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Coartem & herb contraindications

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Posted 2/1/2014 8:43 PM (GMT 0)
Hi,

I have read Buhner's lyme & coinfections books as well as Horowitz's new book.

I am on abx and started herbals just over a month ago. Adding the herbals has really helped me progess in healing.

However, my doc has me on Coartem. Buhner states nothing about contraindications with Coartem and herbs, but Horowitz does in his new book - only briefly in one sentence and he does not expand on the topic at all.

I have not taken my most recent pulse of Coartem b/c I am afraid to stop the herbs. I did this once. I don't want a set back.
Plus, I don't know what herbs I can take with Coartem. My doc only works with rx, so I don't know how to proceed.
I'd hate to stop the Coartem altogether and that be a mistake.
I feel strongly that Rx's combined with herbs is the route for me.

Please advise, as I can't find any directives on this matter.
Thank you
Posted 2/1/2014 10:23 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Usedtogarden!
I don't believe I've said welcome to our community yet - so welcome to our community!! smilewinkgrin

I did find this:
Coartem Tablets contain a fixed combination of two antimalarial active ingredients, artemether, an artemisinin derivative, and lumefantrine.
www.rxlist.com/coartem-drug.htm

Lumefantrine is an antimalarial agent used to treat acute uncomplicated malaria. It is administered in combination with artemether for improved efficacy. This combination therapy exerts its effects against the erythrocytic stages of Plasmodium spp. and may be used to treat infections caused by P. falciparum and unidentified Plasmodium species, including infections acquired in chloroquine-resistant areas.
www.drugbank.ca/drugs/DB06708

So depending on which herbs you are wishing to add in, you can likely use one of these herb/drug interaction checkers. You will need to look up the herb's scientific name online though:
www.drugdigest.org/‎

www.rxlist.com/supplements/article.htm
Posted 2/2/2014 12:48 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you, Traveler.

What do I do while on Coartem with the herbs?
I don't know how long to stop the herbs before and how long I need to wait after the 3- day Coartem pulse before I can start the herbals again.

or should I reconsider going off of herbs to pulse Coartem?

I am taking sida acuta, cryptolepsis, alchornia cordofolia, houttuynia, sib ginseng, cat's claw, bidens pilosa & hawthorne.
Posted 2/2/2014 5:46 PM (GMT 0)
It's going to take some digging to find your answers. I only know about a few of the herbs that you are taking, and I've never considered interactions with Coartem. You may have to consult a really good Herbalist, and you could try emailing Stephen Buhner - although I would scour his site first. Just go to his site (buhnerhealinglyme.com/) and in the black bar at the top of the page you will see a link for "submit a question" or you can contacting his associate, Julie.
Posted 2/3/2014 1:41 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you, Traveler.
Yes, I have scoured the web & Buhner's site and cannot locate the info. If you come across this info, please let me know.
Posted 2/3/2014 11:56 PM (GMT 0)
Will do. Please do update us on what you choose to do and how things go!!
Posted 1/14/2019 3:44 PM (GMT 0)
Used to garden and Traveler,

I'm in the same situation of wanting to continue herbs while taking Coartem. Dr. M.R. said it's ok to take Cryptolepis with Coartem. I've done that and it's been OK for me. However, I am beginning to wonder if my breathing issues are from Bartonella, so I want to add or switch to Sida acuta. Do either of you now have experience or knowledge about combining Sida with Coartem? Thanks!
Posted 1/14/2019 5:30 PM (GMT 0)
I haven't seen any contraindications of sida acuta and coartem. How are you dosing the coartem? 3 day cycles? if so taking those days off herbs plus give or take a few before and after shouldn't be a big deal either. I never found much explanation (including in Horowitz's book) as to why he says herbs like A-bab, neem, crypto, artemisia should be avoided.
Posted 1/14/2019 11:59 PM (GMT 0)
have you considered that your breathing symptoms could be fro herxing from the coartem and any other babesia herbals you may be taking?

Air hunger, heavy feeling on chest trying to catch your breath can be from Babesia and when killing it off the herxing could cause those symptoms or bring new ones out.

Hope you get some relief soon and please take care.
Posted 1/15/2019 1:33 PM (GMT 0)
Oh yes, I agree with goshawk as well in regards to breathing issues. Bart can cause air hunger, but if you treat babesia and babesia treatments flare that symptom it's likely the babesia causing it.
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