Re: question on developing resistance to herbs..HOW RESISTANCE STARTS

Hello Megan - There are chemical components in herbs that are used to kill parasites. These chemicals all work in different ways - some are so potent and powerful that only a small amount is used for a short period of time. I am trying to think of a way to explain it - but the best thing I can come up with is this: Cloves, cinnamon, garlic, ginger, thyme, sage, cayenne and onions are all anti-parasitic in nature - the chemicals in them are safe for the body but really irritate parasites. These are good for maintaining control of parasite infections BUT they are not strong enough on their own to totally remove parasites from the body - that's when the "big boys" are brought in. Black walnut and Wormwood are used in conjunction with 8 other herbs to thoroughly clean out the body.

Resistance happens when the potent chemicals are repeatedly started - stopped and started again OR when they're taken for too long - months on end - OR when too low of a dose is taken for a long period of time - months. As you probably know, die-off symptoms can be very uncomfortable and some people can't handle them - this is how resistance can start. Others get freaked out and just take too many potent herbs daily because they can't handle the thought that worms are in their bodies.

The first step in these cases are to stop ALL herbal mecicines cold turkey. A LONG rest period is needed for the body AND for the resistant parasites. Sometimes the adult resistant parasites will die-off in the natural course of things - then their non-resistant offspring can be removed with herbal treatment. I have found that Ascaris is one of those that can become resistant easily. It's hard for ANYBODY to be told "leave them alone for 4 months - then treat them". But that's how you can win the battle - let them run their course - let the adult resistant parasites die - then kill their (hopefully) non-resistant children. It takes time, patience and will power to treat resistant infections- some people can handle it and some people can't.