Re[2]: Herbal Remedies - Doc & Suzi/ Granny Lee - RA

March 26, 2004

Suzi.. I have been going over information in my files from the group and in July 2003 when i was new here and not sure of the credibility of all the suggestions. I guess i needed to be convinced and i didn't have any idea at the time what TN,PP,TT, lemon egg etc was and so just filed it for further reference......and then forgot it as it took me a while to find out about the noted items. still am not overly illuminated <G>

And it also took me another trip to my Rheumie to confirm to me that Doc was probably right. my rheumy wanted to put me out of pain and the only way he knew how under the circumstances would be to put me on a drug, Humira, a TNF blocker (tumor necrosis factor), that would, in essence, minimize my immune system so that the RA couldn't continue to destroy my body. I think they also call these types of medication "biologics" ??

BUT!!! it would also minimize my immune system to the point that i would have no defence against other infections. I read all the stuff on it and it doesn't SAY it will diminish my immune system but warns of the RISK of INFECTIONS.. like lungs, and my Rheumie says i would have to be careful of cuts and scratches and virus, colds, etc etc and i would need to call if i had the least infection and we could clear it up with antibiotics. Now this man is a good man and is doing what he was trained to do. but i got to thinking about it... the only thing wrong with me is RA. ..(well, hiatial hernia,(sp) and working on GERD) i never catch colds, seldom am i bothered by allergies, if i have a scratch it heals almost immediately, (been that fortuate all my life) my digestive tract (and GERD) is better than it used to be, so i decided not to take the Humira. I can see no reason, outside of the relief from pain, to screw up my immune system any more than it is.

i am going to try to do what Doc told me to start with, now that i have some idea what all those TT's and PP's mean!! because i have become a believer. They have already helped me a lot from where i was back in July 2003..

leona Henderson wrote to herbal remedies Tuesday, July 08, 2003 8:12 PM

Re: [herbal remedies] Suzi--About Echinacea

Suzi, i have tinctured some Echinacea a few years back, but haven't taken any as I have read and several people at health food stores have told me that since it stimulates the immune system it would not be good for person with Rhuematoid Arthritis as the immune system is overworking as it is. Any information on that? Appreciate.

Love, Lee.

Doc replied:

Dear leona

The health food store people who gave you that advice are full of horse puckey. The Panther Piss remedy should go a long ways in helping to handle the RA. You should also be on the Lemon Egg formula. Not only does the echinacea fire up the immune system, but it will also help to balance it in the long run. The Astragalus in the Total Nutrition Formula will also help in this area and you should be on that as well. Remember to eat only 100% certified organic. Drink lots of distilled water. Exercise for at least a half an hour a day. Hot and Cold showers round off my advice to you.

Much love, Doc

Ian "Doc" Shillington N.D.

well... i have been doing most of this for the past 6 or so months, plus a bit too much other stuff, <G> and am a lot better . i think i will continue this for a while and may be next week, giving Doc a bit more time to get settled in his new environment, and me the ability to stop puting it off,,...... give him a call! : ) I think he is right on the mark.

love... granny lee