Table of Contents
| QUESTIONS & ANSWERS |
| BAKING SODA |
| BAKING SODA OR CARBICARB ALKALIZATION |
| BATH REMEDIES THAT SHOULDN'T BE MIXED TOGETHER |
| BLACKSTRAP MOLASSES |
| BORAX |
| CAYENNE |
| COCONUT OIL |
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Home Remedy Side Effects
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DISCLAIMER
Our readers offer information and opinions on Earth Clinic, not as a substitute for professional medical prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your physician, pharmacist, or health care provider before taking any home remedies or supplements or following any treatment suggested by anyone on this site. Only your health care provider, personal physician, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for your unique needs or diagnose your particular medical history.
8 SIDE EFFECTS
[SIDE EFFECTS] 10/30/2007: Shelley from Montreal, Quebec writes: "I tried Ted's baking soda remedy for Gerd and ended up with high blood pressure. Could there be a connection? I would like to try to ACV & baking soda to alkalize my system but am nervous..."
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[SIDE EFFECTS] 09/22/2007: PollyAnn from Mexico City, USA writes: "re: Baking Soda and Vertigo -- Ted, I was just reading about dizziness [9/7/2007:PL from Naples, Florida, USA], and have a question for you: why would baking soda cause dizziness?
I quit taking it some time ago for my acid reflux because after a few days of taking it I would have these wild dizzy spells. It was so bad when I layed down or turned my head too fast. Suddenly the whole room would start turning like crazy. Anyway, when I quit taking the baking soda everything would return to normal within 1-2 days. I have stopped using regular salt, in its place I am using sea salt (which is actually a food). Perhaps PL from Naples Florida can benefit from staying away from the table salt (which I understand is very much the cause of High Blood Pressure!)."
Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "Whenever dizziness is experience, it is often due to a couple of causes:'1. Low blood pressure 2. Weak form of septicemia (cavities can lead to that!) 3. Low Blood sugar
The ACV + baking soda remedy has an effect of lowering blood pressure generally speaking, but of course we are assuming the person has too much potassium, which can also lead to lower blood pressure the same. One example is eating too much fruits or eating too much sour food.
In any event a simple way of resolving the first one is to measure the blood pressure. If blood pressure is low, then ACV should be eliminated and just use the baking soda.
For the second condition, a high body temperature, with headaches, and perhaps cavities, or leaky gut can result in a weak septicemia (weak form of blood poisoning) can also lead to dizziness as the septicemia LEADS TO LOW BLOOD PRESSURE. Hence, a simple remedy to stop septicemia (doctor's are making things hard on themselves and antibiotics are useless here usually) by taking aspirin three times a day WELL DISSOLVED in 1/2 glass of water. Then, blood pressure should be normal within 30-45 minutes.
For the third condition, if taking some candies did help than a low blood sugar is indicated, yet, low blood pressure and low blood sugar can also indicate that. Certain dietary changes can lead to low blood pressure, such as not eating enough food during key time of the day where the body needs it the most. Hence a simple way to stabilize blood sugar, is supporting liver, such as one tablespoon of granulated lecithin a day. Once the liver has less fat buildup, it can supply or at least stabilize the blood sugar."
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[SIDE EFFECTS] 09/21/2007: Sandhi from mailsandhi@yahoo.com writes: "... I want to point something about the Baking Soda remedy for increasing the alkalinity of body. Unfortunately, this remedy worked for me in the beginning, as I noticed improved digestion, but then I noticed I came down with a chronic case of Bacterial Vaginosis. A fishy odor coming from the vagina. I have heard, women who are on Birth Control Pill get BV. But I have never used BCPs. Further reading, I found out that Baking Soda, and for that matter most anta-acids can lead to the depletion of B-vitamins in the body. ( including Folic Acid & B12). And no wonder Folic Acid is recommended as a cure for BV.
I am taking Folic Acid ( 1 mg) and B-complex now, but the fishy odor is not gone completely! I am really stuck with this odor which I NEVER had before. So could it be, my folic acid levels are depleted and I am unable to get them to a healthy level. As of now, I am suspecting Baking Soda has done this to me. And I am abstaining from using it anymore. I would be interested to hear what other female users have to say about this."
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BAKING SODA OR CARBICARB ALKALIZATION
[WARNING!] 08/14/2008: Dion from New York, New York writes: "Danger Baking Soda/ Carbicarb alkalization:
I have tried using baking soda 1/4 to 1/2 a teaspoon twice a day for about two months for alkalization. Needless to say, my urine ph moved to a comfortable range of 6.5 - 7.5, although my saliva ph reamined a stubborn 6. At times, the saliva ph seems to dip below 6. I am vegetarian with a diet leaning more towards acid forming foods.
I felt increasing insomnia and restless brain on the baking soda remedy, so I switched to carbicarb about three weeks ago. First few days on the carbicarb, I did feel calmness, but afterwards, it was the same as before - more insomnia and brain restlessness.
These effects really made me wonder if it is safe to take baking soda or carbicarb over any meaningful period of time. After all, both sodium bicarbonate and sodium carbonate are inorganic minerals, and aside from their occasional use, I wonder if prolonged use causes more harm to be body. I did read on the net that excessive ingestion of baking soda can lead to chloride ion deficiency (which is important for stomach acid).
This is just my experience. I would love to hear from other readers who may have experience with baking soda/carbicard over some period of time. Please note that I think it's ok to do baking soda/acv or baking soda/lime because then the baking soda gets complexed with the acv and lime, however, on the issue of ingesting baking soda or carbicarb alone, my experience has been unfavorable.
Many thx,
Dion"
EC: Yes, we seem to be getting quite a few reports of side effects from baking soda used in alkalization. Some people have used baking soda on and off for years, no problem. Others report gradual side effects like bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, heart palpitations and sudden dizziness.
08/15/2008: Joyce from Joelton, Tn replies: "To Dion & EC, I also had some insomnia from ACV & baking soda, but I believe that "yeast infection" is in the fungus family. If this is so, then the Italian's theory (Dr. Mercola website) that cancer is caused by fungi and killing the fungi with local injection of baking soda to get rid of the cancer,would make it highly unlikely that the complaint of yeast infection resulted from ingestion of ACV & BS. Maybe Ted could clarify this for us."
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BATH REMEDIES THAT SHOULDN'T BE MIXED TOGETHER
[SIDE EFFECTS] 03/28/2008: Stella from Cleveland, Ohio writes: "Hi, there is a lot of information on this site of what combinations of ingredients work well together, however I don't see too much about what ingredients should Never be mixed together. A year or so back when my fibromyalgia had hit high gear I was plagued with symptoms of MCS as well as skin irritations, nothing I tried seemed to work. I did some research on the web and read about healing baths so I thought I would give it a try. I followed the recipe that I found but also decided to add my own things to it, by the time I was done I had everything in there but the kitchen sink. ( I was never a savvy chemist) ingredients of H202, ACV, Sea Salt, Epsom Salt, Baking Soda, Tea tree, Rosemary, Eucalyptus, Ginger, Vit. E All mixed together. The entire 30 minutes in the tub I had intense anxiety and when I got out I had a migraine from hell that lasted into the next day, I was also so lightheaded that I thought I might faint I figured my body was detoxifying but I am now wondering if all of these ingredients together caused a negative chemical reaction. I must say though, a few days later my fatigue and other issues improved & I felt better then I had in months. I still do take my Healing Baths and find much improvement though I use less ingredients. I am still not sure if my combinations are correct. I was wondering if you would consider having a page for Ingredients that should never be mixed together in a bath or otherwise. Thank You."
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1 SIDE EFFECT
[SIDE EFFECTS] 12/15/2009: Rotem from Hadera, Israel writes: "Hello,
After using blackstrap molasses for a while, 2 tablespoons, one in the morning and one in the evening, i have noticed some small red circles appear on my back. after i stopped the usage the circles faded away. when i started taking it again, the circles returned."
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2 SIDE EFFECTS
[SIDE EFFECTS] 07/15/2008: Janet D from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma writes: "I tried Borax remedy for my persistent fungus problem in my mouth. I tried Borax internally because Nystation didn't get rid of it ( only partly it did). I used store brand Borax, 1/8 tsp in one liter of distilled water. The first day I experienced a nasty headache all day long and at the second day, my kidney started hurting. So I had to stop taking Borax and I'll never try it again. The pain persisted 5 day after I stopped taking it. It was really scary! I read Ted's comment stating that he uses the store brand Borax when he can't find pure grade Borax. I have read most of user comment and Ted's email before I decided to try Borax remedy. I would like to post my experience about using store brand Borax so that people can least expects what can happen."
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[SIDE EFFECTS] 01/07/2008: Carrie from Longmont, Colorado writes: "Thank you Ted and Earthclinic for such wonderful information! I have a question for Ted: I started the Borax cure 8 days ago to treat fluoride poisoning and candida. I've been taking 1/8 tsp. Borax in 1 liter of purified water every other day. On day 4 I started manifesting flulike symptoms--extreme chest congestion (very, very thick mucous) and cough, extreme fatigue, all over body aches, mild fever. Today I'm still sick but I am slowly getting better. Would you classify this as a normal detox reaction or did I probably get a virus on top of detoxing?"
EC: Read more about Borax here.
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1 SIDE EFFECT
[SIDE EFFECTS] 11/11/2007: Gulay Ersoz from Los Angeles, CA writes: "I have been taking one cayenne pepper pill a day with warm lemonade in the mornings for the last 2 weeks or so. I experience slight heartburn like feeling but it was not a big problem. Two days ago, I took two pills instead of one, and it was no more than 3 minutes after I swallowed the pills, I had the extreme cramping in my stomach, became very dizzy, my left arm was hurting and I felt tingling on my fingers and legs... Not only the pain was extremely bad, my head was spinning, I was having hard time walking in my kitchen. I was hot, I just wanted to stop the cramping and managed to throw up. Took two Tums... With the hyper ventilation and dizziness, I laid in the bath tub and turned the cold water on, (I was so out of it and unable to control my reflexes, I couldn't even take my clothes off) it took about another 10-15 minutes before the pain went away, and I actually managed to get up and walk around... I called my doctor friend and she asked me if I experienced chest pain, I said no. Other than that I had all the symptoms of a heart attack. Went to see a doctor, and after the EKG, I was told that I had a bad reaction to cayenne pepper. It was not a joking matter for me, as I was home alone with my 3 year old sleeping in her bed, I had to have a reality check. How healthy is it to be trying to be healthy???"
05/19/2008: Perry from San Antonio, TX replies: "As a counter to your expose on Cayanne and after effects, I have consumed three 100,000 units per capsule (cool) cayenne daily for three years with no adverse effects (for high blood pressure). So... works for me!"
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25 SIDE EFFECTS
[SIDE EFFECTS] 10/05/2009: Anglalov from Brooklyn, Ny 11228 writes: "Coconut oil and Stomach Upset: I didn't read your article as yet, but I wanted to write abuot how I got sick from eating coconut oil on whole wheat bread..I thought I could substitute the c.o. for butter..It didn't taste bad, but I could not tolerate it..I had some baking soda and that helped me considerably. Thank you.."
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[SIDE EFFECTS] 09/13/2009: Carol from Morris, Al. United States 35116 writes: "i started virgin coconut oil . i felt much better to start with 2 TABLESPOONS . after 2 weeks i started getting very weak . i take thyroid meds,blood pressuremeds, sleep meds., my blood pressure went up ( the top number )145/80 with heatbeat 65. my legs are like jelly . i have no nausa or throwing up, is this normal ? has my thyroid level dropped too low? i read all the blogs and no one said anythinge about weakness . please answer"
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[SIDE EFFECTS] 07/10/2009: Jovi from Manila, Philippines writes: "Hi, i started taking 1tbsp virgin coconut oil on june 1, 2009. finished my menstrual period on june 22. june 25, i started to have discharge of seemingly a small amount of dry blood for a week.july 1, i had a huge discharge of blood clot that seemed dry. from july 2 up to now, ive had a small amount of fresh blood discharge. i still take vco. could this be a clensing effect? anyone experienced this?"
07/12/2009: Sangeetha from Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands replies: "About a month after I started the VCO, I had spotting and light bleeding for nearly 3 weeks last month. I have had the next period after that and this time it wasn't there. So, may be like you say its a cleansing effect of VCO."
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[SIDE EFFECTS] 06/14/2009: Jennifer from Phoenix, Arizona, USA writes: "I have had malabsorption issues for sometime. My ND wanted me to introduce 100% virgin coconut oil into my diet because of the medium chain fatty acids. I needed to gain weight and muscle. I was using 2T per day in fruit smoothies, cooking, or on toast. Loved the flavor but the side effects were not good. My ND pooh-poohed my questions about possible side effects so I was extremely relieved to find this forum with postings from a number of people who have experienced what I did. My side effects were: severe stomach and gut pain with bloating and tenderness, bad reflux (which I had never had before), heart palpitations, severe sleeplessness, general anxiety-like symptoms, concentration problems, even gum sensitivity . . . just a general sense of continually deteriorating function the longer I was on it. After researching this forum I went off the oil and the symptoms I listed disappeared within two weeks. Although I have no doubt it is a great product for many people, I will never take it again. It just isn't okay for one food item to make me that ill and affect so many areas of my life. The bottom line for me is to learn to listen to my own body and to respect and act on those messages."
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[SIDE EFFECTS] 05/25/2009: JJManila from Manila, Philippines writes: "im 40yo male. last night may 24,09 i took my first v.c.o. with 1 tbs. before bedtime. i felt real bad right after, cold sweats and i was shaking and dizzy. i hope im not allergic to vco. im going to take 1tbs again before i go to bed."
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04/29/2009: Abby from Cincinnati, Ohio writes: "cholesterol and low white blood cell count:
I have a history of lupus. In 2005, my WBC count was 3.2 and has slowly gone down since. It is now 2.2 and the doctor wants me to see an oncologist. I saw one in 2007 who said the only way to find out exactly what the problem is is to have a bone marrow test. I do not want to do this. I saw a post from Ted that said coconut oil cured his blood disorder. I don't know exactly what he was referring to but is it possible that CO could raise my WBC count over time? For the last month I have been using only coconut oil for cooking and trying a little ACV and just started oil pulling with sesame oil about 5 times now). I have no other health issues and I am feeling good (higher energy, better skin, good sleep, better mood, etc.) but this WBC number scares me. I would love to hear from Ted and everyone on this.
Also my cholesterol has slowly gotten worse, now 263 (HDL-177; HDL-68; Trig-88). The doctor wants to put me on cholesterol meds. Again, I do not want to do this. I eat a diet of no sugar or white flour and moderate fats but recently tried a diet that recommended eating lots of fat, little protein and carbs to help lose weight. I did this during this last month and did lose a few pounds. Is it possible that this diet could have raised my cholesterol in such a short time? Can CO raise cholesterol? Any advice appreciated."
05/01/2009: Abby from Cincinnati, Ohio replies: "I just realized that when I asked about coconut oil helping with WBC I really meant to say can oil pulling help raise the number of white blood cells. Sorry. Also I just read at the Lupus Foundation site that low WBC are very common for lupus patients along with other blood disorders. Would about chelation or oxygen therapy. I have heard of these but know very little. Thanks again for any advice."
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[SIDE EFFECTS] 03/19/2009: Misha from Binghamton, New York writes: "I began taking a tablespoon of coconut oil in my morning tea each day. On about the 4th day, I suffered from chest pains which I had never experienced before. I discontinued use to rule out other possibilities, and when I reintroduced it, I suffered from the chest pains once again. I began taking the coconut oil to help a sluggish thyroid, but have stopped taking it since my negative experiences with it. I am 27 and in excellent health."
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[SIDE EFFECTS] 02/26/2009: Janice from Lakeland, Fl writes: "Coconut oil, virgin, capsules: A big NAY for virgin coconut capsules....I am 63 with normal cholesterol and blood pressure. I took it to raise my HDL. I have GERD and it made it worse. I also had chest pain and palpitations and my BP went up to concerned levels. I have NO heart problems and see a doctor twice a year. I would suggest only a trial period for everyone to see what effects one might have. I was only taking one capsule and the bottle said to take four. Thank goodness I didn't. I am no longer on the virgin coconut capsules."
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[SIDE EFFECTS] 10/20/2008: Lori from Delta, Colorado writes: "I started all my remdies a year ago this month. I don't think that the coconut oil is working for me any longer. I find everytime I cook with it I break out in hot flashes all morning. If I don't eat the coconut oil then I'm fine.The coconut oil is N_____ virgin oil. Has this happened to anyone else? I went to my doc last week and i had not been doing my remedies like I used to and my blood pressure is up I've never had high blood pressure, but I had started using estrogen cream and shortly after started having bloody noses. I stopped the estrogen and started back on my ac vinegar regiment and no more bloody noses and bp dropped some, but now I think I still can't use the coconut oil. Any body else have this happen to them? My thyroid test is high normal meaning almost to hyperthyroid."
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[SIDE EFFECTS] 10/08/2008: Christine from Tokyo, Japan writes: "I have been using organic virgin coconut oil on my face and body for 2 weeks now. It has improved the texture of my skin however I seem to always looked flushed on my face and neck, almost looks like I am sunburnt. I have very fair skin and have been using only a medium coverage amount on my face and neck so that it absorbs almost completly. Has anyone else experienced this and does it calm down? Is it removing the dead skin layers as it seems to look like the effects of a light chemical peel?
Thank you"
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[SIDE EFFECTS] 06/28/2008: Lithloren from Omaha, Ne writes: "VCO - I had heard that coconut oil was very good for your hair. So, I came online to do a bit of research when I came across this great website. After reading about the benefits of VCO, I purchased VCO and began putting it on my hair as well as taking it internally. The next day I started experiencing body aches, sore throat and fatigue. I really thought I was coming down with something! After reading that other people with Blood Type O were not doing well with VCO I went to the bookstore and purchased a book about blood type diets. In the the book it listed coconut as a food to avoid for people with Blood Type O. That is acts as a toxin in my body. I sure believe it because I started using Olve Oil and Flaxseed Oil, which are listed as a benefit to Type O's, instead and have not experienced the same symptoms."
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[SIDE EFFECTS] 06/19/2008: B Cole from Nixa, MO writes: "When I take a certain brand of VCO (one of the most popular brands) I get moody and cranky. It does not matter how much I take Tbl. or teaspoon. I would like to know if anyone else has experienced anything like this. Some of the other brands do not cause this, but I gain weight with other brands."
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[SIDE EFFECTS] 04/16/2008: Olivia from Brooklyn, New York writes: "I have tried using coconut oil several times and one thing has been consistent: when I take it by the spoon, even a teaspoon full, I immediately feel my heart racing. This does not happen if I cook with it. Sometimes rubbing it on my neck or face induces a reaction in my pulse but not as severe as drinking. Cooking is ok for me. If anyone can think of a reason I'd be happy to hear of it."
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04/16/2008: Peter writes: "Coconut oil side effects:
1.In the first few days of using coconut oil as a massage oil, it is often the case that the body develops a "sand type overlay " noticeable around the abdomen.
2.When this first happened the reaction was, "how did that sand get into the clothes?".
3. But when it happened to another person, we wised up and realised that it was a salt extrusion from the body and not sand even if it felt like sand.
4. So its a cleansing side effect that occurs in the first few days. After that period it is not longer noticeable.
5. If somebody is experiencing an itching side effect, I would say that that is a side effect of salt extrusion which will disappear as the amount of the salt extruded becomes less."
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[SIDE EFFECTS] 04/14/2008: Dawn from Mapleton, MN writes: "I have been taking 1 to 2 tbsp of coconut oil daily in my tea, as well as using it as a moisturizer for 5 days. after the 3rd day i started to and continue itch in various spots all over my body. I don't want to stop using CO because of all the benefits but its becoming a pain. literally! :) Has this happened to anyone else? Is this normal, could it be the toxins that are fleeing my body? or am i possibly allergic? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!"
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[SIDE EFFECTS] 03/08/2008: Gislain from Phoenix, AZ writes: "I recently posted a comment about Coconut Oil and how eating a tablespoon each day helped my Depression. After two days of taking Coconut Oil internally, I developed a terrible case of Heartburn. I felt better emotionally but physically, my chest was painful and the heartburn lasted all day and night. I thought eating too fast was the culprit initially. I was suffering with this Heartburn for an entire week. I wondered if the heavy saturated fat content of the Coconut Oil was making my body react this way.
Today, I didn't eat any Coconut Oil and my symptoms reduced by over 50%. I love the Oil Pulling, Apple Cider Vinegar, and everything else listed on this site. Unfortunately, eating Coconut Oil didn't work out for me apparently. I do plan on using Coconut Oil externally on my skin."
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