Help - Has anyone ever done a parasite cleanse?

[VeggieKitten]

About a month ago, a friend of mine who is a major airline pilot told me she had big problems with her menstrual cycle one month (excruciating pain, spotting in between cycles). Another friend told her about intestinal parasites and how they affect over 85% of humans and can cause symptoms we wouldn't even think were related. She figured she of all people would be in contact with many different bugs like this since she is always going from place to place.

Anyway, she got a product called ParaGone, and she absolutely swore by it, saying that not only did she never have an odd menstrual cycle again, but she had more energy and felt 100% better. I have to admit that I was somewhat skeptical. I try to stay away from pills and supplements unless absolutely necessary although this product is 100% herbal and natural. But the thought of 85% of all people carrying around a potentially harmful or at the very least, disruptive parasite gives me the heebie jeebies.

The other day I broke down and bought some of this ParaGone. It's a 35 day total cleanse - 15 days on supplement/5 days off/15 day back on supplement.
You have to take a pill and liquid drops 3x day. I started on Wednesday.

Here is the thing and I don't mean to get gross...Last night I woke up in the middle of the night and had diarrea, had to go about 3 times and once this morning. I haven't had to go for several hours now. But I am wondering if this is part of the normal cleansing process. The package insert doesn't say, it only says that the product contains Cape Aloe Gel and if there is abdominal pain and excessive diarrea, to discontinue. So far that doesn't apply. Traditionally, certain cleansing procedures can possibly cause diarrea (which is normal).

So if anyone has ever done a parasite cleanse I'd like to hear about it! Any advice would be great. I haven't been able to contact my friend since she is in the air somewhere overseas!

[zoebird]

i've never done that specific cleanse, but i have done a salt water gastro-bath (which causes a poop fest about an hour after drinking it), and a fruit cleanse. and of course i've done fasts.

if it doesn't seem excessive (as per the packaging) then, i'm sure you could continue with it. Also, does the packaging have an 800 number that you could call for more info? that might be another way to go.

[cyberactivist]

Here is the thing and I don't mean to get gross...Last night I woke up in the middle of the night and had diarrhea, had to go about 3 times and once this morning. I haven't had to go for several hours now. But I am wondering if this is part of the normal cleansing process. The package insert doesn't say, it only says that the product contains Cape Aloe Gel and if there is abdominal pain and excessive diarrhea, to discontinue. So far that doesn't apply. Traditionally, certain cleansing procedures can possibly cause diarrhea (which is normal).

So if anyone has ever done a parasite cleanse I'd like to hear about it! Any advice would be great. I haven't been able to contact my friend since she is in the air somewhere overseas!
This is from my wife, Laura, an herbalist--

This is going to be kinda long, but it is far too important not for me to respond to, so, anyone not interested, please bear with me. This is an issue I deal with a lot - people using herbs when they don't know enough (no offense to anyone out there). I am not a know-it-all, but the opposite. That's what is so worrying about people that haven't studied herbal medicine
self-medicating with herbs in the same way that they do with OTC medicines like Tylenol. You can't use them the same. Ok, here we go...

Aloe is a natural laxative, but usually a mild and safe one. Having an experience like you did is not at all uncommon, though, especially if you were in particular need of a thorough cleansing. However, if this problem persists for more than a couple of days, you should definitely quit using it, as it may not be right for your body chemistry and type of constitution.

This is the biggest problem that people have when using herbal remedies. They are not used the same way as pharmaceutical drugs. They are not a "one size fits all" kind of thing that you can say with any kind of certainty that they will have the same effect on every person. For some, they will fix certain problems. For others, the same herb will make the problem worse.

This is because, in order to use herbs effectively and intelligently, you have to understand some things about them and their energy, taste, and such. You must also establish some idea of what kind of a constitution someone has - more Yin or Yang, or more Kappa, Pitta, Vata. If you do not have a full understanding of these concepts, then you should not be making decisions on what herbs to consume for what symptoms, nor should you recommend these products to others. What works for you will not necessarily work for the next person - it can, in fact, make them much worse. It gets even more complicated when you mix them into formulas.

Not knowing anything about you or your personal energy imbalances that need addressing, not to mention what else is in there besides aloe, I can not tell you whether this herb formula will work for you or not. There are very different herbal laxatives with very different results, used for different reasons on different types of people with different types of problems. Some of them are purgatives (for cleansing and detoxifying) and some are more gentle demulcifiers (for adding moisture to allow for easier and more regular passage).

That said - aloe is usually one of the very safest, with the least side effects for the least number of people. However, it can be too strong for some people, especially at first. I would recommend that you try to follow a "diarrhea diet" with proper detoxifying foods that are gentle on the digestive system (like rice) and plenty of water to prevent dehydration. I recommend that you try to find an herbalist in your area to talk to that can recommend what is right for you if you want to do a detox on yourself. This can be extremely beneficial, as I have learned from experience, or it can be dangerous. There is a lot more to healing than just "popping a pill" or drinking an herbal concoction, even if that "pill" is natural. It may be, but is not necessarily right for you.

Herbs don't treat symptoms - they treat the root causes of those symptoms. Joe and Jane may both have the sniffles, but you have to look deeper for the cause(s) of the imbalance(s) that is/are manifesting those symptoms before deciding which herb(s) to use - there are many that help the sniffles. Only someone that knows what questions to ask about all the other things about a person's life situation (even what kind of dreams you have most frequently can make a difference in your "score" to determine things like this) and body type (whether you are more big-boned and loud=Yang, or thin, pale, and quiet=Yin). This is what determines what you use, not simply what your symptoms are. This is why, for many people, herbs do not seem to work very well, and for others they work great. Kind of like playing the odds and winning or losing.

Here is what you have to know and understand about aloe to use it effectively, from the pages of one of the books I used in my course, by Michael Tierra, O.M.D. (although it should be relatively safe for anyone):

Aloe barbadensis
Part used: powdered leaf and the gel
Energy and tastes: cold, bitter, the gel is sweet
Organs and meridians affected: Liver, Heart, Spleen
Chemical constituents: two alions, barbaloin and isobarbaloin which comprise the crystalline for of aloin which is available in the drug 10-30%. It also contains amorphous aloin, aloinemodin and resin
Properties: purgative, cholagogue, anti-inflammatory, alterative, tonic anthelmintic, vulnerary: the gel is a Yin tonic
Uses: Aloe powder has stronger purgative action than Rhubarb and can also be emetic (vomiting). The powdered root is used for stubborn constipation, blood in the stool, liver disorders, pink eye, headache, tinnitus, and irritability from Liver and Gallbladder congestion. Because of its cold energy, it is best to combine it with a warming carminative such as fresh Ginger root to prevent any gripping or cramps.
The liquid gel is a Yin tonic and in Ayurvedic medicine is one of the most important female reproductive tonics. It is said to help maintain feminine beauty thus its Sanskrit name "Kumari"which means "goddess." The gel is comprised of approximately 50% water and can be taken by women twice daily for the relief of menstrual irregularities, adverse menstrual symptoms, and for women who have had hysterectomies. it can be taken by both men and women for treating any Yin deficient symptoms. Topical application of the fresh gel is a well respected treatment for burns, skin rashes, injuries and wounds. Ayurveda considers aloe gel to benefit all three humours.
Dosage: 1/2-1 tsp. of the powdered root taken in capsules or steeped in a cup of boiling water with a couple slices of fresh Ginger root. Two tsp. of the gel is taken once or twice a day with water or apple juice.

If you do not know an herbalist and can't find one, I would be glad to answer any other questions you may have, to the best of my humble ability. I haven't done this for more than a few years, but one of the first things I learned when starting to read up on the use of herbal medicine was that I needed to learn more before considering the use of them, and certainly before recommending to anyone a remedy for anything. It is way more complex than most people realize. That's why I took a whole professional course in it to learn it just for my own personal use and that of my family, including my animals. It has paid off, though in the money we have been able to save in doctor and vet bills, not to mention the simple discomforts I have been able to help with. (Didja know that one of the best ways to stop bleeding is to put cayenne pepper on the wound? Really. It stops the bleeding almost instantly and does not burn, as long as it has not been cooked. I have stopped even deep wounds from bleeding like this. And, it's in everyone's kitchen, where people frequently cut themselves!)

I have some good information on an Asian detoxifying diet that is a three-part diet my whole family went on for a few weeks. The first part was anti-phlegm, the 2nd was anti-inflammation, and the 3rd was anti-nervousness. You combine diet, herbs, exercises (like a healing bath with certain essential oils, depending on the stage you are on), and guided visualizations/meditations. There were also activities associated with detoxifying your life, like cleaning out your closets and donating the clothes to charity. It was extremely beneficial. You can eat all you want of the listed foods, but I still lost about 20 lbs and felt energized!

Good luck! :)

[skarrlett]

I'd be really interested to know more about this...



I have some good information on an Asian detoxifying diet that is a three-part diet my whole family went on for a few weeks. The first part was anti-phlegm, the 2nd was anti-inflammation, and the 3rd was anti-nervousness. You combine diet, herbs, exercises (like a healing bath with certain essential oils, depending on the stage you are on), and guided visualizations/meditations. There were also activities associated with detoxifying your life, like cleaning out your closets and donating the clothes to charity. It was extremely beneficial. You can eat all you want of the listed foods, but I still lost about 20 lbs and felt energized!
Good luck! :)

[Christy]

Ingredients from http://www.health-n-energy.com/paragone.htm :

Calcium Undecylenate - an antifungal fatty acid.
Black Walnut (green rind) - an antiparasitic herb.
Black Walnut (green rind) - an antiparasitic herb.
Quassia - an anti-parasitic herb.
Caprylic Acid - an anti-fungal fatty acid.
Pau d'Arco - an anti-bacterial agent.
Cascara Sagrada - an herb that promotes bowel elimination.
Garlic - an anti-fungal, anti-bacterial herb.
Cloves - a digestive aid/helps eliminate gas.
Pumpkin seed - an herb with anti-parasitic properties.
Grapefruit Seed Extract - an anti-microbial and anti-fungal agent.
Pippli - an Indian pepper, useful for cleansing numerous types of parasites.
Rosemary oil - has digestive and antiseptic qualities.
Thyme - an herb with digestive soothing properties.
Marshmallow - an herb that draws mucus from the bowel.
Orange Peel - a digestive aid.
Bismuth Citrate - a digestion. soothing mineral.
Wormwood - a digestive aid with anti-parasitic properties.


Another link: http://www.webvitamins.com/product.aspx?number=RN%2DPARAGONE%2D1&wvaid=OV&term=paragone

[cyberactivist]

I'd be really interested to know more about this...
It was in a book called, Asian Health Secrets (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0609801058/104-2848018-8707955?v=glance), by D.Ac. Letha Hadady. It is an excellent book.

[rabid_child]

Ehhh.. I don't know that I believe that parasite claim, but just the same.. in animals, being dewormed can cause diarrhea and vomiting.

[VeggieKitten]

Wow! Thank you so much for all the info. Cyber, please thank your wife for taking the time to explain all of that. What she said makes sense, and the symptoms that I experienced only lasted 24 hours. I am not on my home computer right now, but later on when I have more time I'd like to add some questions/comments. :)

[skarrlett]

While I was at the grocery store yesterday I noticed a whole new section dedicated to "herbal" parasite cleanses. Is this a fad? There were bottles to clean your liver, bowel and colon. Is there a need for this? Just curious.

[cyberactivist]

While I was at the grocery store yesterday I noticed a whole new section dedicated to "herbal" parasite cleanses. Is this a fad? There were bottles to clean your liver, bowel and colon. Is there a need for this? Just curious.

Again, from Mrs. Cyberactivist ;) ---

There is only a need if you have evidence to suggest or there is good reason to believe - preferably the under the advice of an herbalist - that you do have parasites. Mostly, it is probably another big marketing ploy to make a lot of money, as is most of the "herbal medicine" industry.

Many of the products I have seen list many different herbs that they contain, but they are not each necessarily right for each person or even in sufficient amount to have a medicinal effect. Also, what is not widely known is that most of the marketed "medicinal" herbal teas do not have sufficient dosage of the herb to have much of an effect at all, even though the company can rightfully claim that the herb is good for... There is not always consistent levels of the beneficial chemicals in them, either. You need to know where they get their plants from and if they have been doused with pesticides, gathered wild, etc. as well as how they were processed (some herbs you can use water, but some you must use something like apple vinegar or alcohol to "leech" out the essential healing oils) to find these things out. Few of them (except for bulk stuff that you can mix up yourself) are strong enough in a tea or other beverages, in order to make them more palatable to the general public. If you drank some of the medicinal teas in a therapeutic dosage, however, they may not taste too good. Who would buy that? That's why the pharmaceutical industry got so big so quick (easier and doesn't taste so bad to pop a pill). All those kids running from Grandma with the cod liver oil! :eek: :lol:

Bottom line - each product is different, as is each person's body chemistry and basic constitution. Don't just jump on the latest fad because someone else is. How do you know that it was this product FOR SURE that made someone feel better? Has their use of the product been accompanied by a change in diet, mindset, other supplements, exercise, etc.??? Did THEY, in fact, have the problem, and you DON'T?

Best advice is that "if it ain't broke - don't fix it." Preventative measures and proper maintenance are the key to health. That's why, in herbal medicine, herbs used to PREVENT the imbalance(s) that physically manifest into dis-ease, are considered superior to those inferior herbs that treat or cure the patient, thus restoring balance.

BTW - Your energy field gets in a state of imbalance long before it becomes serious enough to manifest into a physical situation. Maintaining that balance is the key to health. Then, there is no need for the body to manifest physical symptoms in an effort to restore that lost balance, or dis-ease.

If you have no reason to think you have parasites, then why would you consider something like that to remove them? Or do you have some sort of evidence that leads you to believe that you do, indeed, have parasites? I have never heard of this product, but I have no doubt that it is another of the long list of products aimed at those of us trying to live healthier so they can make money off of us.

How much money can they really make off people that practice organic gardening and eat a balanced diet? If you save your own seeds, fertilize with your own free compost (from scraps and leaves, etc.), and harvest and consume your own food, what is there left to sell you??? (Of course, most of us veg*ns - us included - don't raise ALL of our own food, but you get the point. Even those of us who buy the fresh organic products in the stores probably don't need much supplementation, but there are aisles of them just for us, all the same.) It's just greed and propaganda, basically. I have seen many products like this that don't do squat except for making fat cats fatter.

[VeggieKitten]

Hi Mrs. Cyberactivist! Well, you gave me a lot of info to think about. I first want to say that I agree with you in that the supplement industries are primarily out there to make money. There's a supplement or herb for everything, and I of all people do not believe many of these are needed if one is eating a well balanced diet and taking care of themselves. A few times a week, I do take an herbal iron supplement since I tend to be anemic, and also B12 since I am now dietarily totally vegan.

I didn't initially have a reason to think I had parasites, until after I spoke with my friend. What I didn't mention in my initial post is that I have been experiencing similar menstrual irregularities that she described, which is how the whole subject came up in the first place. Now I know many things can cause a woman's cycle to go haywire at times. The last thing I want to do is go see my ob/gyn because all she will do is try to put me on hormones and I want nothing to do with that. I'm 32, a yoga instructor, and very healthy otherwise. I'd like to see if the "irregularity" can work its way out, so to speak.

My friend spoke so imperatively about this Para-gone that I thought it wouldn't hurt to try it. My logic was that I could use a cleanse anyway, even if parasites aren't the problem. Maybe this isn't so wise. In the past, I have done simple cleanses over 2-3 days with vegetable and fruit juices. Your one size doesn't fit all explanation is one I totally agree with. I did follow the advice of the product insert, and only take 1/2 the dosage because I am petite and weigh 106 pounds. I know this still doesn't take into account the ingredients of the product. Christie listed the product's ingredients in her post above, do you have any thoughts or advice on them?

[cyberactivist]

My friend spoke so imperatively about this Para-gone that I thought it wouldn't hurt to try it. My logic was that I could use a cleanse anyway, even if parasites aren't the problem. Maybe this isn't so wise. In the past, I have done simple cleanses over 2-3 days with vegetable and fruit juices. Your one size doesn't fit all explanation is one I totally agree with. I did follow the advice of the product insert, and only take 1/2 the dosage because I am petite and weigh 106 pounds. I know this still doesn't take into account the ingredients of the product. Christie listed the product's ingredients in her post above, do you have any thoughts or advice on them?

Okay, here we go again. It will be another long one...Fair warning! :D

Well, the thing with the "well, it won't hurt to try it" attitude is that it may and it may not - who knows? Theoretically, it could throw you out of balance, especially if you were in balance to being with. :think:

Now, from what you say, you are experiencing an imbalance, thus manifesting physical symptoms of dis-ease in the body. The question here is, why??? :think:

The problem with the above attitude is that, if this is NOT what is wrong with you, are you in fact making the imbalance better or worse? That could ONLY be determined by an examination of many other variables in your diet, constitution, lifestyle, etc. :juggle:

You must also take into account that, even though there is a list of these ingredients, do you know what strength they appear in the formula? Do you further know what sort of medicinal strength remains in the essential oils after their processing? The answers to those questions are probably "no."

Now, rather than fill up pages of info on everything these herbs are used for and what is in them and how they work, etc. (as I did for the above example in an attempt to show you how complicated it all is), I will simply give you a brief idea of what some of them are commonly used for, with some of their properties and effects.

**DISCLAIMER**Keep in mind that this is but a brief description and is in no way meant to be medical advice to anyone on here. I will not be responsible for any bad side effects you may suffer from using herbs because I have no way of determining each of your specific :D


Black Walnut (green rind) - an antiparasitic herb.
The powdered, dried bark made into a strong infusion is a good purgative. The husk, shell, and peel are sudorific, especially when the walnuts are green. Unripe walnuts also have anthelmintic properties (anti-parasitic). The Black Walnut husk is often used by itself or in combination with other herbs as an external application the the form of a salve, tincture, poultice, and so forth for various skin diseases, including skin parasites. The husks, leaves, or bark combine well with herbs such as Comfrey and Horsetail for a regenerative healing fomentation or poultice.


Quassia - an anti-parasitic herb.

The only herb I can find similarly called is spelled in this manner:
Cassia - Latin name Leguminosae -
You use the seeds to eliminate Liver-Heat and is good for constipation, and very effective for high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels. However, it is contraindicated for those with diarrhea. It is also good roasted and drunk as a coffee substitute.


Cascara Sagrada - an herb that promotes bowel elimination.

You use the bark, dried and aged for at least a year - cold, bitter and affects Liver, Gallbladder, Colon
Native to Pacific NW. Not debilitating when used in proper dosage, nor does it create laxative dependency as does Senna, for instance. Because of its antispasmodic properties it does not have a tendency to cause griping or colicky pains.
For chronic constipation, it should started at a low dose of 0.5g gradually increasing to as much as 5g every evening. In combination with other assisting herbs such as Ginger root and a small amount of Lobelia, it can be taken on a daily basis for several months without creating a laxative dependency. It is one of the safer laxatives to try during pregnancy and for atonic conditions. This includes prolapse, hemorrhoids, atonic dyspepsia, costiveness, and atonic sluggishness of the bowels.
Fresh bark tends to be harsh and emetic (cause vomiting). The older the dried bark, the better the quality.One of the most common preparations is as a syrup with Sassafras or Anise seed.


Garlic - an anti-fungal, anti-bacterial herb.

And much more, but it is very warming and can be harsh on the stomach. Too much to go into here on this, other than to say that it is my first choice when I am fighting an infection or fungus, although I do usually (but not always) combine it with other herbs. I use it as a cheap antibiotic a lot, even externally.


Cloves - a digestive aid/helps eliminate gas.

Warm, spicy - affects Stomach, Spleen, Kidney.
Anesthetic for toothache is the most common use of the oil, although you can use the whole thing in a pinch.
Increases circulation and is generally stimulating. Good for hiccups, vomiting and nausea, cholera, diarrhea, abdominal pain, stomach ache, hernia pain in the uterus, chronic indigestion, fullness in the stomach and intestines.


Thyme - an herb with digestive soothing properties.
Warm, acrid, pungent - affects Lung, Stomach, Liver
Another one I use a lot, especially with regard to respiratory problems, and have wormed my dogs with it before, combined with garlic.
It is anesthetic to the skin and mucous membranes, having a paralyzing effect on the ends of the sensory nerves.
Thyme is an old household remedy with many valuable uses. One of the most common is in the treatment of whooping cough in children. It is also of great benefit to the respiratory system in general. It is also valuable as a stomach, bowel and uterine remedy, having a soothing action on the nerves.
Taken internally, it is powerful enough to destroy worms and remove foul odors. It is used for obstructed menstruation, headaches, colic, flatulence, fevers, dyspepsia, abdominal cramps, bronchitis, coughs, colds, toothaches, bad odor (it is a primary ingredient in Listerine), rheumatism, gout, scabies, ulcers, spasms, and hysteria. The oil can be applied topically or diluted in water and taken internally.
It has both stimulant and relaxant properties, so it tends to regulate the system as needed. One of the safer herbs to use. also, almost everyone has it in their kitchen. (I can give you a whole list of stuff your kitchen spices will help. It's amazing what medicines we all eat every day without knowing it.)
I have even used it, along with a few other herbs (like Lobelia, Mullein, etc.), to make a smoking mixture that will stop an asthma attack and dilate the bronchial tubes of someone whose chest gets too congested to breathe. Also, cherry bark is good for this and makes a wonderful cough syrup.


Wormwood - a digestive aid with anti-parasitic properties.
cold, bitter - affects Liver, Gallbladder
counteract fevers, regulate the Liver and menses and treat anemia and arthritis. [B]IT IS ALSO ABORTIVE. Taken as a bitter tonic and given to eliminate intestinal worms and parasites.
A wash of the tea will relieve itching from rashes.
Dosage is only 1 tsp. dried herb infused in a cup of boiling water.
Should not be used during pregnancy.

As you can see, there is a mix of different things here that do treat the symptoms claimed. But they are of different energies and work in different ways. This is an attempt to throw the whole medicine chest at you and hope to fix the problem and make money. While this may or may not be effective for you, it is also quite crude. The proper way of addressing a problem like yours is to find out the root cause of the physical manifestation of symptoms. What organ/system/energy meridian is affected and out of balance and why? (There is always even a very good possibility that there is something in your life that is bothering you, mentally or spiritually, that will manifest in this way and that if you "fix" the life problem, the physical problem disappears also. In fact, most physical problems have accompanying mental and spiritual problems associated with it that need addressing.) Physical sympotoms are a sign of imbalance(s) in your life, whatever the causes(s), but it is not the symptoms that need addressing. It is the cause(s) of those symptoms.

That is a highly individual thing that can only be determined through a set of specific questions to determine other patterns in your life that point to which herb or combination of herbs is right for you.

My gut feeling about this is that this product is probably is too weak in any one herb (maybe even overall - who knows?) to hurt you much. They couldn't very well have a lot of people complaining of bad side effects. However, given the fact that there are SERIOUS contraindications, like the fact that it could cause a miscarriage (that you may or may not see on the product packaging), that you should be aware of. Are the levels in the product high enough to do harm? I don't know. But, you can also say that if they are not, then they are probably not high enough to do you much good, either.

I could always be wrong. I have not read up on this product. However, I prefer to mix my own formulas that are more suited to the specific set of symptoms and the specific person. Herbal medicine is far more effective - and safe - practiced in that manner.

[cyberactivist]

My advice to you. If you don't want to shell out the money to consult an herbalist (or any other alternative medicine practitioner - I have seen and used many other methods that work wonderfully, like Healing Touch), then you should get you some good books. There have been some good ones put out, like the ones I mentioned above. I took a whole correspondence course for a little more than $500 for the professional level (they ran a special). The home course is even cheaper, but you can learn plenty. That is where the list of kitchen herb usage is I was mentioning - in the first (of 3 parts for the pro course) part of the course, which is only part used in the course for the home herbalist, and thus much simpler. You don't use many of the stronger, more specialized herbs in the home course or make the complicated formulas, but you can still treat most things pretty well. You just use single herbs or simple formulas, which are often just as effective. Not to mention cheaper and more easily obtainable. Just reach for your spice rack, like the cayenne ability to stop bleeding example I mentioned before.

Do what you want to. Maybe it will help. It probably won''t hurt. But, it is also probably a waste of money.

I have a challenge for you:

Meditate on it. Find a quiet place, clear your mind, and focus your attention on your breathing and where in your body you feel symptoms of dis-ease. Relax further. If this is hard to do, simply start with your toes and tighten and relax, then your feet, legs, etc., working up the body - tightening and relaxing muscles - until you are completely relaxed. This is the point at which your energy will flow the best and you can gain the most insight and perception of the problem at an energy level - which is where the true problem really is.

If you can identify where the feeling of imbalance, "stuck" or blocked, stagnant energy, is concentrated and focus healing energy into that spot, you can begin to heal yourself even without herbs, but better with. You will have a better intuitive understanding of where your problem lies and can make better choices. Trust your gut instinct after such times of attunement. You concentrate on the spot, then allow the healing energy to flow directly into the spot, thus removing the blockage and facilitating healing. Herbs and homeopathy work on an energetic level like that, as does Healing Touch. It sounds simple, and the secret is...It IS...once you understand it. Gotta do some deep spiritual work, though! Gotta learn to "feel the love" to enable the healing energy to flow freely! :)

There are techniques for doing this to yourself, but the main thing I am trying to accomplish by telling you this is that you can perhaps get an understanding of what you have to do to figure out why you may be suffering from these symptoms. To just assume there is a parasite in you because someone else consumed a product marketed to do that, and got better, is not the best way of making a diagnosis. There are many conditions and causes the herbs in that product treat. They affect you in different ways on different energy levels and frequencies, as well as on a physical level.

I realize that these latest posts have been a bit long-winded, but these are complicated things to explain in short summaries. I have spent years learning this stuff and practicing different healing techniques. I can't explain it to you here in a few quick and simple paragraphs.

If the above information makes sense, then go for it! However, if it makes you feel confused, or wishing to know more, then read...study...learn...

There is a lot more going on under the surface when you get into how and why these things work, which you do have to ultimately understand to use them properly. They are not isolated chemicals, like in the pharmaceutical industry and don't behave as such, necessarily. They are much safer, but they are still strong medicines that you should have some knowledge of before consuming whatever new product is on the shelves this week.

Any more detailed info on this, please just email me, as this topic is getting pretty complicated here. The best thing I can tell you is to read.

[VeggieKitten]

...and I do read a lot! I've also quit taking the supplement on Sunday.

It is funny you mention Healing Touch. I teach yoga at a Healing Touch center run by my friend, and she performed a session on me 2 weeks ago. I had an amazing experience. We also found that my 3 lower chakras were blocked, especially the 1st/root and 2nd/sacral, which I pretty much already knew. As far as meditation, I do so every day. It is also part of my yoga practice (Raja-Hatha). I agree with what you say about something possibly being out of whack mentally or something in my life. That is in fact, very true and my chakras which are out of balance reflect this. There is one particular part of my life that is a major stressor right now and I have some big decisions to make that will affect my life and my relationship. But that is another subject altogether.

Thank you so much for taking the time to explain all that you have. I will PM you.