Re: Lemon Balm and Bungleweed?

[Guest guest]

Alyssa -

Yes, lemon balm and bugleweed can help Graves. The bugleweed can lower TSI

antibodies and the lemon balm can reduce the " overactiveness " of the

thyroid. If you look in the archives, there are several posts about

bugleweed fairly recently ago. Check under " bugleweed " or " Pam " . She has had

some success using it and reducing her TSI's. For lemon balm, search on it

or on " gandalf " for 's posts. He had some links on using it and what

it does for hypers.

If you do use them, be sure to continue seeing your doc and getting labwork

done. If your doc isn't open to anything alternative like this, try to find

a naturopath who can give you some guidance on using it. It can be some

powerful stuff - as Pam can tell you and you'll read in some of her posts

when she took a little too much! If you use them, you may need to have your

ATD dosage adjusted sooner than if you weren't using them, so just be aware

of hypo symptoms and get labs if you feel you're becoming hypo. Best to

start using one and see how you react to it for a while before adding the

other. Also, if you have it in a tincture form, some of those have a pretty

high alcohol content, so it may make you sleepy or affect you differently

now that you have GD. Just some things to be aware of - more that I've

probably forgotten in the archives. Pam has had some excellent posts in

recent history about these herbs. She was able to use them to help wean off

of her ATDs and is currently off the ATDs and euthyroid (keep it up, Pam!)

Hope this helps

Lemon Balm and Bungleweed?

>Hey all,

>

>I just went to the health store today and I purchased my multi-

>vitamin Without Iodine and I bought some Lemon Balm I was reading

>that Lemon Balm and Bungldweed are good herbs for Graves disease has

>anyone else ever tried these in combination with meds. I didn't stop

>taking meds I was just going to sort of add some herbs to the list

>especially since they seem very helpful or am I deluded?

>

>luv

>Alyssa

>

>

>

>-------------------------------------

>The Graves' list is intended for informational purposes only and is not

intended to replace expert medical care.

>Please consult your doctor before changing or trying new treatments.

>----------------------------------------

> DISCLAIMER

>

>Advertisments placed on this yahoo groups list does not have the

endorsement of

>the listowner. I have no input as to what ads are attached to emails.

>---------------------------------------------------------------------------

-----------

>

>

[Guest guest]

Alyssa -

Yes, lemon balm and bugleweed can help Graves. The bugleweed can lower TSI

antibodies and the lemon balm can reduce the " overactiveness " of the

thyroid. If you look in the archives, there are several posts about

bugleweed fairly recently ago. Check under " bugleweed " or " Pam " . She has had

some success using it and reducing her TSI's. For lemon balm, search on it

or on " gandalf " for 's posts. He had some links on using it and what

it does for hypers.

If you do use them, be sure to continue seeing your doc and getting labwork

done. If your doc isn't open to anything alternative like this, try to find

a naturopath who can give you some guidance on using it. It can be some

powerful stuff - as Pam can tell you and you'll read in some of her posts

when she took a little too much! If you use them, you may need to have your

ATD dosage adjusted sooner than if you weren't using them, so just be aware

of hypo symptoms and get labs if you feel you're becoming hypo. Best to

start using one and see how you react to it for a while before adding the

other. Also, if you have it in a tincture form, some of those have a pretty

high alcohol content, so it may make you sleepy or affect you differently

now that you have GD. Just some things to be aware of - more that I've

probably forgotten in the archives. Pam has had some excellent posts in

recent history about these herbs. She was able to use them to help wean off

of her ATDs and is currently off the ATDs and euthyroid (keep it up, Pam!)

Hope this helps

Lemon Balm and Bungleweed?

>Hey all,

>

>I just went to the health store today and I purchased my multi-

>vitamin Without Iodine and I bought some Lemon Balm I was reading

>that Lemon Balm and Bungldweed are good herbs for Graves disease has

>anyone else ever tried these in combination with meds. I didn't stop

>taking meds I was just going to sort of add some herbs to the list

>especially since they seem very helpful or am I deluded?

>

>luv

>Alyssa

>

>

>

>-------------------------------------

>The Graves' list is intended for informational purposes only and is not

intended to replace expert medical care.

>Please consult your doctor before changing or trying new treatments.

>----------------------------------------

> DISCLAIMER

>

>Advertisments placed on this yahoo groups list does not have the

endorsement of

>the listowner. I have no input as to what ads are attached to emails.

>---------------------------------------------------------------------------

-----------

>

>

[Guest guest]

Alyssa -

Yes, lemon balm and bugleweed can help Graves. The bugleweed can lower TSI

antibodies and the lemon balm can reduce the " overactiveness " of the

thyroid. If you look in the archives, there are several posts about

bugleweed fairly recently ago. Check under " bugleweed " or " Pam " . She has had

some success using it and reducing her TSI's. For lemon balm, search on it

or on " gandalf " for 's posts. He had some links on using it and what

it does for hypers.

If you do use them, be sure to continue seeing your doc and getting labwork

done. If your doc isn't open to anything alternative like this, try to find

a naturopath who can give you some guidance on using it. It can be some

powerful stuff - as Pam can tell you and you'll read in some of her posts

when she took a little too much! If you use them, you may need to have your

ATD dosage adjusted sooner than if you weren't using them, so just be aware

of hypo symptoms and get labs if you feel you're becoming hypo. Best to

start using one and see how you react to it for a while before adding the

other. Also, if you have it in a tincture form, some of those have a pretty

high alcohol content, so it may make you sleepy or affect you differently

now that you have GD. Just some things to be aware of - more that I've

probably forgotten in the archives. Pam has had some excellent posts in

recent history about these herbs. She was able to use them to help wean off

of her ATDs and is currently off the ATDs and euthyroid (keep it up, Pam!)

Hope this helps

Lemon Balm and Bungleweed?

>Hey all,

>

>I just went to the health store today and I purchased my multi-

>vitamin Without Iodine and I bought some Lemon Balm I was reading

>that Lemon Balm and Bungldweed are good herbs for Graves disease has

>anyone else ever tried these in combination with meds. I didn't stop

>taking meds I was just going to sort of add some herbs to the list

>especially since they seem very helpful or am I deluded?

>

>luv

>Alyssa

>

>

>

>-------------------------------------

>The Graves' list is intended for informational purposes only and is not

intended to replace expert medical care.

>Please consult your doctor before changing or trying new treatments.

>----------------------------------------

> DISCLAIMER

>

>Advertisments placed on this yahoo groups list does not have the

endorsement of

>the listowner. I have no input as to what ads are attached to emails.

>---------------------------------------------------------------------------

-----------

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thank you ,

I will look through the archives. I think my doctor would be fine as

long as the Lemon Balm and Bungleweed don't reduce the effectiveness

of the meds I'm taking now. I'm trying to research the use of Lemon

Balm I'm taking The capsule form and its like 395mg or something like

that it seems to be helping me slow done some. I haven't tried the

Bungleweed but I may do that as well. I really should check with the

Doctor to make sure that this is safe I'm sure it is whats the worst

that can happen I go Hypo well thats the goal hehehe

Alyssa

[Guest guest]

Thank you ,

I will look through the archives. I think my doctor would be fine as

long as the Lemon Balm and Bungleweed don't reduce the effectiveness

of the meds I'm taking now. I'm trying to research the use of Lemon

Balm I'm taking The capsule form and its like 395mg or something like

that it seems to be helping me slow done some. I haven't tried the

Bungleweed but I may do that as well. I really should check with the

Doctor to make sure that this is safe I'm sure it is whats the worst

that can happen I go Hypo well thats the goal hehehe

Alyssa

[Guest guest]

Dear Alyssa,

I too have added bugleweed and lemon balm to my intake and to good effect...

I am now euthyroid and have negative antibody results.

Hope this doesn't make me sound like the spelling monitor... but it is

bugleweed you are after... not bungleweed; any herbalist you ask ought to

know what you are asking for, but you never know, there might actually be a

bungleweed out there and I didn't want you to end up with the wrong thing.

Good luck

DAWN ROSE

>

>Reply-To: graves_support

>To: graves_support

>Subject: Re: Lemon Balm and Bungleweed?

>Date: Sun, 21 Apr 2002 01:17:36 -0000

>

>Thank you ,

>

>I will look through the archives. I think my doctor would be fine as

>long as the Lemon Balm and Bungleweed don't reduce the effectiveness

>of the meds I'm taking now. I'm trying to research the use of Lemon

>Balm I'm taking The capsule form and its like 395mg or something like

>that it seems to be helping me slow done some. I haven't tried the

>Bungleweed but I may do that as well. I really should check with the

>Doctor to make sure that this is safe I'm sure it is whats the worst

>that can happen I go Hypo well thats the goal hehehe

>

>Alyssa

>

>

>

>-------------------------------------

>The Graves' list is intended for informational purposes only and is not

>intended to replace expert medical care.

>Please consult your doctor before changing or trying new treatments.

>----------------------------------------

> DISCLAIMER

>

>Advertisments placed on this yahoo groups list does not have the

>endorsement of

>the listowner. I have no input as to what ads are attached to emails.

>-------------------------------------------------------------------------------\

-------

>

>

[Guest guest]

Dear Alyssa,

I too have added bugleweed and lemon balm to my intake and to good effect...

I am now euthyroid and have negative antibody results.

Hope this doesn't make me sound like the spelling monitor... but it is

bugleweed you are after... not bungleweed; any herbalist you ask ought to

know what you are asking for, but you never know, there might actually be a

bungleweed out there and I didn't want you to end up with the wrong thing.

Good luck

DAWN ROSE

>

>Reply-To: graves_support

>To: graves_support

>Subject: Re: Lemon Balm and Bungleweed?

>Date: Sun, 21 Apr 2002 01:17:36 -0000

>

>Thank you ,

>

>I will look through the archives. I think my doctor would be fine as

>long as the Lemon Balm and Bungleweed don't reduce the effectiveness

>of the meds I'm taking now. I'm trying to research the use of Lemon

>Balm I'm taking The capsule form and its like 395mg or something like

>that it seems to be helping me slow done some. I haven't tried the

>Bungleweed but I may do that as well. I really should check with the

>Doctor to make sure that this is safe I'm sure it is whats the worst

>that can happen I go Hypo well thats the goal hehehe

>

>Alyssa

>

>

>

>-------------------------------------

>The Graves' list is intended for informational purposes only and is not

>intended to replace expert medical care.

>Please consult your doctor before changing or trying new treatments.

>----------------------------------------

> DISCLAIMER

>

>Advertisments placed on this yahoo groups list does not have the

>endorsement of

>the listowner. I have no input as to what ads are attached to emails.

>-------------------------------------------------------------------------------\

-------

>

>

[Guest guest]

Yes Thanks Rose,

It was my mispelling! So Bugleweed and Lemon Balm don't interfere

with our other drugs for Graves? I would luv to be euthyroid without

all the RAI and surgery hassle! Lemon Balm seems to calm me down and

chill me out does yours say 395mgs 3 times a day? Thats what mine

says I hope I'm not overdosing on Lemon Balm but I just luv how it

makes me feel really calm and tired.

alyssa

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Thanks for thinking of me.

Yep, still improving everyday. That part I don't get, but not complaining.

-Pam-

[Guest guest]

I will have to go see what you said, PAM I'm trying to keep up with

you all in all these clubs! I'm very excited to learn more about

this condition and I want to check the archives on Lemon Balm and

Bugleweed I think I spelled that wrong again hehe

Alyssa

[Guest guest]

I have been drinking Celestial Seasonings Sleepytime with extra

velarian or just regular for years before going to bed and it does

relax me it doesn't put me in la la as much as the Lemon Balm I luv

that stuff. I just started taking it and I do get my ZZZZ's! It

will most likely help in weaning off the Elavil and Klonapin! Lemon

Balm is very strong so I don't take much during day just at night is

best! Of course I must tell Endro I'm self medicating I will cross

that bridge this Friday heheeh

Alyssa

[Guest guest]

I have been drinking Celestial Seasonings Sleepytime with extra

velarian or just regular for years before going to bed and it does

relax me it doesn't put me in la la as much as the Lemon Balm I luv

that stuff. I just started taking it and I do get my ZZZZ's! It

will most likely help in weaning off the Elavil and Klonapin! Lemon

Balm is very strong so I don't take much during day just at night is

best! Of course I must tell Endro I'm self medicating I will cross

that bridge this Friday heheeh

Alyssa

[Guest guest]

Pam,

Both plants are generous self-sowers. If you are not careful they will invade

any space open to them. The chamomile is delightful though and attracts all

kinds of interesting insects, especially honeybees if they are around. And its

smells heavenly! Its also quite lovely with its little daisy-like flowers. I

wouldn't roll in it though as its fairly tall when blooming and it will knock

down the plant and your crop will be destroyed.

I've found that if you harvest the flowerheads, and dry them in the sun, you can

rub them through a common kitchen sieve and have more chamomile than one person

can use in a long time.

Good luck.

Laurel

Re: Re: Lemon Balm and Bungleweed?

Laurel,

Not a good plan. It does affect the antibodies, but also lowers the T4.

BUT>> I want a nice size patch of it. I was thinking when I am all hypered

out, I could just go lay down in it. :-)

Sure glad to hear it grows well, and thanks for the warning. Contained it

shall be. You should get a good laugh when I go pay good money for a teeny

tiny start.

But then a 'bed' of Chamomile sounds promising too.

-Pam-

-------------------------------------

The Graves' list is intended for informational purposes only and is not intended

to replace expert medical care.

Please consult your doctor before changing or trying new treatments.

----------------------------------------

DISCLAIMER

Advertisments placed on this yahoo groups list does not have the endorsement of

the listowner. I have no input as to what ads are attached to emails.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------\

------

[Guest guest]

Laurel,

Which chamomile do you speak of? The regular one or the German?

-Pam-

[Guest guest]

Laurel,

Which chamomile do you speak of? The regular one or the German?

-Pam-

[Guest guest]

Tee Hee Alyssa,

If you figure out where I am..let me know. :-) LOL

-Pam-

Re: Lemon Balm and Bungleweed?

> I will have to go see what you said, PAM I'm trying to keep up with

> you all in all these clubs! I'm very excited to learn more about

> this condition and I want to check the archives on Lemon Balm and

> Bugleweed I think I spelled that wrong again hehe

>

> Alyssa

>

>

>

> -------------------------------------

> The Graves' list is intended for informational purposes only and is not

intended to replace expert medical care.

> Please consult your doctor before changing or trying new treatments.

> ----------------------------------------

> DISCLAIMER

>

> Advertisments placed on this yahoo groups list does not have the

endorsement of

> the listowner. I have no input as to what ads are attached to emails.

> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

------------

>

>

[Guest guest]

Tee Hee Alyssa,

If you figure out where I am..let me know. :-) LOL

-Pam-

Re: Lemon Balm and Bungleweed?

> I will have to go see what you said, PAM I'm trying to keep up with

> you all in all these clubs! I'm very excited to learn more about

> this condition and I want to check the archives on Lemon Balm and

> Bugleweed I think I spelled that wrong again hehe

>

> Alyssa

>

>

>

> -------------------------------------

> The Graves' list is intended for informational purposes only and is not

intended to replace expert medical care.

> Please consult your doctor before changing or trying new treatments.

> ----------------------------------------

> DISCLAIMER

>

> Advertisments placed on this yahoo groups list does not have the

endorsement of

> the listowner. I have no input as to what ads are attached to emails.

> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

------------

>

>

[Guest guest]

Tee Hee Alyssa,

If you figure out where I am..let me know. :-) LOL

-Pam-

Re: Lemon Balm and Bungleweed?

> I will have to go see what you said, PAM I'm trying to keep up with

> you all in all these clubs! I'm very excited to learn more about

> this condition and I want to check the archives on Lemon Balm and

> Bugleweed I think I spelled that wrong again hehe

>

> Alyssa

>

>

>

> -------------------------------------

> The Graves' list is intended for informational purposes only and is not

intended to replace expert medical care.

> Please consult your doctor before changing or trying new treatments.

> ----------------------------------------

> DISCLAIMER

>

> Advertisments placed on this yahoo groups list does not have the

endorsement of

> the listowner. I have no input as to what ads are attached to emails.

> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

------------

>

>

[Guest guest]

Pam,

The annual one. Which one is that? Have to look it up even though I used to

know it by heart. Brain fog?

Laurel

Re: Re: Lemon Balm and Bungleweed?

Laurel,

Which chamomile do you speak of? The regular one or the German?

-Pam-

-------------------------------------

The Graves' list is intended for informational purposes only and is not intended

to replace expert medical care.

Please consult your doctor before changing or trying new treatments.

----------------------------------------

DISCLAIMER

Advertisments placed on this yahoo groups list does not have the endorsement of

the listowner. I have no input as to what ads are attached to emails.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------\

------

[Guest guest]

Pam,

The annual one. Which one is that? Have to look it up even though I used to

know it by heart. Brain fog?

Laurel

Re: Re: Lemon Balm and Bungleweed?

Laurel,

Which chamomile do you speak of? The regular one or the German?

-Pam-

-------------------------------------

The Graves' list is intended for informational purposes only and is not intended

to replace expert medical care.

Please consult your doctor before changing or trying new treatments.

----------------------------------------

DISCLAIMER

Advertisments placed on this yahoo groups list does not have the endorsement of

the listowner. I have no input as to what ads are attached to emails.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------\

------

[Guest guest]

Pam,

The annual one. Which one is that? Have to look it up even though I used to

know it by heart. Brain fog?

Laurel

Re: Re: Lemon Balm and Bungleweed?

Laurel,

Which chamomile do you speak of? The regular one or the German?

-Pam-

-------------------------------------

The Graves' list is intended for informational purposes only and is not intended

to replace expert medical care.

Please consult your doctor before changing or trying new treatments.

----------------------------------------

DISCLAIMER

Advertisments placed on this yahoo groups list does not have the endorsement of

the listowner. I have no input as to what ads are attached to emails.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------\

------

[Guest guest]

Hi Laurel,

I definitely would NOT take bugleweed if I had had RAI and was on

supplementary thyroid hormone (which you surely should be if you have gone

hypo?) - put most simply, BUGLEWEED is for HYPERTHYROIDISM - what I have

read about it anyway. It would be great if anyone out there would find out

what herbs might be recommended for hypO, I am sure there are some????

The reason I was drawn to use this herb in the first place was because

Bugleweed reportedly acts directly on the antibodies that cause Graves'

disease, preventing them from binding to the thyroid. I do not know HOW it

does this, but I don't think it is by boosting the immune system generally -

though I could be wrong on that. I have looked on the net for more

information on HOW this stuff works, but to no advantage yet - but if it can

do this, then I'm sure it can interfere with absorbption of thyroxine. It

also does lower TSH

I've just read Jody's post about this and must agree with everything she

says ... people tend to think that natural medicene - herbs, vitamins,

garlic etc etc " can't do you any harm " ... but if they are potent enough to

help,(which is the only reason for taking them) then they are potent enough

to cause problems too. I wasn't able to find a naturopath who understood

thyroid problems at all, but the first herbalist I found knew as much as I

did about my condition and more about the appropriate herbs.

I want to try and strike a balance here between advising CAUTION and scaring

people off herbs all together. I PERSONALLY find herbs very poweful, and

that is one good reason for taking them, but THE RIGHT ONES, IN THE CORRECT

AMOUNT FOR YOU.

Here's a good tip for finding a herbalist - try the yellow pages! I am

always amazed by how much info there is in there!

I found the herbalist when I found the herbs! There were two or three

advertising at the natural chemist where I eventually tracked down some

bugleweed.

Okay... a rather disjointed email, but I hopw it answeres your question

(sorry for typos... cut my finger on the metal kitchen sink plug, yuk and

ouch)

DAWN ROSE (about six weeks into remission)

>

>Reply-To: graves_support

>To: <graves_support >

>Subject: Re: Re: Lemon Balm and Bungleweed?

>Date: Sun, 21 Apr 2002 00:54:42 -0400

>

>Dawn Rose,

>

>Is the lemon balm at all dangerous for those of us who have had RAI and

>gone hypo? I have an entire garden of it (the stuff spreads like weeds,

>talk about invasive, and will survive where nothing else will grow--sand,

>clay anything.) and its smells so good which is part of the reason I

>planted it in the first place.

>

>I know its too late for any hyper treatment but will it be harmful to make

>tea from this stuff? Will it help immune function as well?

>

>Thanks,

>Laurel

>

> Re: Lemon Balm and Bungleweed?

> >Date: Sun, 21 Apr 2002 01:17:36 -0000

> >

> >Thank you ,

> >

> >I will look through the archives. I think my doctor would be fine as

> >long as the Lemon Balm and Bungleweed don't reduce the effectiveness

> >of the meds I'm taking now. I'm trying to research the use of Lemon

> >Balm I'm taking The capsule form and its like 395mg or something like

> >that it seems to be helping me slow done some. I haven't tried the

> >Bungleweed but I may do that as well. I really should check with the

> >Doctor to make sure that this is safe I'm sure it is whats the worst

> >that can happen I go Hypo well thats the goal hehehe

> >

> >Alyssa

> >

> >

> >

> >-------------------------------------

> >The Graves' list is intended for informational purposes only and is not

> >intended to replace expert medical care.

> >Please consult your doctor before changing or trying new treatments.

> >----------------------------------------

> > DISCLAIMER

> >

> >Advertisments placed on this yahoo groups list does not have the

> >endorsement of

> >the listowner. I have no input as to what ads are attached to emails.

>

>-------------------------------------------------------------------------------\

-------

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Hi Laurel,

I definitely would NOT take bugleweed if I had had RAI and was on

supplementary thyroid hormone (which you surely should be if you have gone

hypo?) - put most simply, BUGLEWEED is for HYPERTHYROIDISM - what I have

read about it anyway. It would be great if anyone out there would find out

what herbs might be recommended for hypO, I am sure there are some????

The reason I was drawn to use this herb in the first place was because

Bugleweed reportedly acts directly on the antibodies that cause Graves'

disease, preventing them from binding to the thyroid. I do not know HOW it

does this, but I don't think it is by boosting the immune system generally -

though I could be wrong on that. I have looked on the net for more

information on HOW this stuff works, but to no advantage yet - but if it can

do this, then I'm sure it can interfere with absorbption of thyroxine. It

also does lower TSH

I've just read Jody's post about this and must agree with everything she

says ... people tend to think that natural medicene - herbs, vitamins,

garlic etc etc " can't do you any harm " ... but if they are potent enough to

help,(which is the only reason for taking them) then they are potent enough

to cause problems too. I wasn't able to find a naturopath who understood

thyroid problems at all, but the first herbalist I found knew as much as I

did about my condition and more about the appropriate herbs.

I want to try and strike a balance here between advising CAUTION and scaring

people off herbs all together. I PERSONALLY find herbs very poweful, and

that is one good reason for taking them, but THE RIGHT ONES, IN THE CORRECT

AMOUNT FOR YOU.

Here's a good tip for finding a herbalist - try the yellow pages! I am

always amazed by how much info there is in there!

I found the herbalist when I found the herbs! There were two or three

advertising at the natural chemist where I eventually tracked down some

bugleweed.

Okay... a rather disjointed email, but I hopw it answeres your question

(sorry for typos... cut my finger on the metal kitchen sink plug, yuk and

ouch)

DAWN ROSE (about six weeks into remission)

>

>Reply-To: graves_support

>To: <graves_support >

>Subject: Re: Re: Lemon Balm and Bungleweed?

>Date: Sun, 21 Apr 2002 00:54:42 -0400

>

>Dawn Rose,

>

>Is the lemon balm at all dangerous for those of us who have had RAI and

>gone hypo? I have an entire garden of it (the stuff spreads like weeds,

>talk about invasive, and will survive where nothing else will grow--sand,

>clay anything.) and its smells so good which is part of the reason I

>planted it in the first place.

>

>I know its too late for any hyper treatment but will it be harmful to make

>tea from this stuff? Will it help immune function as well?

>

>Thanks,

>Laurel

>

> Re: Lemon Balm and Bungleweed?

> >Date: Sun, 21 Apr 2002 01:17:36 -0000

> >

> >Thank you ,

> >

> >I will look through the archives. I think my doctor would be fine as

> >long as the Lemon Balm and Bungleweed don't reduce the effectiveness

> >of the meds I'm taking now. I'm trying to research the use of Lemon

> >Balm I'm taking The capsule form and its like 395mg or something like

> >that it seems to be helping me slow done some. I haven't tried the

> >Bungleweed but I may do that as well. I really should check with the

> >Doctor to make sure that this is safe I'm sure it is whats the worst

> >that can happen I go Hypo well thats the goal hehehe

> >

> >Alyssa

> >

> >

> >

> >-------------------------------------

> >The Graves' list is intended for informational purposes only and is not

> >intended to replace expert medical care.

> >Please consult your doctor before changing or trying new treatments.

> >----------------------------------------

> > DISCLAIMER

> >

> >Advertisments placed on this yahoo groups list does not have the

> >endorsement of

> >the listowner. I have no input as to what ads are attached to emails.

>

>-------------------------------------------------------------------------------\

-------

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Hi Laurel,

I definitely would NOT take bugleweed if I had had RAI and was on

supplementary thyroid hormone (which you surely should be if you have gone

hypo?) - put most simply, BUGLEWEED is for HYPERTHYROIDISM - what I have

read about it anyway. It would be great if anyone out there would find out

what herbs might be recommended for hypO, I am sure there are some????

The reason I was drawn to use this herb in the first place was because

Bugleweed reportedly acts directly on the antibodies that cause Graves'

disease, preventing them from binding to the thyroid. I do not know HOW it

does this, but I don't think it is by boosting the immune system generally -

though I could be wrong on that. I have looked on the net for more

information on HOW this stuff works, but to no advantage yet - but if it can

do this, then I'm sure it can interfere with absorbption of thyroxine. It

also does lower TSH

I've just read Jody's post about this and must agree with everything she

says ... people tend to think that natural medicene - herbs, vitamins,

garlic etc etc " can't do you any harm " ... but if they are potent enough to

help,(which is the only reason for taking them) then they are potent enough

to cause problems too. I wasn't able to find a naturopath who understood

thyroid problems at all, but the first herbalist I found knew as much as I

did about my condition and more about the appropriate herbs.

I want to try and strike a balance here between advising CAUTION and scaring

people off herbs all together. I PERSONALLY find herbs very poweful, and

that is one good reason for taking them, but THE RIGHT ONES, IN THE CORRECT

AMOUNT FOR YOU.

Here's a good tip for finding a herbalist - try the yellow pages! I am

always amazed by how much info there is in there!

I found the herbalist when I found the herbs! There were two or three

advertising at the natural chemist where I eventually tracked down some

bugleweed.

Okay... a rather disjointed email, but I hopw it answeres your question

(sorry for typos... cut my finger on the metal kitchen sink plug, yuk and

ouch)

DAWN ROSE (about six weeks into remission)

>

>Reply-To: graves_support

>To: <graves_support >

>Subject: Re: Re: Lemon Balm and Bungleweed?

>Date: Sun, 21 Apr 2002 00:54:42 -0400

>

>Dawn Rose,

>

>Is the lemon balm at all dangerous for those of us who have had RAI and

>gone hypo? I have an entire garden of it (the stuff spreads like weeds,

>talk about invasive, and will survive where nothing else will grow--sand,

>clay anything.) and its smells so good which is part of the reason I

>planted it in the first place.

>

>I know its too late for any hyper treatment but will it be harmful to make

>tea from this stuff? Will it help immune function as well?

>

>Thanks,

>Laurel

>

> Re: Lemon Balm and Bungleweed?

> >Date: Sun, 21 Apr 2002 01:17:36 -0000

> >

> >Thank you ,

> >

> >I will look through the archives. I think my doctor would be fine as

> >long as the Lemon Balm and Bungleweed don't reduce the effectiveness

> >of the meds I'm taking now. I'm trying to research the use of Lemon

> >Balm I'm taking The capsule form and its like 395mg or something like

> >that it seems to be helping me slow done some. I haven't tried the

> >Bungleweed but I may do that as well. I really should check with the

> >Doctor to make sure that this is safe I'm sure it is whats the worst

> >that can happen I go Hypo well thats the goal hehehe

> >

> >Alyssa

> >

> >

> >

> >-------------------------------------

> >The Graves' list is intended for informational purposes only and is not

> >intended to replace expert medical care.

> >Please consult your doctor before changing or trying new treatments.

> >----------------------------------------

> > DISCLAIMER

> >

> >Advertisments placed on this yahoo groups list does not have the

> >endorsement of

> >the listowner. I have no input as to what ads are attached to emails.

>

>-------------------------------------------------------------------------------\

-------

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Hi Dawn Rose,

I too have had the RAI, and I am still considering the bugleweed 'down the

road' if the ptu doesn't

reduce all of my elevated thyroid autoantibodies. From being on the put and

my hormone replacement

and when the ptu first starting suppressing the antibodies, I know that with

them lower I actually felt

GOOD...but something has gone haywired, don't know if it is allergies or

what, but now all of my thyroid

ab's were going higher again last labs. I just got them drawn on Friday and

waiting for results back to

see what is going on now. The last 2/3 days I am doing better.

It just upsets me a lot that having had RAI, and the problems it causes, I

still have ACTIVE graves So

now my goal is to lower these ab's to an undetecable amount, no matter how

long it takes...and

bugleweed is in the back of my mind. If all else fails, I will try it.

Yours and Pam's experience with this

has fascinated me to no end.

The reason for my caution is high influx of new people coming in, new to

graves, new to the support

group, new to treatments, all wanting something to help them NOW, and I am

hoping they will learn

much about this disease, treatments and their own bodies and signals before

doing things that those of us

who have been at it for years are trying. The caution if to learn, read,

and be in touch with your bodies

signals before self medicating, whether that is with herbs, supplements or

cutting and raising doses of

standard atd's. All of these have to be learned and researched thoroughly

before trying some of the things

we *old* timers do.

We all want you to feel better, to attain remission and we are all willing

to help, but only your own

research and your own bodies can really teach you. Not a lecture, just a

word of caution as you take

this journey.

Take care,

Jody

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