This section of our website is dedicated to organizing herbs, nutraceuticals, vitamins and minerals into a guide that I wish I had had from the start of our PANDAS journey. It is a blend of insights and methods gathered from a variety of sources, including medical doctors, naturopaths, functional medicine doctors and herbalists. It draws from ten (and counting) different books, herbal medicine courses and webinars. The books cover a range of topics: some focus on PANDAS, others delve into autoimmune diseases, Lyme, and a few are general herbal reference books. You can find links to all these books here. They are invaluable resources I reference over and over again.
My journey to creating this guide for myself started with a single book that made a significant difference for my son. Inspired, I read another book, tweaked the protocol, and added new elements. This process continued, book after book, until I distilled everything I’d learned into one comprehensive chart. This chart the systems necessary for healing that were referenced over and over in my research and lists the herbs, vitamins, and nutraceuticals that could help treat them. When I combined all the protocols, I found that despite the differences in approaches they were all more or less addressing the same issues: get rid of any bugs (virus, bacteria & fungus), dampen the inflammation, address symptoms, and then focus on giving the body what it needs to heal itself.
My journey to creating this guide for myself started with a single book that made a significant difference for my son. Inspired, I read another book, tweaked the protocol, and added new elements. This process continued, book after book, until I distilled everything I’d learned into one comprehensive chart. This chart the systems necessary for healing that were referenced over and over in my research and lists the herbs, vitamins, and nutraceuticals that could help treat them. When I combined all the protocols, I found that despite the differences in approaches they were all more or less addressing the same issues: get rid of any bugs (virus, bacteria & fungus), dampen the inflammation, address symptoms, and then focus on giving the body what it needs to heal itself.
“Natural forces within us are the true healers of disease.”
― Hippocrates
My hope and prayer is that this information may find another parent and child in need, and
bring healing to a family.
I’m not a doctor and this is not medical advice but information for you to discuss with your medical provider. This information is
meant to be the start of your research. This is not meant to encourage you not to use prescriptions or conventional medicine.
Antibiotics, ibuprofen, steroids and other pharmaceuticals have been part of our healing journey, but we’ve been able to pull back on
those interventions as they heal.
Top Row: The boxes on the top row are specific for PANS/PANDAS: Reduce the Inflammation, Manage the Symptoms, and Kill or Avoid the Bugs.
Bottom Row: The boxes on the bottom row are the foundation of functional medicine, and necessary to fully heal. Some disagree on the order in which you should focus, but most subscribe to a heal the gut first approach. (Exception for mold) Just in the last ten years, we’ve had groundbreaking studies and research on the gut that has fundamentally how practitioners view gut health.
Gut Feeling: Surprising Facts about your Second Brain!
1. Serotonin Source: Did you know that 90-95% of the serotonin—commonly known as the “happy hormone”—is produced in the gut? The gut is also responsible for making gammaaminobutyric acid (GABA), which helps control feelings of fear and anxiety.
2. Intestinal Integrity: When the intestinal lining is compromised, as in the case of leaky gut syndrome, our body’s defense mechanism against harmful invaders weakens. This breach allows toxins, pathogens, and other undesirable substances to infiltrate directly into the bloodstream, triggering a cascade of health issues.
3. Microbiome Maintenance: The gut is home to trillions of microbes collectively known as the microbiome. Disruptions in gut microbiota have been linked to various neurological conditions, such as depression, anxiety, autism, and Parkinson’s.
4. Immune System HQ: A significant portion of our immune system is made in the gutassociated lymphoid tissue (GALT). By nurturing a healthy gut environment, we bolster our body’s defenses against infections and autoimmune disorders.
5. Nutrient Absorption: Optimal nutrient absorption begins in the gut. However, when gut health is compromised, it can lead to malabsorption issues, depriving our body of vital vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients essential for healing and cellular health.
6. Inflammation Control Center: Chronic inflammation often stems from imbalances within the gut. By addressing gut health, you can quell inflammation at its source.
7. Neurological Nexus: The gut-brain axis represents a complex, bidirectional communication network between the gut and the brain. This axis involves direct and indirect pathways, including the vagus nerve, immune system, and neuroactive compounds produced by gut microbes.
- Vagus Nerve as a Communication Pathway: The vagus nerve, one of the longest nerves in the body, acts as a superhighway for sending signals between the gut and the brain. This nerve’s role is crucial in transmitting the gut’s microbial messages to the brain, influencing mood and cognitive functions.
- Impact on Stress Response: Research has shown that the gut microbiota can influence the body’s stress response system, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis.
8. Mood Modulator: Gut health isn’t just about digestion—it’s intricately linked to mood regulation and mental health. By nurturing a flourishing gut microbiome, we can potentially alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress.
Considering the above, it’s no wonder we need to focus on our gut for optimal health and healing!
In most cases of chronic illness, before the acute level of symptoms presented themselves, the body was not functioning at its best, whether due to genetics, epigenetics, gut health, mitochondrial dysfunction, accumulation of toxins, or other stressors on the body.
“Illnesses do not come upon us out of the blue. They are developed from small daily sins against Nature. When enough sins have accumulated, illnesses will suddenly appear.”
― Hippocrates
This chart is merely meant to organize the information that I found into a roadmap of sorts that had I had in the beginning I think my son would have suffered less. I’m not a doctor and this is not medical advice but information for you to discuss with your medical provider. This is not meant to encourage you not to use prescriptions or conventional medicine. Antibiotics, ibuprofen, and steroids have been part of our healing journey. But, the better my son gets the less dependent we are on those interventions.
My hope and prayer is that it may find another parent and child in need, and bring healing to a family.
Long Term Protocol:
When my oldest son is stable, he gets 1-2 anti-inflammatories for chronic inflammation, 1-2 anti-virals and antimicrobials, an antihistamine as needed, vitamins & minerals, and nutraceuticals to address his genetic mutations. He also takes a probiotic, and we rotate through different gut health supports. Right now, phospholipids, humid acid, and CoQ10 are prioritized for cellular health.
My whole family takes herbs to support their detox pathways, typically burdock + dandelion. Outside of our detox pathways, every couple of months we do a month where we’re more focused on detoxing, and then we back off again for a month or two. An instructor in my herbal classes always says “build a little, cleanse a little” and I try to follow his instruction. We were in mold so we detoxed mold first. We’ll be doing an updated mycotoxin test to see what progress we’ve made.
In order to lessen the amount of pills they swallow, we use herbal glycerites mixed in grape juice, dermal patches, humid acid as a tasteless liquid, and I mix a couple of things into applesauce, chocolate milk, and lemonade.
Flare Protocol:
Vitamin A and E, up Vitamin D and Vitamin C
Two strong anti-inflammatories: the ones I usually go to are pine bark, feverfew + perilla, ginger, and rosemary.
Depending on why I think he’s flaring, I make sure he’s getting at least 2 strong anti-virals and 2 strong anti-microbials, and usually a binder at night.
For a list of tips & tricks that worked for us click here.
What would I do differently?
I would prioritize gut health. All disease begins in the gut! I would have given more herbs and nutraceuticals to heal his gut lining and worked on his microbiome.
Additionally, I would have given my son supports for cellular repair, phospholipids and CoQ10.
I would also have ordered his 23 and me test way sooner than I did, so I could have started supporting his genetic mutations quicker.
Modern Herbology
The Evolution of Understanding in Herbal Medicine
Herbal medicine, with its roots deeply entrenched in ancient practices, has long been celebrated for its therapeutic properties. However, it is only in recent decades that modern scientific techniques have begun to decode the complex interactions within herbs that confer these benefits. Today, modern herbology leverages cutting-edge research and technology to dissect and analyze the specific biochemical components of herbs, providing a more scientific basis for their medicinal use.
Deep Dive into Phytochemical Benefits
Herbs are treasure troves of phytochemicals, the natural compounds that plants produce to protect themselves but which also offer significant health benefits when used in human medicine. These benefits are varied and profound:
• Antimicrobial, Antiviral, and Antifungal Properties: Many herbs have been shown to effectively combat pathogens, offering natural alternatives to synthetic antibiotics and antivirals. For example, garlic possesses strong antimicrobial qualities, and echinacea is frequently used for its antiviral effects.
• Anti-inflammatory Effects: Chronic inflammation is linked to a range of health issues, from arthritis to heart disease. Herbs like turmeric and ginger are highly regarded for their potent anti-inflammatory properties.
• Immune System Modulation: Some herbs can help boost or modulate the immune system. Astragalus, for instance, is known to enhance immune health, making it a popular choice during cold and flu season.
• Rich in Antioxidants, Minerals, and Vitamins: Herbs are packed with nutrients that protect against oxidative stress and support overall health. Herbs like parsley and basil are rich in vitamins and antioxidants, which help in protecting the body’s cells.
• Support for Detoxification Processes: Certain herbs can aid in detoxifying the body by enhancing liver function and promoting the elimination of toxins. Milk thistle, for example, has been used to support liver health for centuries.
• Promotion of Cellular Repair: Herbs like gotu kola are celebrated for their ability to aid in wound healing and improve skin health by promoting cellular repair and collagen production.
Validation through Ongoing Research
The convergence of traditional knowledge and modern science is continually enriching our understanding of herbal medicine. Ongoing research not only confirms many age-old uses of herbs but also opens new avenues for therapeutic applications. Each study that validates the efficacy of herbal components encourages a more integrated approach to health and wellness, blending the best of traditional wisdom and scientific research. This ongoing exploration is crucial for advancing herbal medicine’s role in modern healthcare, ensuring that its use is based on evidence, making it a reliable and respected component of medical treatment options.
Understanding Dosages for Children
When calculating herbal dosages for children, most herbalists use either Clark’s Rule or Young’s Rule.
Clark’s Rule calculates the child’s dosage by considering the child’s weight. Specifically, the dosage is determined by multiplying the adult dosage by the child’s weight in pounds and then dividing by 150. For example, if an adult dosage is 300 mg and the child weighs 50 pounds, the child’s dosage would be (300 x 50)/150= 100mg.
Young’s Rule, on the other hand, focuses on the child’s age. This rule states that the child’s dosage is found by dividing the child’s age by the sum of their age plus 12, and then multiplying this fraction by the adult dose. For instance, for a child aged 4, the calculation would be (4/(4+12)) x adult dose. This gives a fraction of the adult dose proportional to the age of the child, adjusting as they grow older.
Personally, I follow Clark’s Rule because it is just easier for me to remember and calculate in my head, but either will work.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that around 4 billion people worldwide use herbal therapies. Historically, herbs have been integral to medicinal practices in cultures around the world and they continue to play a key role in health and wellness today. Lately, there’s been a noticeable uptick in the use of herbal medicine by Americans to manage different health issues.
Herbs are plants or plant parts valued for their medicinal, aromatic, or savory qualities. These plants are packed with biochemicals that offer therapeutic benefits. Many modern medicines actually come from herbs. For example, aspirin, one of the most common drugs, was originally made from the willow tree’s bark. Ancient texts from Sumer and Egypt mention using willow and other plants rich in salicylates for easing pain and reducing fever. And, in modern herbal medicine willow is still used for pain relief.
In fact, about 25 percent of prescription drugs in the U.S. contain at least one ingredient derived from plant sources.
The relevance of herbs in modern medicine is also underscored by a WHO finding that about 74 percent of 119 plant-based drugs are used in ways consistent with their traditional uses by indigenous cultures. Major pharmaceutical companies are increasingly focusing on researching plants from around the world to discover and utilize their health benefits. They cannot patent herbs so they have to find a specific compound or novel method of extraction in order to patent their product.
Absolutely, herbs can be incredibly effective! Speaking from personal experience, they’ve been more powerful than I ever anticipated. I began using herbal remedies with my children, driven by desperation and not expecting much. However, I’ve been consistently amazed by their impact. I often find myself wondering why more people aren’t aware of the benefits of using herbs.
That said, it’s important to note that everyone’s experience with herbs can be different. Finding the right herbs that work well for an individual can be quite specific, and no two people will have exactly the same results. The human body is a complex system, and herbs don’t operate in isolation. Each person’s unique body chemistry affects how they respond to herbal treatments.
The efficacy of herbal treatments is contingent upon multiple factors, including the duration and severity of the condition being treated, the dosage, the method of administration (such as teas, capsules, or tinctures), the quality of the herbs, and adherence to the regimen. The timeline for observing therapeutic effects can vary significantly depending on the application and the specific health issue addressed.
For instance, the use of herbal bitters can promote digestion almost immediately—within as little as 60 seconds—following a substantial meal. Alternatively, soaking in a bath infused with rosemary tea might take around 20 minutes to alleviate tension. On the other hand, herbal tonics intended to enhance energy levels or correct long-standing imbalances may require days, weeks, or even months to demonstrate noticeable benefits.
In cases of chronic conditions, the reversal and management process can extend over years. This prolonged duration reflects the time needed for herbs to gradually restore balance and health within the body. It is crucial for patients to maintain consistency in their treatment plan and consult regularly with their healthcare provider to adjust dosages and formulations as needed to optimize outcomes.
The primary advantage of using herbs lies in their ability to minimize side effects while preserving clinical effectiveness. Herbs typically offer a gentler approach compared to conventional drugs, thereby reducing the likelihood of adverse effects. Most herbs can be used alongside antibiotics, ibuprofen, and other pharmaceuticals, but you should always discuss with your doctor, especially if you take pharmaceuticals for blood clots, diabetes, blood pressure or you are pregnant or nursing.
- Source Responsibly: Always buy herbs and herbal products from reputable sources. Look for suppliers who provide detailed information about the origin of their herbs, their cultivation practices (preferably organic), and their harvesting methods.
- Check for Certifications: Seek out products that have been certified by recognized bodies such as the U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP), NSF International, or the Non-GMO Project. These certifications help ensure that the product meets strict standards for quality and safety.
- Read Labels Carefully: Always read the labels on herbal products. Check for the list of ingredients, dosage recommendations, expiration date, and any warnings about potential side effects or interactions with other medications.
- Monitor Your Body’s Response: Pay attention to how your body reacts to a new herbal treatment. If you experience any adverse effects, discontinue use immediately and consult a healthcare provider.
- Educate Yourself: Learn about the herbs you are using. Understanding their uses, benefits, and potential side effects can help you make informed decisions and use herbal medicine safely.