By Andrew Gaeddert
In this issue, we continue our discussion of herbal treatment of parasites by presenting the following cases.
Doug, 50, suffered intense lower right quadrant pain and high fever once or twice a year, lasting four to seven days. These attacks began following a trip to China several years ago. Conventional medical tests were negative for ulcers, parasites, and appendicitis. A chiropractor told him that he had a fungal infection of the ileocecal valve. Doug had a history of hepatitis, although his liver enzymes were not elevated. He had tried various herbal combinations for the pain, but the condition persisted. Traditional Chinese diagnosis found that his pulse was w ir y and tong ue flabby (revealing Dampness) and red around the edges, with a greasy tongue coating.
I suggested a general cleansing protocol that addressed both parasites and the fungal infection, surmising that he had contracted a parasitic infection in China that was undiagnosable by biomedical tests. As the primary remedy, I recommended Aloe 22 (2 capsules TID), since his stools were normal, to be taken for three months. He was also given Artestatin (1 capsule TID) for two months, followed by Phellostatin (2 capsules TID) for one month. After two weeks, he reported some cramping, which he believed was due to the herbal formulas. I suggested that he reduce the dosage of Ar testat in to 2 capsules a day, and if he st ill experienced cramping to reduce the dosage further (Artestatin is especially effective in killing amoebic cysts, however cramping is a sign that the dosage should be reduced). I indicated that he could also reduce the dosage of Aloe 22. Since I believed that he might have been having a die-off reaction, I started him on the preparation Ecliptex (2 capsules TID), which is useful for detoxifying the liver.
Two weeks later he developed a cold of the Wind-Cold variety, so I recommended Isatis Gold (3 capsules, 4 to 6 times per day), and told him to temporarily discontinue the antiparasitic herbs. Because he was having loose stools, fatigue, and abdominal pain following the initial cold symptoms, I put him on Quiet Digestion and Ease 2 (2 capsules TID of each formula); the latter is a traditional remedy used to address lingering cold symptoms. He reported feeling better a few days later. He felt less achy, but still experienced some loose stools, so he continued on the formulas for a few more days. When he felt better, I advised him to resume the Aloe 22 (1 capsule TID) and Quiet Digestion (2 capsules TID) for a week before going back to the Artestatin. He continued to take the three remedies for a few more weeks. As he was about to go on a business trip and had no digestive symptoms, I recommended he continue to take the Aloe 22 (1 capsule TID), Artestatin (1 capsule per day), Ecliptex (2 capsules TID), and Quiet Digestion (as needed).
When Doug returned from his business trip, he reported that the Quiet Digestion had given him symptomatic relief on a few occasions. He asked my opinion about addressing the fungal infection and I indicated that Aloe 22 and Phellostatin had antifungal properties. His new regimen therefore was Aloe 22 (1 capsule TID), Phellostatin (1 capsule TID), Ecliptex (2 capsules TID), and Quiet Digestion (as needed).
A few weeks later, Doug contracted food poisoning. I told him to take Quiet Digestion (2 capsules, 4 to 6 times per day), and to chew 1 capsule of Aloe 22 every few hours. He reported great relief. He remained on a maintenance protocol of Aloe 22 (1 capsule TID), Phellostatin (1 capsule TID), Ecliptex (2 capsules TID) for another month. As of this writing, he has not had an episode of the appendicitis-like pain in over a year. He uses Quiet Digestion symptomatically for digestive upset.
DISCUSSION
Doug’s case demonstrates that antiparasitic formulas should be administered long-term for best results because those who have parasitic infections often have a lowered immune system, they are more susceptible to colds, flu, and food poisoning, as well as to fungal infections.
Samantha, 31, is a health professional who developed chronic diarrhea after a vacation to Mexico four years ago. Following a thorough biomedical evaluation, she was treated with Flagyl. However, she continued having up to ten episodes of water y stools per day. She also suffered from fatigue, occasional headaches, and joint pain. Traditional Chinese diagnosis found that her pulse was weak and slow, and tongue pale and swollen. I recommended a combination of Source Qi formula (3 capsules TID for the first week, 5 capsules TID thereafter), along with an herbal antiparasitic, Artestatin (1 capsule TID). The first week she reported cramps after taking the herbs, so I suggested reducing the dosage of Artestatin to 1 capsule per day and maintaining the Source Qi dosage (3 capsules TID). By the end of the second week, her stools were more formed, but the frequency-especially in the morning-was unchanged. At this point, Colostroplex (1 capsule TID) was added to the existing protocol. At the end of the fourth week, the urgency and number of stools had decreased. She was referred to a lab specializing in parasitic diseases, where they found the presence of Histoplasma capsulatum, a parasitic fungus. Therefore, I suggested increasing the dosage of Artestatin (2 capsules TID), as well as taking the herbal antiparasitic, Biocidin (2 drops on a cracker with meals). She also continued taking Colostroplex (1 capsule TID) and Source Qi (3 capsules TID). At the end of the third month, her bowel movements were mostly normal, with an occasional bout of watery stools. The joint pain and headaches had disappeared. She continued on the herbs until all symptoms were alleviated and parasite tests negative.
DISCUSSION
Source Qi was recommended to tonify the Spleen and to stop the diarrhea. Artestatin was used to clear parasites and toxins, as I surmised that the diarrhea, headache, and joint pain were due to parasites that were still in Samantha’s system. Colostroplex was later added to augment the anti-diarrheal and toxin-clearing effects. Biocidin was also used to clear toxins. Finally, it is important to note that Source Qi was continued to help counter balance the cooling effects of Artestatin and Biocidin.
Charlotte, a 60 year-old public speaker, was diagnosed biomedically with ulcerative colitis. Her chief symptoms were fatigue and 12-24 episodes of diarrhea and loose stools per day. The diarrhea was worse at night, when she typically had a bout of diarrhea every 45 minutes.
Sigmoidoscopy revealed inflammation. Due to the frequency of diarrhea, Charlotte had lost six pounds in the last month; she was already underweight. Her gastroenterologist increased her Prednisone dosage from 12 mg, which she had been on for a year, to 60 mg per day. Her acupuncturist prescribed Resinall E, Quiet Digestion, and Formula H (2 capsules QID of each formula). After a week, Charlotte noted that there was less blood in her stools. Her acupuncturist then referred Charlotte to me due to my experience in treating digestive disorders. Traditional Chinese diagnosis found her pulse was forceful and rapid; her tongue was pale with a white coating. During intake, Charlotte indicated extensive overseas travel to Asia and Latin America. Therefore, I recommended parasite testing. I also suggested that she start on Colostroplex (2 capsules TID) and Source Qi (3 capsules TID) to stop the diarrhea while we waited for the results of the parasite tests.
At Charlotte’s next visit, she noted that her diarrhea episodes were reduced by about half and her energy had improved. The stool analysis revealed presence of Entamoeba histolytica, excessive Candida, and occult blood. Her pulse was less rapid and her tongue although still pale, had a thinner coating. At this point, I recommended that she continue with the Colostroplex and Source Qi, and add Artestatin (1 capsule TID) for its antiparasitic effect. After maintaining this regimen for three months, Charlotte reported that she was having only six loosely formed bowel movements per day, and that she had gained back the weight she had lost.
DISCUSSION
The severe diarrhea was draining Charlotte’s body of energy and fluids, therefore the primary treatment was to stop the diarrhea using Source Qi which strengthens the Spleen and arrests diarrhea. In addition, this formula contains Ailanthes (Shun Bai Pi) which has antiparasitic properties. Colostroplex was also recommended in order to stop diarrhea and remove toxins from the gut. Artestatin was later introduced to kill parasites, although a low dosage was recommended initially (1 capsule TID) to make sure she did not have a rebound effect. Gradually, the dosage was increased to 2 capsules TID over a three-week period. It should also be noted that in Charlotte’s case although her pulse was rapid, which indicated Heat, Her tongue was pale, pointing to the presence of Cold. This phenomenon could have been due to any or a combination of the following: Prednisone, which in some individuals can induce Heat: the conflict between the body’s energy and the pathogenic factor, I.e., the parasite; and deficiency Heat caused by loss of Fluids from diarrhea.