Submitted by: Margaret Guthrie, DipHerbMed MNZAMH
Client : 75-year-old female
Initial presentation: Client presented with systemic lupus erythematosus and an associated invasive aspergillus infection, with extensive damage to her lungs. Her main symptoms included dyspnoea and plugs of phlegm which she was unable to expel. The client had been hospitalised with her condition and was given a poor prognosis.
Medications:
Methotrexate injection 1 x per week.
Itraconazole antifungal
Etanercept auto injector weekly.
Predisone 5mgs 3 x per day for the next two weeks.
Herbal formula:
Pomaderris kumerahou (Kumerahou) 1:2 - 80mL
Coptis chinensis (Coptis rhizome) 1:2 - 90mL
Glycyrrhiza glabra (Liquorice root) 1:2 – 30mlL
Dosage: 5mL three times a day with food.
Additional recommendations: Additional herbs were used regularly with the client, including daily bitters, Withania, Siberian ginseng, Milk thistle, Valerian, Corydalis. A lung tea and 7mls passionflower are taken at bedtime. As well as the herbs, mineral clay was prescribed. Gluten free and low dairy diet.
Follow up: The client quickly responded to the herbal formula, following the addition of Coptis (previously she had been taking Kumerahou and Liquorice). The formula made a huge difference to the client’s quality of life: she is no longer hospitalised and able to breathe without support. In addition to her respiratory health, the client’s overall wellbeing has been much improved.