident with her teenage daughter who had moved out of the house, and came down with the flu accompanied by coughing. She discontinued all herbs, and went on Isatis Gold and Clear Air (2 tablets of each formula, 4-6 times per day). But when the symptoms did not improve, she asked her physician for a prescription for antibiotics.
Following the course of antibiotics, she resumed the original regimen of Phellostatin and Aspiration. We added Power Mushrooms (2 tablets TID) and PB 8 acidophilus/bifidis (2 tablets BID). Power Mushrooms was recommended as she was suffering from fatigue and her tongue had a thick white coating indicating Coldness. PB 8 acidophilus/bifidis was used to restore healthy intestinal flora. After finishing the bottle of Power Mushrooms, Joyce resumed using Woman’s Balance (2 tablets TID).
Five months after starting on herbal treatment, Joyce experienced a reduction in some of her symptoms and elimination of others. Since then she has rarely had a recurrence of gastrointestinal symptoms, PMS, or depression. Her energy is much improved.
DISCUSSION
While undergoing anti- fungal therapy, it is not uncommon for patients to experience die-off reaction, usually in the form of gastrointestinal symptoms, skin rashes, or even occurrence or recurrence of fungal infections, as was the case with Joyce when she came down with a vaginal yeast infection after starting on Phellostatin and Biocidin. It should also be noted that many individuals with fungal infections have previously been on numerous courses of antibiotics, therefore it may be unrealistic to stop antibiotic usage immediately. As this case developed, we were able to have Joyce slowly reduce her antibiotic usage; this alone will go a long way toward improving her overall health. Finally, because I believed Joyce had a lot of unexpressed anger, I recommended Woman’s Balance on alternate days for the first 2 weeks (see “Bupleurum: Plunderer or Preserver,” in Professional Health Concerns Newsletter, Vol. 2, No. 1).
Andrew Gaeddert is author of Chinese Herbs in the Western Clinic.