By Andrew Gaeddert
In this issue of Professional Health Concerns, we complete our discussion of the treatment of fungal infections by presenting the following case histories.
Emelio, a 45 year-old cook, had numerous health complaints including sinusitis, frequent ear infections, chronic sore throat, frequent and burning urination, fatigue, low back pain, poor sleep, joint pain, tinnitus, hypertension, poor digestion, constipation, and persistent cold hands and feet. He had a history of hepatitis and had been recently diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome by a holistic doctor who placed Emelio on anti- fungal drugs, including Nystatin and Diflucan. He had also prescribed acupuncture, vitamins, and homeopathics. Even though all these had helped, Emelio reported he was so tired he could “barely make it through the day,” and that he still had the above mentioned complaints. His pulse was racing, and his tongue purplish with a thick coating on the sides. He had signs of Heat in the Upper Burner and Kidney Yang deficiency, therefore the treatment principle was to tonify the Yang and dispel Damp-Heat. We recommended that he abstain from alcohol, and reduce his intake of sugar, including fruit sugar, and increase his consumption of protein. Since he admitted to ejaculating several times a day, he was urged to limit this because frequent ejaculation is said to deplete the Kidney Essence, resulting in fatigue, low back pain, weak knees, and frequent urination. He was advised to take Coptis Purge Fire (3 tablets QID) and Astra Isatis (3 tablets QID). During his next visit two weeks later, he reported slightly more energy and less burning with urination. As his pulse was not as excessive, and his face less red, the dosage of Coptis Purge Fire was reduced (2 tablets QID), and Shen Gem (2 tablets QID) was added, while the dosage of Astra Isatis remained the same.
After one month on the second protocol, Emelio reported feeling more energy and no longer experienced burning upon urination. His pulse was hollow and slightly irregular; his tongue, however, was normal. At this point, Coptis Purge Fire was discontinued, but because fatigue was still a problem, Power Mushrooms was recommended. The new regimen thus consisted of Power Mushrooms (2 tablets QID), Astra Isatis (2 tablets QID), and Shen Gem (2 tablets QID). After starting this protocol, Emelio noticed some digestive discomfort, and was therefore instructed to reduce the dosage of Power Mushrooms. However, he replied that he had experienced an increase in energy after starting on the Power Mushrooms, and thus elected to stay on the original dosage. Although his treatment regimen varied over the next nine months, most of Emelio’s symptoms disappeared through continued herbal therapy.
Marilyn, a 48 year-old stockbroker complained of rheumatoid arthritis, which affected her hands, wrists, and forearms. She was currently taking ibuprofen daily and glucosamine sulfate (an over-the-counter remedy for joint inflammation). And when the pain was severe she received cortisone injections. She also had endometriosis, insomnia, and a history of depression. Traditional Chinese diagnosis found that her pulse was thin, weak, and slow, and her tongue pale.
She was a vegetarian, so I counseled her to increase her consumption of fish, particularly salmon and mackerel which contain the anti- inflammatory Omega 3 oils. I also recommended that she go on a dairy-free diet, and to limit her intake of caffeinated beverages, including diet sodas which she was particularly fond of.
I started her on an herbal tea based on the formula Mobility 3. She was also advised to take Sea-Q (2 tablets BID). Three weeks later she reported that her pain was significantly reduced, and that she was sleeping much better. Her pulse was less slow, but still weak, therefore the formula was modified to allow for more Yin-nourishing herbs. Two weeks thereafter, she indicated that the pain had recurred, although her sleep continued to improve. At this time, I inquired about what dietary and lifestyle changes she had made. Marilyn then admitted that she had begun to eat cheese again in significant quantities—several servings a day. When I mentioned this to her, she became somewhat defensive. I pointed out that the choice was hers, but that I believed that there was a clear correlation between her consumption of cheese and the recurrence of pain.
The following month, she was pain-free, except for one week. During one of her visits, she mentioned that she had spent many years in the Third World working as a volunteer. I immediately suggested that she undergo tests for parasites and fungi. I also recommended that she stay with the dairy-free diet in case fungi were actually detected through the testing. As her pulse was stronger and the pace had increased, and her tongue was pale and moister, I suggested that she take Mobility 2 and Marrow Plus (both formulas at 3 tablets QID). Four weeks later the lab tests in fact revealed the presence of a fungal infection. With this result, I started Marilyn on Biocidin formula, and had her continue on the Mobility 2 and Marrow Plus (3 tablets of each, QID), as well as on Sea-Q (2 tablets BID). After two months on this protocol, Marilyn’s symptoms improved 90%.
William, a 30 year-old sales representative complained of fatigue, athlete’s foot, and chronic intestinal gas. He was away from home two to three weeks every month, and undoubtedly his constant restaurant eating was a major contributing factor to his digestive disorders. In addition, after his daily meetings and sales calls, he usually had several alcoholic beverages; and when he was home, he typically smoked marijuana to relax. Traditional Chinese diagnosis revealed that his pulse was slow, sinking and slightly wiry, and his tongue red with a thick, greasy yellow coating. I recommended Phellostatin (2 tablets TID) to tonify the Spleen, clear Heat, and rid the body of fungus. He was also given Quiet Digestion (2 tablets TID) since it possesses herbs that address flatulence, resolve Dampness, and relieve food stagnation which causes intestinal gas. I also suggested 2 capsules of PB 8 acidophilus to be taken at bedtime.
In terms of dietary and lifestyle habits, he was advised to reduce or eliminate alcohol which promotes growth of yeast, and to reduce or stop his marijuana use, which through its laxative effects will over time weaken the Spleen and lead to accumulation of Dampness. Furthermore, fungal mold is known to contaminate marijuana. I also recommended low sugar and non-fermented foods, and gave him a supplemental list of foods that can cause gas such as beans, peas, wheat, oats, bran, brussels sprouts, cabbage, corn, rutabaga, and dairy products.
At his next visit one month later, William reported that the symptoms of gas were reduced by about 50% and that his energy level had increased slightly. But he also expressed disappointment that his condition was not cured. His pulse was weak and wiry, and although his tongue no longer had a thick coating, it was now pale in the center and red on the edges. I asked him if he had made any of the recommended dietary and lifestyle changes, to which he replied that because he traveled so often, it was difficult–if not impossible–to change his habits while on the road. I pointed out that if he wanted to “cure” his intestinal gas he would have to make the dietary changes, and suggested that he locate health food stores and perhaps restaurants that serve healthy cuisines in the cities he was visiting instead of going to restaurants. I also indicated that he should get more exercise. With regard to his herbal therapy, I recommended that he finish the bottle of Phellostatin that he had (2 tablets TID), remain on Quiet Digestion (2 tablets as needed) and PB 8 (2 capsules at bedtime), and to add Ecliptex (2 tablets TID) to soothe the Liver.
By his next visit a month later he had reduced his alcohol intake to one drink per night. He indicated that the problem with gas remained about the same, but Quiet Digestion proved symptomatically effective. He also reported that he had developed insomnia and acid reflux, which he first tried to blame on his reduction in alcohol, but later admitted he was having marital problems largely as a result of being away from home so often. William’s pulse remained wiry and his tongue unchanged. At this point, I added Ease Plus (2 tablets QID) to his treatment plan, in order to calm his nerves, spread Liver Qi, and reduce stomach acidity. Quiet Digestion and PB 8 were continued at the same dosages.
The herbs appeared to be helpful, but did not resolve William’s condition. This was because of his excessive traveling in addition to marital problems both of which created stress such that he relied on alcohol for relief.
Andrew Gaeddert is author of the forthcoming book, Healing Digestive Disorders.