The first step for healing
Treating the inflammation in a child with PANS/PANDAS can provide immediate relief for a suffering child. Reducing the neuroinflammation makes everything a little bit easier for everyone. It can significantly reduce the anger, aggression, OCD, separation anxiety, bed wetting and sleep disturbances, to name a few symptoms.
If you’ve had a child that has sleep disturbances when they flare, you know that everything feels better/lighter when you start to sleep again. When you reduce their inflammation, their body can go back to focus on healing itself, not dealing with inflammation.
These herbs are effective and can be taken long term to manage ongoing inflammation.
However, there are some herbs that should not be taken long-term, and some that experts disagree whether they should be taken long-term. And, there are some herbs that have the potential to stimulate the immune system and cause some people with autoimmune conditions to flare.
Stay curious. Stay hopeful. Stay Strong.
During a flare, our protocol includes essential vitamins and a blend of anti-inflammatory herbs:
↑ Increase Vitamin C and D
+Add Vitamin A and Zinc (if not already taking)
+ Herbal blend of anti-inflammatories
My go-to remedies are pycnegenol, resolvins, cat’s claw, rosemary, ginger, or feverfew combined with equal parts perilla (otherwise it can make you itchy).
During the acute phase, I dose more often and at a higher dose than a maintenance dose.
Then, as the flare subsides, I gradually reduce the dosages, pulling back on the anti-inflammatories one by one, or dropping a 3rd daily dose, until we return to the maintenance dose.
For chronic inflammation, my favorites are curcumin, pine bark, ginger and cat’s claw.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Aloe Vera is a powerhouse for calming inflammation, especially within the gut. Its impact comes from polysaccharides, like acemannan, which are known to modulate the immune system in impressive ways. These compounds reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, enhancing tissue repair and soothing irritated areas. The anti-inflammatory effects are particularly useful for those dealing with inflammatory gut conditions, helping the body move from crisis mode into a healing phase.
Additional Medicinal Uses
Using Aloe for Constipation Relief
Aloe Vera is also known for its mild laxative properties, which can be helpful in relieving constipation. The latex found in the outer leaf has compounds that stimulate bowel movements, providing gentle yet effective support for those struggling with sluggish digestion. It’s best to start with a small amount and adjust as needed, ensuring comfortable, regular relief.
Dosage Guidelines
Maintenance: 100mg daily or 1 tablespoon daily
Flare: 200mg twice daily or 1 tablespoon twice a day
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Boswellia, often known as Indian frankincense, is a powerful medicinal herb with significant anti-inflammatory benefits, especially in cases of chronic or systemic inflammation. The key lies in its active compounds, boswellic acids, which work to inhibit inflammatory pathways without damaging the stomach lining—a common issue with traditional NSAIDs.
One of Boswellia’s standout features is its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, allowing it to directly target inflammation in the central nervous system. This makes it an excellent option for addressing neuroinflammatory conditions.
Dosage Guidelines & Tips
Maintenance:
Flare:
Note: in children with PANS/PANDAS, Boswellia has been known to cause flares in some children. Therefore, it’s crucial to start with a low dosage and monitor the child’s response carefully.
For optimal absorption and minimal gastrointestinal discomfort, Boswellia is best taken before meals.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Cat’s Claw is a potent medicinal herb well-known for its significant anti-inflammatory benefits. It works by modulating the body’s production of inflammatory compounds, helping to lower key markers of inflammation while promoting a more balanced immune response. Cat’s Claw is particularly valuable for individuals dealing with a weakened immune system, as it can reinvigorate the body, making it more able to counteract inflammation and infection. Additionally, Cat’s Claw is a powerful antioxidant, effectively neutralizing free radicals and protecting cells from oxidative stress. This protection is essential, as chronic inflammation and oxidative stress often coexist, accelerating the progression of various health conditions.
Other Medicinal Uses
Beyond its anti-inflammatory effects, Cat’s Claw is also a potent antiviral and antimicrobial herb, making it valuable in fighting infections within the gut and more complex systemic conditions like Lyme disease. For those dealing with chronic infections that impact both the gut and the immune system, Cat’s Claw offers a natural solution that not only fights infection but also supports overall healing and resilience.
One of the most impressive attributes of Cat’s Claw is its ability to support DNA repair and detoxify the intestinal tract. These actions not only help reduce inflammation but also foster deeper healing within the body.
However, it’s essential to understand that Cat’s Claw is most effective when taken with food, as it requires the presence of stomach acid for proper activation. Moreover, its benefits often unfold gradually over time—it can take up to six weeks to see the full effects, particularly for chronic conditions like gut inflammation or long-standing infections. Patience is crucial, as the herb works steadily to reduce inflammation and enhance well-being from within.
Dosage Guidelines & Tips
Maintenance: 1,000mg one to two times daily or ____ml
Flare: up to 7,000mg three times daily or ______ml
It’s important to start very low and work up to the starting dose, otherwise some children may react.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Curcumin, the active compound found in turmeric, is celebrated for its ability to manage inflammation in a natural and balanced way. Unlike traditional anti-inflammatory medications that often come with harsh side effects, curcumin works by selectively inhibiting the COX-2 enzyme pathway—the one responsible for inflammation—while leaving the protective COX-1 pathway intact. This is a crucial distinction because NSAIDs like ibuprofen block both pathways, which can lead to unwanted side effects, especially in the stomach. Curcumin’s more targeted approach allows it to effectively reduce inflammation without compromising gut health.
What makes curcumin particularly powerful is its broad-spectrum anti-inflammatory response. It doesn’t just target inflammation in one part of the body; instead, it helps reduce inflammation wherever it occurs.
Curcumin’s benefits extend beyond reducing inflammation. It works synergistically with other naturally occurring compounds in turmeric to enhance tissue repair and promote regeneration. Dr. Nancy O’Hara, a leading expert in PANS/PANDAS, frequently recommends curcumin for children, emphasizing its safety and effectiveness in managing chronic inflammatory symptoms.
Dosage Guidlines & Tips
On its own, curcumin has low bioavailability, meaning your body may have difficulty absorbing it effectively. However, combining curcumin with other substances, such as black pepper extract (piperine), can dramatically enhance its absorption. Piperine has been shown to increase curcumin’s bioavailability by up to 2,000%, making it much more effective in reducing inflammation.
General Dosage Guidelines:
- Capsules (with piperine): A typical starting dose is 500 mg to 1,000 mg per day, often divided into two doses. For more severe inflammation or during a flare, this can be increased to 2,000 mg per day, always taken with food to improve absorption.
- Liquid or Tincture: Curcumin can also be taken in liquid form, where the recommended dose typically ranges from 1 to 2 teaspoons daily, depending on the concentration. As with capsules, taking it with meals enhances its effectiveness.
Tips for Best Absorption:
- Take with Black Pepper (Piperine): Look for supplements that include piperine or add a sprinkle of black pepper to your meals when taking curcumin.
- Combine with Fats: Curcumin is fat-soluble, so taking it with a meal that contains healthy fats—like avocados, nuts, or coconut oil—can significantly improve its absorption.
- Consistency is Key: Curcumin works best over time. It’s not a quick fix, but rather a long-term allyin reducing chronic inflammation. For conditions like PANS/PANDAS, it may take several weeks to notice the full benefits, so patience and consistency are essential.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Feverfew is best known for headaches and migraines, but it’s also a strong anti-inflammatory. It’s anti-inflammatory properties are largely attributed to its active compound, parthenolide. Parthenolide works by inhibiting the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway, a key player in the body’s inflammatory response and cell survival. By blocking this pathway, feverfew helps reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and enzymes like COX-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), which are commonly elevated in inflammatory conditions.
Dr. Jill Crista emphasizes feverfew’s unique ability to ease “excess excitatory brain chemistry,” which can be especially beneficial in managing neuroinflammatory symptoms like tics and compulsions, particularly in conditions such as PANS/PANDAS.
Dosage Guidelines & Tips for Feverfew
Although feverfew is generally well-tolerated, some individuals may experience mild side effects, such as itchiness. Combining it with perilla, an anti-inflammatory herb with strong anti-histamine properties, can help reduce these potential side effects.
General Dosage Guidelines:
- Capsules: A common starting dose is 250 mg to 500 mg 2x a day, but during a flare it can be increasedto 700mg up to 4 x a day.
- Glycerite:maintenance dose of 5ml, taken 2–3 x daily, but during a flare it can be increased to 5ml 4 x a day depending on the severity of symptoms and individual response.
Tips for Best Absorption:
- Pair with Perilla: Combining feverfew with perilla, which has both anti-inflammatory and anti-histamine properties, can help reduce the chance of itchiness and boost the herb’s effectiveness.
- Take with Food: Feverfew can sometimes cause mild stomach upset if taken on an empty stomach, so it’s best to take it with a meal or a light snack.
Cautions/Interactions: May interact with anticoagulant medication.
Patience for Full Effect: As with many natural remedies, feverfew may take time to show its full benefits. It’s important to be consistent and allow a few weeks for the herb to build up in the system, particularly for those managing chronic inflammation or neuroinflammatory symptoms.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Ginger has powerful anti-inflammatory properties, thanks to compounds like gingerol and shogaols. These active components target key inflammatory pathways, reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines that fuel chronic inflammation. Ginger also helps prevent oxidative stress, which often accompanies and exacerbates chronic inflammatory conditions. Its ability to calm inflammation at the cellular level makes ginger an excellent support for those managing chronic pain, digestive issues, and autoimmune responses
Digestive Health
Ginger has a profound impact on digestive health, primarily due to its natural anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. It helps calm the digestive tract, reduces bloating, and can ease discomfort associated with indigestion. By promoting balanced stomach acid levels and stimulating digestive enzymes, ginger supports smoother digestion and nutrient absorption..
Antiviral
Ginger inhibits viruses from attaching to cells, making it effective against the flu, enteroviruses, and a variety of other viral infections. It is particularly beneficial for respiratory issues, helping to relieve coughs, colds, and congestion. By stimulating sweating, ginger also aids in cooling and managing fevers, providing natural support during respiratory infections. For maximum antiviral potency, fresh ginger is ideal, offering concentrated benefits that strengthen the body’s defenses.
Dosage
Generally, ginger is well-tolerated; taking it with food can further ensure comfort.
- Capsules or Tablets: For inflammation management, a dose of 500–1,000 mg daily, divided, is typical.
- Ginger Tea: Steeping 1–2 teaspoons of grated fresh ginger in hot water for 10 minutes offers a soothing tea, best enjoyed 1–3 times daily with meals for digestive and inflammatory support.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Anti-Inflammatory Power of Perilla
Perilla is recognized for its robust anti-inflammatory effects, primarily due to the presence of rosmarinic acid, a compound known for suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines and blocking key inflammatory pathways. This mechanism allows perilla to address systemic inflammation naturally, making it particularly soothing for inflammation within the gastrointestinal tract. Additionally, rosmarinic acid, alongside other active compounds in perilla, helps modulate immune responses, offering a supportive approach for individuals with autoimmune conditions by calming overactive immune activity and reducing flare-ups.
Additional Medicinal Uses
Additional Benefits and Uses
Perilla also acts as an antihistamine, effectively stabilizing mast cells, which play a pivotal role in allergic reactions and inflammation. By inhibiting mast cell activity, perilla not only helps alleviate allergy symptoms but also supports brain health, as it prevents the brain chemistry disruptions that mast cell release can cause. This action makes perilla valuable for those dealing with seasonal allergies, asthma, and even arthritis or allergic rhinitis.
Dosage Guidelines
Maintenance dose is 1/2 tsp or 150 mg twice daily
Flare dose up to 5ml or 300mg three times daily.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Pine bark extract is renowned for its powerful anti-inflammatory properties, thanks to its high content of proanthocyanidins—compounds known to inhibit inflammatory mediators and regulate immune responses. French maritime pine bark extract has been shown to effectively address brain inflammation, reducing the activity of overactive microglia and T cells, providing vital neuroprotective support.
Dosage Guidelines & Tips
Maintenance: 50-100mg once or twice daily.
Flare Management: 200mg twice daily.
Tip: Pine Bark is often used for natural ADHD support making it helpful for the child that struggles with and concentration.
Pycnogenol is a trademark extracted form of pine bark.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Resolvins are remarkable compounds with potent anti-inflammatory effects, working directly with immune cells to modulate and reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines. Unlike typical anti-inflammatories, resolvins go a step further by encouraging the clearance of inflammatory cells and cellular debris, promoting tissue repair and regeneration. This unique action helps not only to calm inflammation but also to resolve it entirely, reducing the risk of chronic inflammatory conditions and protecting against tissue damage that can result from prolonged inflammation. Resolvins play a vital role in restoring balance within the body’s inflammatory response, making them key allies in long-term inflammatory health and recovery.
Resolvins are a type of pro-resolving mediator. Pro-resolving mediators are specialized compounds that actively work to resolve inflammation rather than merely suppressing it. This group includes resolvins, along with other mediators like protectins, maresins, and lipoxins. These mediators help clear inflammatory cells, promote tissue healing, and restore balance in the immune response. Resolvins, specifically, are derived from omega-3 fatty acids and play a crucial role in reducing inflammation and preventing it from becoming chronic, making them essential in the body’s natural inflammatory resolution process.
Dosage Guidelines
Acute: up to 1,000mg a daily
For chronic inflammation management, resolvins typically range from 250mg to 500mg daily
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Rosemary is rich in bioactive compounds such as rosmarinic acid and carnosic acid, which effectively reduce inflammation by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α and IL-1β. Its unique ability to activate the Nrf2 pathway helps stimulate the body’s internal antioxidants, making it highly effective for managing low-level, chronic inflammation. Rosemary easily crosses the blood brain barrier and strongly reduces neuroinflammation, offering valuable support for cognitive well-being and overall inflammation management.
Other Medicinal Uses
Catalyst: Rosemary serves as a catalyst, enhancing the effects of other herbs. Its acids improve the bioavailability of other herbal constituents and facilitate the transport of therapeutic herbs, especially across the blood-brain barrier, making them more effective for cognitive and neurological benefits.
Digestive Stimulant: Rosemary stimulates digestion by increasing bile flow and enhancing gastric activity. In doing so, it can increase the appetite if taken 15-30 minutes before a meal. It can mitigate the impact of endotoxins from Gram-negative bacteria, which can enter the bloodstream after consuming high-fat meals and cause inflammation. For picky eaters, a glycerite blend with rosemary and gotu kola, taken before dinner, can help increase appetite.
Dosage Guidelines & Tips
Daily dose 350mg or 1.5ml 3 times daily, but during a flare up to 700mg or 2.5ml 3 times daily.
For appetite stimulating effect: take with gotu kola 30 minutes before meals.