Astragalus Herx

Hi guys I believe I’m having a bad herx from astragalus. Is that possible? I was bite by a spider about a month ago and a large red rash formed. I got worried and started to take 3000mg of astragalus as Buhrner recommens for bites. For the first few weeks I felt ok but these past few weeks have been rough. I’ve had bad insomnia, shoulder pain, migraines and today am feeling insanely nauseous. Should I stop the herb or continue? What could it be hitting so hard? I left work early and just feel awful!

I don’t know if it’s a herx or not. You got bit by a spider about a month ago and got a large red rash. Did it resemble a bullseye rash? You could have gotten infected with Lyme or some other infections and you could now be having symptoms due to infection received from that bite.

hi Hearts

Astragalus has a mixed reputation in lyme disease

the main reason for this is that it is thought to be a great prophylactic ( preventative) treatment before exposure and also helpful during initial phases of infection - perhaps up to a couple of months after being bitten or a bit longer
it aids in this stage by helping to increase factors in the immune system that help during the early stages of lyme

however - several esteemed herbalists warn that for "some people" in chronic lyme disease - (6months after infection or more ) it can ramp up parts of the immune system that are already over active in chronic lyme - and in doing so - make symptoms worse.

however - buhner - the main herbalist to point this out - goes on to say that this reaction can be a bit exaggerated in some accounts - like a lot of things about our immune systems - are highly individualistic and some people would do just fine with it - so its fine to try it and see. but he does suggests that in general - its probably best not to be used as a primary herb ( ie taken on its own or in large doses ) in chronic lyme patients - but may be better used in lower doses as and in combinations with other herbs a supporting treatment.

so i think it can be confusing - but based on this - if you believe you have chronic lyme ( i am assuming so since you have been a member here for a good while )- its probably wise not to use it in large quantities ( 3000mg is full dose i think) - at least until you know how you react ( which i guess you do now !) and maybe use it only in small amounts from then on?