Herbal remedies making things worse?

[Blossoms1]

Hello, I feel silly writing this but in an attempt to improve my immune system and asthma I started taking a mix of chinese herbs I was given at the Chinese medicine place in town. It’s only day three and I’ve had to stop taking them as they seem to be triggering my asthma and sinusitis badly. I told them all about my medicinal history and medication. Has anyone had a similar experience? Writing also to warn others to be wary that it a solution and may actually make things worse.

[Bevvy]

To be fair to Chinese herbalist someone else with your symptoms may react positively to their herbs. Same way as some people have allergies and others don’t. Likewise some people think (eg) acupuncture is wonderful and others don’t find it helps.Over the years I have tried a wide variety of “alternative “ medications. Some with great success and others none. So I fully understand you being keen to try other things to alleviate your symptoms. Very sensible that because you have reacted badly you stop taking these herbs. If you do link the herbs and worsening asthma/sinus then it might be worth taking antihistamines in case it’s due to an allergic reaction.

[Blossoms1 in reply to Bevvy]

The anithestimine really helped thank you! I was shocked at how bad I felt considering my asthma was well controlled since I started taking the herbs. So I think you’re right that it may have either and allergy or something that interfered with my meds!

[Karate109]

Sorry to hear the herbal medicine is making you feel poorly. I think some people think that as it is herbal it is safe but sometimes it is not if taken too much or reacts against your current medication. May be worthwhile speaking to your GP if you can get an appointment to discuss what you have taken. I think we all get weary with feeling poorly and trying to avoid Covid. Take care.

[Blossoms1 in reply to Karate109]

Thanks! I definitely didn’t expect them to make me feel this bad as o love herbal teas etc. I guess these were way stronger.

[ChrissieMons]

There is a lot of andecdotal evidence supporting Chinese herbal medicines, but no scientific research does. They may help, but keep taking your usual asthma medication at the same time.

[Bemoresquirrel]

You are very wise to stop taking it & not put your asthma at risk.

There is something called a healing crisis, where you can get worse before you get better, it doesn’t just apply to natural medicines. Sometimes taking tiny amounts over an extended period of time & increasing very slowly, can stop this happening. However, it may simply be the wrong medicine for your body, especially as you instinctively stopped taking it. It’s always best to listen to your body, especially where asthma is concerned.

[Jjude1003]

I was drinking tea with the herb tulsi and it seemed to help but then after awhile I seemed to have a problem with it. I read tulsi and other herbs can impact the effectiveness (negatively) of the prescription meds. One step forward and two steps back. 🤪 It’s all individual trial and error. I was surprised at how powerful the herbs seemed to be but never found a good version that seemed to work for me.

[Blossoms1 in reply to Jjude1003]

Haha the one step forward two steps back is so relatable with having asthma! Feels like you just have to muddle through until you find what works!

[Mandevilla]

I'm a huge fan of herbal treatments, but there are two important things to realise - one is that even 'natural' products can cause allergies and intolerances and the other is that many herbal medications can conflict with conventional medication. It's possible that your herbal tea is 'warring' with the other medication you are on. But it's also possible you are allergic to something in the tea.

For example, camomile is a great sedative and anti-spasmodic, so it's great for digestive issues, anxiety, sleep problems, skin complaints etc. I've used it for years, and it's my go-to remedy for a couple of minor health issues. But if my mother takes it, she feels incredibly ill, and gets heart palpitations, starts shaking and has stomach upsets - all things camomile is good for curing if you're not allergic to it! She is so intolerant, she can't even wash her hands with soap that has camomile in it.

I'd speak to your doctor in future before trying any new herbal treatment, just to check that what you are taking already won't conflict with it (I know many herbalists are well-trained, but I've also come across some really scary advice from 'qualified' herbalists, so I'd always be cautious). That won't prevent you having a bad reaction due to allergies, but at least it will ensure you're not mixing medications that will fight each other.

[peege]

I haven't though, have you contacted the Chinese Herbalist to check? It could be a normal reaction as in 'worse before it gets better. One of my bosses is a Chinese Herbalist as is a friend & colleague, patients swear by the remedies & come back ror more.

Why would you feel silly writing your post & query - it's really interesting. (Mind you, I take loads of supplements & vitamins for my immune system, arthritis and CFS & when I stay with family I take them surreptitiously to avoid their disapproving looks 🙄).