Allergic BronchoPulmonary Aspergillosis (ABPA)

[sgw12]

Hello,

Would like to know what one of the doctors that have experience with abpa thought about oregano oil..coconut oil...raw garlic and olive leaf extract for killing the fungus.

Thanks!

Steve

[DrGraham]

All have extracts that show some ability to kill fungi. The reason why we don't use them in the clinic is that their antifungal activity is far too weak, except for creams to smooth directly on the infection. If we wanted to treat a deep seated infection e.g. in someone's lungs then we would need them to eat so much extract that it becomes impractical and in many cases toxic!

It is far more practical to use these extracts for research, isolate the chemicals that are toxic to fungi (and hopefully not toxic to us!) and find out how to make them in large enough quantities to be useful as a medication. Then we will know not only that they will work as they will be absorbed in high enough quantities, we will also know that they will not contain any toxins that will make us ill.

[sgw12 in reply to DrGraham]

Hi Dr. Graham,

Thank you for your response! I would have to disagree. I have started taking oil of oregano which is very potent if you get a good quality. I also have been taking raw garlic which has strong anti fungal properties and high vit c doses and amazingly after 15 years of suffering with abpa and 10mg of prednisone and courses of voriconazole, I am SO Much Better! My doctors are lowering my prednisone slowly and I rarely need my inhalers or nebulizers. I would look into combining certain herbs and vitamins to treat patients. I'll tell you what's toxic..PREDNISONE AND VORICONAZOLE or any azole drugs... I know doctors are trying to help but why do they leave out nutrition and exercise or focus on that more. Let's use our body's own immune system to heal with alternative methods.. I am an example.

Thanks!

Steve

[DrGraham in reply to sgw12]

Hi Steve

I am very happy that you have found a way to feel better! I fully agree with you that the drugs you mention are highly prone to toxic side effects, but taking that in the round with their beneficial effects there is a high enough benefit to justify the risk of toxicity for most people. Much of a doctors day is devoted to ensuring it stays that way. Given that you are now on minimal doses of these drugs, or no drug at all that might account for why you are feeling so well, I certainly hope it stays that way for you.

We assess & supplement the levels of vit D in each of our patients already - so you are on the ball with that suggestion!

Whilst I am happy for you, I am required to point out that a similar self medication strategy will not work for everyone and that other people should not consider discontinuing their steroid and antifungal medications in favour of herbal 'supplements' without close medical supervision from their doctor.

On Oil of oregano - here is an informative article pointing out that it has little established scientific evidence to support its use as yet - those who market these substances have much to do to prove they are useful. Of course no proof of its efficacy is not proof that it is no use but surely the emphasis must remain with the company promoting a product to prove it is worthwhile before we can recommend its use? If they can market a product that is a new antifungal medication there will be many millions of ££ available as a reward! sciencebasedmedicine.org/oi...

I don't know what other hospitals do but here at the National Aspergillosis Centre we do promote good nutrition and exercise to our patients as we agree it is important - e.g. see nacpatients.org.uk/sites/de...

nacpatients.org.uk/sites/de...

Thanks

Graham

[sgw12 in reply to DrGraham]

Hello Dr. Graham,

I read the article on Oregano Oil you sent but that was an old article.. I have one for you I think you might want to read and is from Medical News Today.medicalnewstoday.com/articl...

Let me know what you think please.

Thanks!

Steve

[sgw12 in reply to DrGraham]

Hello Dr. Graham,

I read the article on Oregano Oil you sent but that was an old article.. I have one for you I think you might want to read and is from Medical News Today.medicalnewstoday.com/articl...

Let me know what you think please.

Thanks!

Steve

[encryptionapple in reply to sgw12]

Personal experience: Steroids did not do well for me with Systemic Mycosis. I developed thrush (tongue, throat), dandruff, and had issues lower. As soon as I stopped the steroids and started antifungals (Fluconazole 200mg daily), I started getting better and didn't need to use my nebulizer anymore. I still have major issues with the Mycosis, but it seems like there might be a way out now I'm currently on 400mg daily of Fluconazole and it is hurting my liver so I'm going to have to stop. Allicin is comparable to Fluconazole against Candida Albicans and even Aspergillus, but finding the right dosage is difficult. If you're interested in going the natural route, seek out an Integrative, Environmental, practitioner. I've found that a lot of conventional doctors don't even like to try a natural route, despite it's effectiveness. I've also noticed a lot of conventional doctors are not open to opinions.

[Jet1948 in reply to sgw12]

What vitamins are you taking with the oregano

[OCDETE in reply to DrGraham]

I have ABPA I COUGH UP MUCUS DAILY LIKE MUCUS PLUGS IM ON PREDNISONE 10 mg daily as a maintenance my ige levels always high I was born with asthma please help I have gained so much weight from prednisone

[sgw12]

Thank You Dr. Graham I appreciate it!

The thing is..nothing changed until I started with these herbs and vitamins. My ige levels dropped and so on..that's why my Doctors have lowered my meds. There is no doubt after living with this for years that this is definitely worth looking into. Mine is not a secluded case...many have experienced the same with hebal remedies and vitamin mineral supplements.. the sad thing is that we all had to be our "own doctors" to help ourselves since western medicine will not acknowledge the use of hebs or supplements to treat different diseases. It's all about money. If cures were found for specific diseases just think what that would do to pharmacutical companies and just the affect overall. It would be bad. If this isn't true then why won't more studies be done on herbs and supplements to help cure diseases? It will nevet happen unfortunatly. So we have to be our own doctor's to get to the root of our problems instead of putting band aids on them.

Thanks!

Steve

[DrGraham]

Hi Steve - just go with it if it is working for you, but remain vigilant for future flare-ups.

Those companies that stand to make money by proving that their products work are not apparently investing in properly testing them - I think that says something, but I know lots of research goes on using these plants to find out if they give us new clues and ideas.

Nothing that you sent me contradicts what I wrote in my first post - yes there are many antifungal activities there but they are not there in large enough quantity to make a difference other than by topical application.

[sgw12 in reply to DrGraham]

Ok..Thank You again. I am so persistent because it is working for me and others. So that says something. The article I just sent shows it actually kills the superbug Mrsa and has anti Cancer benefits among many other benefits, and this is only oil of oregano. Garlic or the Allicin in garlic, Olive Leaf, Coconut Oil etc... could work for others. If I was a Doctor I would be doing all I could to research these things and would be excited at the thought. Anyway I know it is strong enough and in combination with other herbs, vitamins etc... could really benefit others if they knew about them and are a lot safer than these Pharmacuetical drugs. Isn't it worth trying? Do the research and you will find out if you really want to help people out.

Thanks!

Steve

[DrGraham in reply to sgw12]

The writer of the article you sent (Vyv Salisbury) is someone I worked with a few years ago and I know research is looking at the materials you describe - here is a recent example emphasising the potential benefits of the use of purified components (and therefore concentrated to boost the dose) of oregano oil ayujournal.org/article.asp?...

[sgw12 in reply to DrGraham]

Hey Dr.Graham,

Thank you I appreciate it! also I know with texting/emailing it my words may read more angry but I'm not at all, just passionate about wanting Companies to do more tests on Herbs..vitamins..minerals etc... to help cure..prevent diseases or alleviate symptoms. I appreciate your responding. I had another question. .What do you think of either 12%..17% 35% food grade H2O2 dilluted to 3or 3.5% with distilled water of course, and using that internally or in a vaporizor? I know it sounds crazy but people have done this internally with excellent results. There are even Doctors who do this kind if therapy through IV. Just curious!

Thanks!

Steve

[Jet1948 in reply to sgw12]

What vitamins along with oregano oil are you taking

[DrGraham]

Only to be attempted with medical supervision! Hydrogen peroxide can be very irritant to sensitve lungs.

I appreciate your efforts to communicate your positive experience with this community - my role is to add in appropriate warnings when someone might be encouraging people to stop taking conventional meds - even if done inadvertently. We welcome your efforts and one day we may well have medication derived from plants for the treatment of systemic fungal infection.

You might like to join our communities on Facebook or Yahoo?

uk.groups.yahoo.com/neo/gro...

facebook.com/groups/aspergi...

[sgw12 in reply to DrGraham]

Thank You again Dr.! If you didn't know, I am writing from Philadelphia, Pa, Delaware County. So was wondering if you could suggest any Doctors or establishments in my area that are experienced with ABPA? We do have great heart and lung centers such as Penn Medicine and Temple but I know in the Uk you actually have a center that deal specifically with these type of diseases. I appreciate it very much.

Thank You,

Steve

[naomi88]

Hi Steve,

Thank you, I am inspired by your success with the natural herbs. The best study/research is the fact that it works hwen nothing else did. (If it doesn't work for all is because there are other underlining problems unknown or undressed; the drugs don't work for all either).

The herbalist are emphasizing the use of the entire plants, not the isolation of a certain therapeutic substance, for the very reason that the other accompanying substances are there to protect us from toxicity or and to enhance the therapeutic effect. Because of this they will work slower, one will see its effect gradually over time while other life style changes have been put in place. One can not expect to get better on herbs alone while violates other laws of health. The medical system wants it quick, control with precision, that's why they need to isolate the therapeutic component. Plants to survive have fought fungus-es for a very long time. They know best, we only have to make use of them. No one should have fear of herbs because of research that isolated the therapeutic compounds and concentrated it and declare it toxic. It is not possible to ingest that much to be toxic using the whole herbs.

You rightly pointed out the need for us to become our own doctors forced by the situation where we find no help where it should be. I was in that situation and I feel your words said it all so clearly. They make sense to me. Thank you again.

Naomi

[sgw12 in reply to naomi88]

Hello Naomi,

You are right in saying Alternative medication should be used along with diet and exercise. We diet to get the certain nutrients we need for our certain conditions. It is better to get them from food than supplements if possible and should be organic. I do believe that there is a cure for

just about or all diseases and conditions. I've seen it over and over again even in stage 4 cancer. I've studied Alternative Medicine in schools and on my own and am always finding it more and more surprising. I also believe the fda or government know of these benefits but would never be put to use. If they did it would be catastrophic for drug companies...doctors. ..medical equipment companies..hospitals etc... because if people were being healed or seeing great benefits there would be less of a need for all I mentioned. The fda would try to regulate it and label herbs and vitamins as drugs. Anyway I could go on but I'm sure Alternative medicine will always be just that..alternative medicine. So we have to educate each other and ourselves.

Thanks!

Steve

[Loveandhealth14]

I use Oregano oil for my chronic Sarcoidosis - works fully and continues to work. But get a good one some don't. This is can be the simplest and easiest cure.

[OCDETE in reply to Loveandhealth14]

How you use it please let me know

[DrGraham]

Hi Naomi

I hear what you say and I do sympathise with some of it, but to prove what you say will work for more than one person then the herbal remedies will have to be exposed to double blinded clinical tests. There is little such work done, though there is some - take a look at this asperweb.co.uk/content/herb... for an idea as to what is actually known to work.

I would like to work with a herbalist to help with the treatment of aspergillosis but as yet have found none that will do this - I will contact a few more!

Incidentally the contention that herbal medication suffers from fewer side effects does not mean that they have none at all - if you are having problems see the listing at medicinenet.com/herbs__toxi...

[naomi88 in reply to DrGraham]

Thank you Dr.Graham for the cautions. I am not surprised that it is hard to find a herbalist to work with. I believe that the herbalists do not mix the herbal treatments with the drugs since they have conflicting ways of working one working with the body while the later is taking over the body.

[CUSHYCOLE in reply to naomi88]

Very true. I went to a Naturapath and she said not to take any supplements while I was on the Prednisone as they counteract with the herbal items. She said while on medication to eat as much organic foods to heal such as garlic/oranges/kiwi/Olive oil/ ginger/lemon/coconut water/coconut oil to name few.

[Pooeysuey in reply to CUSHYCOLE]

What is so special about organic?

[sgw12 in reply to Pooeysuey]

Hello Pooeysuey,

You should always as much as possible Buy Certified Organic Whole Foods. Just a couple of reasons why would be because they will not contain toxic Chemicals such as Fertilizers, Pesticides, Preservatives etc.. There is so much more when dealing with Fruits,Vegetables, Meats etc.. Just do your homework.You should definitely become a label reader and be able to recognize the ingredients listed in the foods you are buying. If you do not then quick look it up because it may very well be just a natural ingredients such as most people wouldn't understand what tocopherols are, which are just forms of Vitamin E that are sometimes used as natural preservatives.

Thanks!

Steve

[Pooeysuey in reply to sgw12]

Thanks for your answer. I am actually a farmers wife and I always check my labels for the little red tractor. Unfortunately I know of several organic farmers and they are not always as organic as they should be, so please don’t base everything on that assumption. We have cattle and are not organic but we have our feed made specially for us and we treat each animal as an individual and our welfare standards are higher than if we were organic.

[sgw12 in reply to CUSHYCOLE]

Hello CUSHYCOLE,

It depends on what type of supplements, not all will interasct, but yes it is always better to get any and all nutrients from Whole Foods. Organic is best, but some you can get away with not being Organic.

Thanks!

Steve

[SarahInd]

I take oil of oregano, 2000mg of vitamin C with bioflavonoids, fresh turmeric root daily in a homemade shake and serrapeptase. I lived by the coast and was better - IgE went down etc and rarely took the above in the end. Now I've moved inland IgE up again so will start taking the above daily. I have blood tests every 3 months so will document IgE in 3 months time on here.

[santoshdubey]

Hello Steve, Please help me . My 12 year daughter was diagnosed with ABPA three years ago. She is still on medicine and her health has deteriorated. What are the combination of herbs you took and what are the reputed brands of the same so that I can also purchase the same . My daughter is in India.

[sgw12]

Hello Santoshdubey,

It really depends on the individual. I had mentioned a few antifungal herbs such as Oil of Oregano, olive leaf extract, coconut oil etc...Also research anti inflammatory like vitamin c and Quercetin and many others... It took me a long time to figure out what works for me. I am now off of Prednisone and carry an albuterol inhaler for rescue... Good luck! Just do your research on the disease and alternative ways to treat it...

Thanks!

Steve

[vipsmits in reply to sgw12]

Hi steve

I really appericiate that you share invaluable information on treating abpa nd aspergillus with herbal home remedies but as asked by rio11 and santoshdubey i just wanna ask you that how u use oregano oil nd coconut oil...... ingest or vapourise...????

Pls reply ASAP

Thanks

[CUSHYCOLE in reply to vipsmits]

Oil of oregano is in a dripper-usually around 4 drops with food or under the tongue if you can handle it. I tried to swallow coconut oil raw-a bit unappealing but you can mix it with food or in a smoothie. There are some great smoothie receipts online for lung issues and all natural.lunginstitute.com/blog/reci...

[Carole4Jesus]

I have been using all of the above mentioned items as well as grapefruit seed extract, bentonite clay detox, 2,000 mg. vitamin C, probiotics, grass fed whey protein, greens, muti-vitamins, saline nasal spray, biotin, and pau d' arc tea... just added goldenseal and echinachea. I'm doing much better than 90 days ago. Two yrs. ago I had symptoms of M.S., with repeated respitatory infections and sinus infections, and chronic constipation, as well as enlarged lymph nodes. I have photos of what I've had in my body and have pinned it down to aspergillus. Photos of mold on my furniture and walls of my room I lived in for 4 yrs... I cannot use traditional anti-fungals due to chronic dehydration; must supplement lots of water with electrolytes 24 hr./day to fight muscle spasms. Fatigue has been horrific; cannot work as I used to. Over exertion causes whole body muscle spasms. Also must limit coffee, chocolate (no peanuts, grains, sugar)... diet rich in vegetables, berries, proteins. Nuts, seeds, coconut. Stevia. No artificial sweeteners. Bought a usb endoscope to monitor everything... fascinating world the eye doesn't see that a microscope picks up.

[Carole4Jesus in reply to Carole4Jesus]

I might add that I also use tumeric, cinnamon, cloves, basil, thyme and onion and fresh mint is a wonder...

[flowerchild01 in reply to Carole4Jesus]

Have you had your potassium levels checked? Low potassium symptoms

:

Symptoms of low potassium are usually mild. At times the effects of low potassium can be vague. There may be more than one symptom involving the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, kidneys, muscles, heart and nerves.

Weakness, tiredness, or cramping in arm or leg muscles, sometimes severe enough to cause inability to move arms or legs due to weakness (much like a paralysis)

Tingling or numbness

Nausea or vomiting

Abdominal cramping, bloating

Constipation

Palpitations (feeling your heart beat irregularly)

Passing large amounts of urine or feeling very thirsty most of the time

Fainting due to low blood pressure

Abnormal psychological behaviour: depression, psychosis, delirium, confusion or hallucinations.

For many many years I was using a preventative inhaler with Fluticasone/Salmeterol for my asthma. Over time I was displaying many symptoms, along with others for prolonged steroid use. Three years ago I went through breast cancer where a staph infection got in and I believe around the same time Aspergillosis may have also got in, and recently sputum tests revealed Aspergillosis. I too like you had lived in houses with mould in bad way so feel it was a trigger while undergoing chemo. I also have Lupus so believe in natural treatments that help boost the immune system. I also believe in natural yoghurt, it has a lot going for it. Although I see reason for steroids, I also question the risk as well.

[Carole4Jesus in reply to flowerchild01]

I'm taking electrolytes, and probiotics,(in a yogurt base), and the inhaler is albuterol which does not contain steroids, *I use sparingly... but I understand fungus depletes our resources, so finding a balance is the difficult part. I now have something new to add to my list and its a real challenge as well; malassezia yeast. Its caused my scalp and forehead to turn white, and have cuts and scratches that just appear... and the scalp has scaling and hair loss. Yay... more to keep up on. My sister brought me colloidal silver and its wonderful. Researched it and found it was the main "antibiotic" before penicillin came on the scene. I love it. Kills mold inside and out, and on surfaces... and on the scalp. I am mixing it with coconut oil to apply to scalp, shampoo with Dr. Bronner's castille soap. I see a lot less of the aspergillus in my system now but am terribly sensitive if I am in a room or area that has mold. I hope you are all improving, regaining your health.

[sgw12]

Sounds like you have a Good plan that works! I also use a lot of what you mentioned also, and don't be afraid to use higher doses of VitaminC. It converts to H2O2 or Hydrogen Peroxide in the body which is excellent for killing fungus/mold and Cancer

[KelNev in reply to sgw12]

Hi Steve, much appreciation for speaking your truth about what has been working for you, despite the negation by others who ARE NOT YOU. I have a question or two. I am just starting to treat my ABPA naturally and so many remedies have been suggested. I have decided I will start with a few. What do you think I should start with? Also, how much Vit C can you take. This is of interest to me as I've heard good things about Vit C therapy. Thanks in advance. Kelly

[Carole4Jesus in reply to sgw12]

I need to purchase the food grade peroxide.

[Carole4Jesus in reply to sgw12]

I will look for the food grade peroxide, thank you.

[sarab09]

Dr Graham, could you tell me what kind of doctor you are please? I see you have yourself listed as in UK. Are you a practicing licensed doctor in UK? Where did you train? For how many years? What is your speciality training? Do you have any published research--articles or books? If yes, please give us some citations? Are you affiliated with any hospital or health centre? Do you have any alternative medicine training?

Are you based at the Manchester Aspergillosis Centre under Professor Denning?

Thank you.

[Nicey]

Hi Steve - I have been following you for a few months and reading many of your responses to many other people who are affected with APBA. I just have 1 question for you... when you started taking the natural herbs (oregano oil, olive leaf extracts, Vitamin C etc) did you stop taking Voriconazole? Or did you continue taking It along with the natural herbs? Hope to get a response from you or any user(s). Thank you!

[sgw12]

Hey Nicey!

I started while on the voriconozole, but I took myself off the voriconozole not long after. It's been 3years and I am doing better than ever and have also not had to take any more prednisone. Exercise is also let.

Thank you,

Steve

[Lisaros88 in reply to sgw12]

Hi Steve, any chance to connect with you, maybe set up a professional conversation? I’m just beginning this whole ABPA journey/challenge and am determined to approach it the way you have. You have given me some hope and it would be great to connect with you to learn more. Want to know your whole protocol!! Much appreciation for the inspiration.

[sgw12 in reply to Lisaros88]

Hey Lisaros88,

Where are you located? Are you in the U.S.? I'd love to help any way I can.

Thanks!

Steve

[Lisaros88 in reply to sgw12]

Hey Steve, thanks so much for responding. I live in Los Angeles. Are you living in the states? What would be the best way to reach you? Look forward to hearing from you.

[Betaji in reply to sgw12]

Hii Steve.

I am currently diagnosed with abpa

My ige is-1250 and specific aspergillus fumigatus ige-1.09

My HRCT will be done on 2nd Feb.

Will you suggest me some dietary supplements and exercise so that I can inhabce my immune .I am asthmatic.and one question for how long you are living with this abpa

[Nicey in reply to sgw12]

Thank you so much for your response Steve. We have followed your regimen and so far it’s going good. I Just need to slowly get my fiancé off the Voriconozole. Happy Holdiays & GOD bless!

[Bilal2911Joanne21885]

hi just wondering how you are feeling now with the abpa? my husband was recently diagnosed.

[Violethealt]

Hello, i hope you are healthy now..may i know what syimpthom did you feel in your abpa?