Expert: Dennis Leppanen - 9/20/2009

Question
QUESTION: Dear Dennis,

I have had psoriasis for 20+ years and have been on and off steriods. I am taking Prednisone 40mg for 4 days at the moment and slowly reducing the dosage over a 2 week course. I  have had bad reactions to cutting down Prednisone too fast (e.g, in a week or 10 days).

I heard Prednisone side effects kicks in after 10 days; I have been very bloated and face has been swollen in the past with lots of toxins from Prednisone. I heard that the following herbs are good after taking Prednisone. Could you please give me some advise as to how to take these herbs and for how long will be appropriate: Milk thistle, Burdock root, and dandelion.

At the moment I have these herbs in capsules. I haven't started taking them yet: Burdock Root 540mg, Dandelion Root 540mg, Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum, standardised extract flavonolignans calculated as Silybin) 420mg-35g.

Your help is much appreciated!

Many thanks,
Anita

ANSWER: Hi Anita,

Psoriasis is such a difficult problem. And, Prednisone, it has so many side effects, but yes, a necessary evil at times.

You are on the right track here, Anita. I would take the Burdock Root first thing in the morning and then again in the evening on an empty stomach. Take the Dandelion Root twice daily also. I would take the Milk Thistle three times a day, with meals. These are wonderful antioxidants and blood purifying agents. Yellow Dock is another used to treat psoriasis.

I would add Flaxseed oil (as directed on label 3 times daily). This helps to supply essential fatty acids which are important for all skin disorders.

Eat a diet that is composed of 50 per cent raw foods and includes plenty of fruits, grains, and vegetables. Include fish in the diet as well.

Here is an excellent tea called Essiac that will help you detox. Herbs By Merlin sells a quality product at a great price. Here is the link to the website.

Best wishes,
Dennis

HerbsByMerlin

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you so much for the prompt reply Dennis.

Just want to clarify a few things:
(1) do I take these herbs while I'm on Prednisone or when I'm off it?
(2) So I can take Burdock, Yellow Dock, Milk Thistle, Dandelion and Essiac Tea all the at same treatment period? There won't be any interactions?
(3) Are there any herbs in the list where I should stop taking at at certain point?
(4) And is there such thing as over-doing the detox?

Warmest Regards
Anita

Answer
1. Yes, you may begin protecting your body immediately. Especially the liver.
Anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressant and mineralcorticoid properties are only exhibited when prednisone is converted to prednisolone in the liver.

2. When you begin the Essiac Tea, you can discontinue Burdock root and Yellow Dock. Continue with Dandelion and Milk Thistle. Milk Thistle is a superb liver protector.

3. Yes, take the Essiac Tea for fifteen days, three times a day. Then you may, take it once daily for maintenance. Ditto with Burdock root and Yellow Dock. Milk Thistle and Dandelion are good to go always.

4. Yes, it is possible to over-do detoxing. Your body is really smart, it will tell you if you've gone too far. Any time you feel uncomfortable, discontinue use until you feel better. These herbs are wonderful natural cleaners, yet everyone's body is different.

Also, keep an eye on your blood sugar. Prednisone can bring on diabetes.

Dennis