What is the Herxheimer reaction?

If you take antibiotics, colloidal minerals or supplements, your symptoms may increase at first. This sudden worsening of symptoms is called the Herxheimer reaction. It can occur within hours, but also after a few weeks. In this blog you can read more about colloidal minerals and the Herxheimer reaction.

What is the Herxheimer reaction?

Dermatologists Adolf Jarisch and Karl Herxheimer are known as the discoverers of the Jarisch Herxheimer reaction. They discovered this reaction when they examined syphilis patients treated with mercury or antibiotics. The reaction was observed both early and later in the treatment. It was quickly established that the reaction was caused by toxins released during the death of spirochetes.

The Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction occurs when your body detoxifies too quickly. When killing viruses, bacteria and fungi, more toxins are released than the body can excrete. The kidneys and liver in particular have a hard time, which makes it seem as if the symptoms are getting worse and regression is occurring. It is important to know that this reaction is not a side effect of, for instance, colloidal minerals, but is caused by your immune system. The toxins are eventually removed by the bloodstream, after which these complaints quickly disappear. In addition to a worsening of the symptoms, the following symptoms may also occur:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Braken
• Fatigue
• Flu-like symptoms
• Shivers
• Sweat
• Muscle pain
• Memory and concentration problems
• Results

It may be difficult to realise at the time, but this reaction occurs because your body is in the process of recovering.

What can I do about it?

The most important thing is to be well aware of what exactly the Herxheimer reaction is. This helps you not to panic and above all to trust your body. It is a natural consequence of detoxification and in many cases means that the treatment is working. The more toxins there are in your body, the sicker you will be. Fortunately, there are ways of making this a little more bearable and, above all, speeding it up. We have listed the most effective ones for you:

• Drink a lot of water
• Take sufficient rest
• Be sparing with herbs
• Take a detoxifying bath
• Use aromatherapies
• Continue taking colloidal minerals

Are the symptoms getting too bad? Or don't you trust it? Then always consult a doctor.