Eclampsia & Preeclampsia: Symptoms and Preventitave Cures

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Re: Eclampsia & Preeclampsia: Symptoms and Preventitave Cures
« Reply #240 on: April 25, 2008, 03:56:42 PM » by CountyCork

Quote from: ForeverGirl on April 25, 2008, 02:44:13 PM

Billberry may help (it has tons of anthrocyanins and is a vascular system builder, etc), but I am not sure... But look at Hawthorne and start a new thread... this is a big topic and Hawthorne is a great herb!

--gabe

Thank you!

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Re: Eclampsia & Preeclampsia: Symptoms and Preventitave Cures
« Reply #241 on: April 26, 2008, 01:49:12 PM » by prairiechild

How is everyone making bilberry tea? Leaves or berries, or both?

Thanks, Judith

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Re: Eclampsia & Preeclampsia: Symptoms and Preventitave Cures
« Reply #242 on: April 26, 2008, 05:23:23 PM » by SC

Quote from: SC on April 22, 2008, 09:38:27 PM

http://www.mothering.com/articles/pregnancy_birth/birth_preparation/herbal-allies.html

Quote

. . . Other nutrients that may alleviate this problem are high-potassium diets, which help control the water balance in the body; vitamin B, especially B6, which is a diuretic; spirulina; and dandelion leaf, a diuretic rich in potassium. Nettle and hawthorn have also been used. Hawthorn helps to lower blood pressure and is a diuretic and an antioxidant. Many of these herbs help to support the liver and kidney, which is also important in toxemia.

http://www.ccmhi.org/billberries.htm

Quote

. . . . Bilberries are very rich in natural antioxidants such as flavonoids and phenolic acids. The bilberry pigments decrease capillary permeability and fragility, and the tendency to bruise easily. Therefore, bilberry extracts are useful for the treatment of microcirculatory disorders, such as varicose veins, venous insufficiency, and hemorrhoids. Bilberry preparations are also useful for degenerating eye conditions such as glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy . . . .

The anthocyanidin pigments, along with the flavonoids and other antioxidants, help protect and relax blood vessels, inhibit blood clot formation, and improve microvascular blood flow, thereby diminishing angina events. Many of the antioxidants in bilberries are more potent than vitamin E and can inhibit the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, as well as promoting vasorelaxation.

Preliminary experiments reveal that bilberry extracts also possess antimicrobial and anticancer properties and may help in the healing of wounds and ulcers. More research is needed to validate these findings.

My theory is that based upon the above quotes (which I quoted more extensively earlier), Bilberry helps preeclampsia symptoms in three ways:
(1) It supports liver function with its nutrient content, thereby not depleting the body of needed potassium, vitamins, minerals, etc.
(2) It supports normalization of circulation. As bilberry helps maintain the permeability and strength of the circulatory system to handle the increased blood volume during pregnancy. In other words, the small capilaries aren't stretched beyond limits as easily as the Bilberry keeps them supple. This would help with blood pressure issues. This also helps in microcirculation and makes sure the extremities are oxygenated. (A sign that these capilaries are NOT working effeciently would be symptoms such as varicose veins, venous insufficiency, and hemorrhoids -- see above quote. This is also a reason that Bilberries help eyesight -- used by pilots).
(3) Bilberry performs the above two functions WHILE acting as a non-pharmaceutical diuretic. Because it is a whole food, the body recognizes it as a source of easily assimilated nutrients (bio-available). Bilberry is able to reduce the excess fluid while addressing the underlying nutrient issues AND any inflammatory issues that may be present (again, see above reference). So, instead of just targeting a symptom of preeclampsia, bilberry addresses the underlying causes and assists the body in the process of correcting the imbalance, and IN THIS WAY it acts as a diuretic.

So, my theory is that as God has wisely created our bodies to recognize and efficiently utilize whole foods as building blocks for health, our bodies are able to utilize bilberries to regain health when dealing with preeclampsia symptoms.

I can't tell anyone else what they should do, but I'd feel comfortable utilizing this help for myself or someone I dearly loved. I would also add that I believe the best source of these to be the WHOLE fruit as the MOST reliably effective choice. Next, I would think the dried berries, followed by encapsulated supplements (high end, whole food source) -- but I wouldn't think it safe to rely on pre-made processed juices.

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Re: Eclampsia & Preeclampsia: Symptoms and Preventitave Cures
« Reply #243 on: April 28, 2008, 02:46:42 PM » by cecac

Okay gals--they posted this on MOMYS today, gotta have it!! Grin

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080428/hl_nm/chocolate_pregnancy_dc

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Re: Eclampsia & Preeclampsia: Symptoms and Preventitave Cures
« Reply #244 on: April 30, 2008, 10:17:22 AM » by clover13

Is this a preeclampsia symptom; my arm just below my wrist bone is swollen. I know I have heard to watch for swollen hands, but I have not heard anything about swollen arms. It gets worse the more I stand up and gets a little better after sitting down.

Also, I had posted a couple of weeks ago about my concerns about my doctor because he performed so many abortions and I didn't feel like he was a very good doctor anyway. Well, I had an appointment with a midwife that works with him and I might be able to get her for the delivery. There of course is a catch. I have to be stable, which means that my preeclampsia cannot get any worse. My BP has to be good and no other obvious symptoms. Then, if I am doing good, they have set the induction date for june 13, however the midwife is not on that day. I would actually have to go into labor the day before. I cannot be induced before the 13th but I am free to go into labor on my own. This is where I really have to pray because I have never been able to go into labor on my own. If I want this wonderful midwife to deliver my baby, it is going to have to completely be God's will. So this new information may be an answer to prayer, or just one more thing for my mind to worry over. Huh

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Re: Eclampsia & Preeclampsia: Symptoms and Preventitave Cures
« Reply #245 on: April 30, 2008, 12:01:11 PM » by Gabriel Anast

Hi Clover13,
Yes, when I retain water it is around my joints. Mostly just above my knees, ankles, elbows and wrists.
I lay on my back with my feet propped up against the wall, over my head, and do arm exercises. (just waving my arms around) Then I take an Epsom salt bath while drinking a quart of water with Bilberry in it.
Then I pee all night and am fine the next day.

The midwife is good news! I'll pray for you to be stable and healthy... God is good!

That sore throat and cough is a bad one - I am getting over it. I ate tons of raw garlic, and still am... I also held a wet washcloth sprinkled with Eucalyptus to my nose/mouth to breath throughout the day and night. This seemed to kill the infection. Now I have a dry cough that needs moisture (ginger steam) to relieve it.

For me, the coughing caused swelling and irritated my placenta/uterus because the force of the coughs were always shoving my belly down hard against my pelvis. If you can control the cough, your swelling might improve.

Garlic oil in your ear might also help. Just warm some olive oil with crush garlic in it for ten minutes (don't overheat) strain well, and then put a few drops of the warm oil in your ear several times a day. You can also hold a garlic poultice over that ear.

Praying for you today.

Rebekah

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Re: Eclampsia & Preeclampsia: Symptoms and Preventitave Cures
« Reply #246 on: May 07, 2008, 01:29:57 PM » by clover13

I feel really dizzy today. No matter what I do, I am still dizzy. I checked my BP and it was only 140/75 and my blood sugar level was fine as well. Someone told me with preeclampsia dizziness could be a warning for a possible seizure. With my BP so low, could this even be true? Should I be worried about the dizziness?

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Re: Eclampsia & Preeclampsia: Symptoms and Preventitave Cures
« Reply #247 on: May 07, 2008, 03:27:38 PM » by cecac

Quote from: clover13 on May 07, 2008, 01:29:57 PM

Aren't you on BP meds? Might you need to be checked? Dizziness could mean too much med now, or something....

Just a thought, may God give wisdom,
Cara

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Re: Eclampsia & Preeclampsia: Symptoms and Preventitave Cures
« Reply #248 on: May 07, 2008, 04:24:28 PM » by floydian

Quote from: cecac on May 07, 2008, 03:27:38 PM

Quote from: clover13 on May 07, 2008, 01:29:57 PM

Aren't you on BP meds? Might you need to be checked? Dizziness could mean too much med now, or something....

Just a thought, may God give wisdom,
Cara

I haven't been following your pregnancy very carefully, but my first two thoughts were low iron and slight dehydration.

I know when I get dizzy, it's usually one of the two.

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Re: Eclampsia & Preeclampsia: Symptoms and Preventitave Cures
« Reply #249 on: May 07, 2008, 06:04:12 PM » by Roehrmomma

Quote from: Gabriel Anast on April 30, 2008, 12:01:11 PM

I lay on my back with my feet propped up against the wall, over my head, and do arm exercises. (just waving my arms around) Then I take an Epsom salt bath while drinking a quart of water with Bilberry in it.
Then I pee all night and am fine the next day.

Rebekah

OK I may have missed it but how do you make your Bilberry? Can I use the Bilberry from the BHS and make a tea and or eat them? You said tonic but I do not know what that is. Guess I will be looking at things for a while.

I am uping my protein. It is hard for me to get what I need. I need to make things easier on myself and plan ahead to have it made and ready.

My feet are swollen and I think my hands are a little. They feel sore on top yet my ring still fits. Undecided

My liver is dirty and I am working on that. I drink lots of water/herbal teas (peppermint with Milk thistle and yellow dock) during the day. So I do not feel water is a issue. I am however REALLY thirsty all day long no matter what I drink.

Also I am confused... Are nettles good right now or not?

Emily

« Last Edit: May 07, 2008, 06:06:42 PM by Roehrmomma »
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Re: Eclampsia & Preeclampsia: Symptoms and Preventitave Cures
« Reply #250 on: May 08, 2008, 10:15:46 AM » by clover13

I don't like to continue to bother everyone here by asking question after question, but my doctors office's only solution to my problems is to go into the hospital to be checked out, which in my opinion is usually an overreaction that would disrupt my whole family's day.

Anyway, last night I was having major preeclampsia symptoms. I had a headache where I always get one when my BP is high and I had heightened reflexes. Usually when I have these symptoms, my BP is really high. I checked and my BP was fine. So my question is, what does it mean when you have the symptoms but the BP is fine. I know my doctor doesn't even listen to my symptoms, so I worry that if it is something that should cause concern, he will ignore it without a high BP reading.

My dizziness finally when away, but today I feel funny. I don't know how to describe it. It is like my head is floating and everything around me is to loud and I am having trouble concentrating on what anyone says. I just have a funny feeling that I can't even describe. The closest thing I could think of is that my body is functioning but I don't feel like I am in it. Now I know if I tried to explain that to my doctor, he would just hang up on me. I don't blame him. Undecided

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Re: Eclampsia & Preeclampsia: Symptoms and Preventitave Cures
« Reply #251 on: May 08, 2008, 10:28:59 AM » by floydian

Quote from: clover13 on May 08, 2008, 10:15:46 AM

Are you sure you are not anemic? I have symptoms very similar when I'm anemic.

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Re: Eclampsia & Preeclampsia: Symptoms and Preventitave Cures
« Reply #252 on: May 09, 2008, 12:00:29 PM » by clover13

A new twist in my preeclampsia journey. Since my last ultrasound my baby has gotten huge. I know my blood sugars are fine (though I know my doctors are going to question that) and my BP has seemed to be okay. Usually my babies don't get really big until near the end when my BP get really high. Being that my BP are okay, I am worried my doctors are going to be giving me a really hard time. I am worried this all has something to do with the preeclampsia, but I am sure my doctors are going to have me running around having my blood sugar tested and trying to put me on those special diets that just ruin my liver. I am worried and I don't know what to do. Any ideas on what might be going on with me and how to approach my dr. with this?

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Re: Eclampsia & Preeclampsia: Symptoms and Preventitave Cures
« Reply #253 on: May 09, 2008, 02:56:29 PM » by westernmama

I may be missing something . . . knowing me Roll Eyes

. . but how do you know your baby is huge? If it was via u/s, they can't be totally depended on. Bigger measurements, maybe?

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Re: Eclampsia & Preeclampsia: Symptoms and Preventitave Cures
« Reply #254 on: May 09, 2008, 03:01:07 PM » by cecac

Clover 13,

Are you sure your BP machine is working properly? Are you staying down or have you been back up since your symptoms did get better? I just wonder because I still can't get up, either, even though I'm not preeclamptic. I just have to keep my BP down. It's doing well this time, but I still can only get up a wee bit without symptoms and the beginnings of higher blood pressure. If I try to do what I used to do (which, when I'm in pre-labor like this I usually clean like crazy, stuff like that) then I bet I'd break over real fast into HBP. Boy am I tempted, though!!

I have no idea about a big baby except that perhaps you might need to up your protein again. If you are carb eating, even if it's not white flour and sugar (maybe even lots of fruit) you might want to make double sure about the protein intake.

HTH,
Cara

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Re: Eclampsia & Preeclampsia: Symptoms and Preventitave Cures
« Reply #255 on: May 09, 2008, 03:34:34 PM » by born-an-okie

Quote

My dizziness finally when away, but today I feel funny. I don't know how to describe it. It is like my head is floating and everything around me is to loud and I am having trouble concentrating on what anyone says. I just have a funny feeling that I can't even describe. The closest thing I could think of is that my body is functioning but I don't feel like I am in it.

Clover, I would definitely have my iron level checked if I had these symptoms. Maybe next time you are in to see your Dr. you can ask. I have particularly experienced the floating head thing, lack of concentration, and everything seeming loud lately and my iron level was really bad. Also, the dizziness could be a sign of BP going low, so maybe the medication level is off, or maybe you just had a sudden dip that caused low enough BP to make you dizzy. My BP is always low, but I do get dizzy spells if it suddenly goes really low. Also, I would second staying away from just about any carbs, even fruit and not too much WW bread. I really hope this baby is a little smaller, but I've stayed away from sugar better this time and other sources of carbs. I guess we will see if it helped in just a few weeks.

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Re: Eclampsia & Preeclampsia: Symptoms and Preventitave Cures
« Reply #256 on: May 09, 2008, 05:31:19 PM » by clover13

Okay, I am going to try to answer everyone's questions at once, so forgive me if I miss something.

The ultrasound is most likely correct and the baby will only be getting larger faster. I have had a history of this with all my other pregnancies. Once they get a certain size, I can no longer deliver normally. Two of my babies got stuck on the way out. My last was induced early just because of his size. The hospital I will be delivering at this time will not let us induce before almost 39 weeks. By then it will be to late.

I am pretty sure my BP monitor is accurate. I get about the same readings as the doctor. I have not been staying down much, but there never really was a time that I could. My life is just way to crazy. My children are very young and we have no family or friends that could help us out and DH has a medical condition that makes him fall asleep almost as soon as he gets home. So I am pretty much all alone in taking care of everyone. I will try to up my protein and see if that helps. I am so huge now, I am not really hungry for anything. Tongue

I think my iron level is low and I will be having my doctor check it at my next appointment which is on tuesday. I am sure it will be low.

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Re: Eclampsia & Preeclampsia: Symptoms and Preventitave Cures
« Reply #257 on: May 09, 2008, 05:58:43 PM » by denim&lace

Grazing on protein helped me a lot during my last pregnancy. I kept boiled eggs, cheddar and monty jack cheese cut into little bite sized pieces, nuts, cottage cheese and meat cut into bite sized pieces in the fridge all the time. I usually cooked up an extra piece or two of meat with each evening meal so I would have meat to do this with.

I wasn't hungry either, but having stuff readily available and only eating a bite or two every half hour or so through the whole day kept me proteined up pretty good.

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Re: Eclampsia & Preeclampsia: Symptoms and Preventitave Cures
« Reply #258 on: May 09, 2008, 06:25:41 PM » by floydian

Quote from: clover13 on May 09, 2008, 05:31:19 PM

I think my iron level is low and I will be having my doctor check it at my next appointment which is on tuesday. I am sure it will be low.

I've had problems with my iron levels too. I tried all kinds of liquid iron, really good vitamin C with the iron, supposedly easilty digestable iron. About the only thing that worked for me was chlorophyll.

Oh and chlorophyll is relatively cheap--cheaper than the iron I was taking anyway, and it worked very fast.

« Last Edit: May 09, 2008, 07:31:46 PM by floydian »
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Re: Eclampsia & Preeclampsia: Symptoms and Preventitave Cures
« Reply #259 on: May 09, 2008, 07:13:19 PM » by clover13

Quote from: floydian on May 09, 2008, 06:25:41 PM

I've had problems with my iron levels too. I tried all kinds of liquid irod, really good vitamin C with the iron, supposedly easilty digestable iron. About the only thing that worked for me was chlorophyll.

Oh and chlorophyll is relatively cheap--cheaper than the iron I was taking anyway, and it worked very fast.

Thanks. I will give this a try.

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Re: Eclampsia & Preeclampsia: Symptoms and Preventitave Cures
« Reply #260 on: May 10, 2008, 11:34:54 AM » by Whiterock

With my second baby I had five or so ultrasounds because they were so worried about the size of the baby. All of the ultrasound evidence said she was going to be over 12lbs. She was 9lbs 0oz. She was just VERY long so the measurements were way off (they messure the length of certain bones to get size estimates). So even though you have had large babies before, this one may just be long legged. LOL!

WR

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Re: Eclampsia & Preeclampsia: Symptoms and Preventitave Cures
« Reply #261 on: May 13, 2008, 04:11:01 PM » by clover13

Okay, I am doing something wrong. After doing so well for so long, I had an appointment today and I am no longer doing that well. BP is up, I feel dizzy, my reflexes are heightened. My midwife confermend that the baby is getting larger to fast and it probably is due to the preeclampsia. I have to go into the hospital for a non stress test. I also have a bunch of labs to do. If the labs don't look good, we will have to deliver now. If the labs are okay, we will try to deliver no later than 37 weeks because of how fast the baby is growing and my history of shoulder dystocia. I have not changed anything that I have been doing so I have no idea why I am doing so bad so quick. Huh

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Re: Eclampsia & Preeclampsia: Symptoms and Preventitave Cures
« Reply #262 on: May 13, 2008, 05:03:13 PM » by Whiterock

Didn't you add some herbs? Maybe it's one of those.

WR

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Re: Eclampsia & Preeclampsia: Symptoms and Preventitave Cures
« Reply #263 on: May 14, 2008, 09:48:44 AM » by clover13

Quote from: Whiterock on May 13, 2008, 05:03:13 PM

Didn't you add some herbs? Maybe it's one of those.

WR

I doubt it. I have been taking the herbs for quite some time with no problems. My midwife called last night to tell me that I will have to have even more tests done. My week is full of tests, yet I am supposed to be in bed with my feet up. Undecided

I just hope that all these tests show that we can make it until 37 weeks.

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Re: Eclampsia & Preeclampsia: Symptoms and Preventitave Cures
« Reply #264 on: May 14, 2008, 12:00:14 PM » by Whiterock

How long is "quite some time"? Some effects may be cumulative and build up over time... Like a slow lowering of blood volume for herbs with a diuretic effect.

WR

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Re: Eclampsia & Preeclampsia: Symptoms and Preventitave Cures
« Reply #265 on: May 14, 2008, 12:01:01 PM » by ForeverGirl

Hi Clover,
I'll be praying for you as well. Staying off your feet is important, IMO. Are you keeping with the protein diet? Are you taking essential fatty acids (vit E alpha tocopherols, CoQ10, or Omega Balance?) Are you taking Bilberry? Are you taking iron?

All of my preeclampsia signs have completely disappeared and Gabe says I look better/healthier than I ever have at this stage in PG. I am still doing all the above (fatty acids, bilberry, iron, B diet) but I don't have to stay off my feet anymore. I am 36 weeks, measuring 34 now, (a month ago I was 4 weeks behind in fundus size.)

I say all this to encourage you (or anyone else that has PE symptoms) not to give up on the diet, rest, and supplements.

In the meantime, we'll be hoping and praying with you for the best possible outcome, Clover.

@ Roehrmomma:
The Bilberry recipe is at the end of my post on page 5 about my personal response to Preeclampsia.

Rebekah

PS: the Internet is off at our house, so I'm not on WTM or email-able unless I get a chance to go downtown and check in briefly... hopefully it will be back up this week.

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Re: Eclampsia & Preeclampsia: Symptoms and Preventitave Cures
« Reply #266 on: May 14, 2008, 12:23:59 PM » by clover13

Quote from: ForeverGirl on May 14, 2008, 12:01:01 PM

Yes, I am keeping up on everything and I even had my iron checked and it was really high (not too high, but about the highest I have ever seen in myself). The only thing I think I am behind on is resting with my feet up. I tell myself every day to do it, then a bunch of stuff happens and I don't get around to it until the end of the day. So far that has not caused me any problems and I just wonder why it would all of the sudden make a difference now.

I am so glad to hear you are doing well. It sounds like your little one is growing nicely. I am so happy for you.

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Re: Eclampsia & Preeclampsia: Symptoms and Preventitave Cures
« Reply #267 on: May 14, 2008, 12:43:39 PM » by Whiterock

Quote from: Whiterock on May 14, 2008, 12:00:14 PM

How long is "quite some time"? Some effects may be cumulative and build up over time... Like a slow lowering of blood volume for herbs with a diuretic effect.

WR

Bump

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Re: Eclampsia & Preeclampsia: Symptoms and Preventitave Cures
« Reply #268 on: May 14, 2008, 06:25:50 PM » by clover13

Quote from: Whiterock on May 14, 2008, 12:00:14 PM

How long is "quite some time"? Some effects may be cumulative and build up over time... Like a slow lowering of blood volume for herbs with a diuretic effect.

WR

Most everything I have been on has been for approx. 20 weeks. The only thing new is the bilberry, and I have been taking that for quite awhile as well. I don't think it is that causing it though because I noticed immediate benefits from taking it.

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Re: Eclampsia & Preeclampsia: Symptoms and Preventitave Cures
« Reply #269 on: May 15, 2008, 07:18:09 AM » by RB

Quote from: clover13 on May 14, 2008, 06:25:50 PM

Quote from: Whiterock on May 14, 2008, 12:00:14 PM

How long is "quite some time"? Some effects may be cumulative and build up over time... Like a slow lowering of blood volume for herbs with a diuretic effect.

WR

I agree with Whiterock, that diuretic effects may be cumulative and build up over time. We are all different and what may seem to help one person, may be detrimental to another persons health. So maybe the bilberry could be causing you problems, just a thought.
Blessing's,
RB

« Last Edit: May 15, 2008, 07:19:43 AM by RB »
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