Herbalist wanted!

[brightrosefox]

No, not me. I'm still training. Heh.

Need info on the Brazilian root Cat's Claw. It's being studied on as a powerful immune-boosting supplement, better than Astragalus. Apparently, though, long ago, Brazilian women used it for birth control. I've already found two claims to "use caution" when taking it with an oral contraceptive, but that's it. And I've Googled a lot of places. Now, I don't believe it'll necessarily decrease effectiveness of my pills, since it would obviously say so (like St. John's Wort), but has anyone heard anything that I don't know about?

I've also found that Pau D'Arco can be used with Cat's Claw to be the best immune system booster since ... ummm ... Astragalus. Em, I think both help with lung function. They apparently help with HIV and cancer. And flu. And arthritis. Who cares, they make me feel better!

Comments

[moronqueen.livejournal.com]

Well...since they used it as a birth control, it might have some of the same types of substances as in the horomones used in the pills...that's what I'm wondering...

[brightrosefox.livejournal.com]

That's what the caution seems to be all about. Though from what I understand, plant hormones really can't do much to chemical or synthetic hormones; ie those in the Pill.

[moronqueen.livejournal.com]

I wasn't think of them doing anything to the synthetic horomones, but rather, to the way your body reacts...the chemical bases are pretty similar to my understanding, and the body's receptors and blockers react the same way to a few...it's been a long time since my biology and physology classes, tho, so...memory could be a lil' faulty. ;)

[brightrosefox.livejournal.com]

Hrmmm. So, maybe my body might get confused? Like, it might not let the contraceptive work the way it's supposed to? If you could figure out the details I'd appreciate it. I just got a big bottle. Worse comes to worse, if it's not good for me, would you want it? It is an immune booster, after all.

[moronqueen.livejournal.com]

It might get confused, or it might go on a horomone overload...I honestly don't know...I'm getting into bio-chemistry here, so...yeah. *G* If anything DOES happen, I doubt it would be permanent...you'd feel it, be it emotional or physical, but so long as you follow the directions on the bottle and keep an eye on reactions, I highly doubt anything would happen.

And I'll pass on the offer...though I do appreciate it!!! I've got so many suppliments in this place it's not even funny. ;) *hugs*

I think I might just do some reasearch, tho...

[ronin-lethe.livejournal.com]

ummmmm...

it wouldn't "obviously say so". since the FDA does not regulate herbs, they are required to say fuck all about fuck all. in fact, St. John's Wort didn't start mentioning anything until fairly recently... i remember being in college and my mother of all people telling me about the interaction, and i looked everywhere on my bottles and couldn't find it. if you get knocked up, you may have a decent case to sue, but don't assume that the companies that market "natural remedies" will necessarily be forthcoming!

btw, if this sounds snippy i apologize--i'm in a swearin' mood (in a good way. i think)