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Side Effects from Common Home Remedies

| Modified on Jul 08, 2024
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The Earth Clinic team is incredibly proud of all the natural, effective remedies discovered and uncovered throughout our site. Still, our goal is always to improve and protect your health, so we want to make sure you're also aware of any possible side effects from the natural cures our users recommend.

Natural remedies are, by their very nature, generally safe. However, any of us may have unknown allergies, may be taking drugs or consuming other foods and supplements that might interact strangely, or the remedy itself may be dangerous in larger doses or with continued use.

Natural Remedy Tips: Our best advice -- always start slow and with the lowest possible dose, then increase the dosage slowly. Most of the side effects and poor health results we see are from users who try to change their health too fast with a super-sized dose of... whatever. Take it slow, and try one remedy at a time to see what works best.

Before you try any natural remedies, please check out the following information on home remedy side effects.

The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
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ACV, Baking Soda and Lemon Juice

3 User Reviews
(3) 
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Posted by Lori (Delta, Co) on 11/10/2010

I started taking the lemon w/BS for over a month ago and I felt like I was getting a funny taste in my mouth like metal and it felt like a coating was all inside my mouth. And Saturday I woke up and my tongue had a white coating on it and the insides of my mouth all around my cheeks inside my lips and the way back of my tongue felt like it had a coating and was red and swollen almost like a rash my tongue underneath felt inflamed and tight. I felt terrible like I had been trying to catch a real bad cold. I never had this happen before. I started immediately taken more of the BS and ACV in very warm water and sipped on it. My throat started to clear up and by Tuesday I felt normal again. I'm thinking it was all getting rid of candida or??? I thought I might have mixed too many remedies. But I still take the lemon w/BS, blackstrap molasses, lecithin, e and d, and occasionaly sea salt. Any idea what it might of been could it of been ridding candida?

Replied by Lisa
(Waynesboro, Virginia)
11/12/2010

If you already have systemic candida, it could have been a die off reaction. If it is getting better then you can keep doing that. I have been improving with my candida; I don't even do the molasses since it's another sugar.

ACV, Baking Soda and Lemon Juice
Posted by G (Palo Alto, CA) on 07/21/2007

Hi Ted, I have a question for you: I started on 2 tbl ACV & 1/4 tsp Baking soda along with lemon juice. This I take twice a day for the last 5 days. The main intention is to reduce my blood pressure. I definitely see improvement in energy levels. However since I have started taking this I have begun getting constipated. Also my blood pressure has risen by about 5-8 points on the systolic reading and I feel I am gaining weight. Does this sound like I am retaining sodium? In one of your suggestions you mention using Potassium Bicarbonate. However I am unable to find it in the pharmacy. Please let me know what you would recommend. Thanks

EC: Question Answered on the ACV and Baking Soda Q&A

Replied by Tom
(Galloway, NJ USA)
02/02/2009

Hello everybody, I also experienced a bad case of constipation. But to make matters worse, my butt not only feels like it is clamped shut but it burns like hell all the time. I've never had hemmies but I am assuming thats what they feel like (no bleeding). I started out with a teaspoon in about 10 oz of water but then I followed EC advice with 2 teaspoons in a liter of filtered water and sipped during the day.

I stopped for about a day and a half and the bottom end of me is getting better. However, I have a case of rosacea and it seemed to clear up nicely and I was peeing like a race horse..But the burning butt is a deal breaker. I was using _____ organic with the Mother... Any suggestions? Would baking soda help or should I forget about it? Thanks

Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda

38 User Reviews
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Posted by Terri (Moses Lake, Wa.) on 06/12/2017

Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda for balancing PH levels and help with metabolic rate for weight:

Hello...I was so excited to try this tincture of Apple Cider Vinegar ( pure/unfiltered with mother) and Baking soda. I took 2X - daily for 3 days and then felt I should stop until I had a consultation with my Doctor. I found that during the 3 days...I was extremely lethargic, and had a lot of trouble getting a deep breath, especially during any activity or sleeping hours.

I couldn't put my finger on what was causing such an extreme difference in my physical and emotional activity until I remembered that the only difference in my daily routine was the tincture. So I asked Google to search for possible side effects of taking the tincture of Vinegar and baking soda. I found several things...one of which is Metabolic Alkalosis. I am not sure if this is what I experienced... but have arranged for a consultation with my Doctor in a few days. I also take a low dose blood pressure pill and a diuretic.

Just thought ... you may want to consult your Doctor .. before trying this tincture. I am Female age 66. Thank You for letting me post this message.

Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda
Posted by Amanda (Dublin) on 09/07/2012

Hello all, I have just begun Teds recipe for ACV and BS for rosacea. I feel nauseated for a while after drinking. Is this normal? Thank you, Amanda

Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda
Posted by Zed (New Haven, Ct Usa) on 02/12/2012

Zed from New Haven CT writes: I have suffered from hypertension for over 10 years and take a combination of Atenolol 50 mg and Amlodipine Besylate 5 mg once daily. This combination keeps my blood pressure at or below 120/80. However, I would love to one day find a natural (non-drug) remedy and get off the medications.

I had read about, and tried, ACV by itself but it did not reduce my blood pressure. After reading several posts about using ACV plus baking soda for high blood pressure, I decided to give it a try while monitoring my BP closely. Of course, I continued to take my medication!

I took 2 tbsp of ACV plus 1/2 tsp aluminum-free baking soda 3 times a day for three days and my blood pressure spiked as high as 136/104. Of course I stopped the remedy. It took a few days, but my BP came down, though it is still higher than it was before taking the ACV baking soda. I just checked it at 9:43pm and it was 132/92.

I thought I'd post this and ask Ted or anyone else for suggestions. I have not given up but I am cautious.

Perhaps I did something wrong. I used Eden Organic ACV (Naturally Fermented, Unpasteurized, Raw) and Bob's Red Mill Premium Aluminum Free Baking Soda.

Your feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda
Posted by Tanya (Tasmania, Australia) on 10/18/2011

Was wondering if anyone suffered vomiting from taking the ACV as well as the Bicarb soda? As I took both this morning and vomited I took them at two different times. Was wondering if it is normal as part of cleansing my bloated stomach. Many thanks.

Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda
Posted by Anne (London, Uk) on 09/29/2011

I take the ACV for my PMS, and it works so well. However, what I notice is that I get a mild constipation - has anyone experienced this? I think it may be the baking soda (I use 1/4 tsp for 2 tbsl) and don't really want to stop it if I don't have to because I can't handle my PMS. The ACV has so many benefits - my skin is gorgeous and I don't break out in hormonal spots, and it really helps with extra things like gas and bloating.

I take primrose oil in the last 5 days to assist ACV during my period and it does help with the anxiety enormously. It's a truly wonderful combination...

It's a tough call - and I don't want to ruin my tooth enamel by not putting in the baking soda.

Any ideas?

Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda
Posted by Kkk (Secaucus, Nj) on 05/08/2011

hi ted!

I've been using baking soda and Apple Cider Vinegar from last 10 days for my funtional cyst (1.7 and 1 cm in each ovary). Before that I was taking just Apple Cider Vinegar for 20 days. Now the problem is I am feeling dull pain in my stomach(upper) and sides of my core. I feel better when I lay down, cant walk or stand for very long. Is it because I am taking baking soda with acv? because there was no such pain when I was takng Apple Cider Vinegar alone.

Please reply soon, thank you so much.

Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda
Posted by Yow_whaz_up (Singapore) on 03/15/2011

Two of us experienced the same thing after taking acv bicarbonate of soda. We had shortness of breath, almost fainting-like. Also, there was tremendous tiredness, hard to walk or do things. Any moment, we felt the heart might stop and die.

We want to ask Ted who recommended this remedy: why these happen?

Replied by Mmsg
(Somewhere, Europe)
03/16/2011

take a lot less.

Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda
Posted by Daniel (Chicago, Il) on 01/29/2011

I tried the ACV/baking soda remedy but had to stop because it was giving me diarrhea. Is there anything I could take in conjunction with this that would counter-balance this side effect?

Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda
Posted by Jarret (Calgary, Ab, Canada) on 12/10/2009

Both me and my girlfriend have tried the acv with baking soda and we both end up with diarrhea very quickly after taking it... When I take the acv by itself in water no problems..but when i combine the baking soda it goes right through me... maybe you can help... there doesn't seem to be anyone else having this problem

EC: A few people have reported side effects of diarrhea from Apple Cider Vinegar alone! Make sure to read both sections on our Remedy Side Effects page.

Replied by Orion
(Columbia, Mo)
07/29/2017

I just began taking baking soda and lemon juice (I also take ACV separately), before finding this site.

However I took way too much apparently (about 2 TB of each with a lot of water), and experienced the same severe diarrhea as you described. Which is odd since supposedly it's supposed to prevent that.

I'm guessing the reaction is that strong because it's destroying so much bad bacteria/fungi that the body reacts by flushing it out.

Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda
Posted by Golditoo (Rockport, Mass., Usa) on 08/25/2009

I have posted on this subject before and am eager to hear from others who have encountered this situation: Since I have been taking apple cider vinegar (and 1/4 tsp baking soda), I have been having a great problem with insomnia, of the restless leg variety. Could it be that the increased metabolism is affecting my thyroid meds? I have had hypothyroidism for decades. This is a very troubling problem. I find myself at 4 a.m. taking sleeping pills just to SLEEP! Should I cut my thyroid meds in half?

I would appreciate any comments from those who have experienced this.

Replied by Sara
(The Beach, Canada)
08/25/2009

get your levels checked before you change your meds. i had sleep problems too, but i made sure i drank the mixture no later than 2pm every day and after a few days i noticed a difference. i too have thyroid issues and my levels have not changed from this drink.

Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda
Posted by AKH (Oakville, Ontario) on 03/17/2009

My husband and I are drinking ACV (2tbsp) and BS (1/4tsp) in water 2 or 3 times a day and oil pulling every morning since last week.

My husband has had several kidney stone attacks so he is always trying to drink a lot of water and cranberry juice during the day. But for about two years now, he has been having constant mildly sore kidneys and his doctor has told him not to take M. Vitamin supplements. Recently the soreness has increased, and it is particularly bad when waking up in the morning. He also now has pain in his lower back.

I am wondering if this has any connection with the ACV,BS and oil pulling we have just started.

He is going to see his doctor next week, but I would like to see if I can getsome good feedback. Thanks. AKH

Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda
Posted by Bibi (Nashville, TN) on 02/27/2009

Removal of Toxins - toxic overload?

My concern is about removal of toxins and an overloaded burden to my kidneys. Although my last kidney function test was normal (because of lupus, I am concerned), after taking ACV and BS for a week, I started having pain in my mid-to-lower back on either side of my spine when awaking in the morning. My blood pressure went up, but after reading that sodium bicarbonate (BS) does not cause high blood pressure, I'm wondering if it was an overload of toxins being removed. I know ACV/BS should be five days on / two days off. Has anyone tried one day on / one day off? Would that be too little to be effective?

I have SLE/RA/diabetes mellitus - and, of course, metabolic acidosis. I'm planning on using the borax treatment twice a week, too. I've read about the herx effect for lupus, so I'm expecting that. Just wanting to get feedback on how to avoid overloading my system with toxin removal, especially after reading the Mycoplasma Fermentans page (questions) about cellular debris. Thanks for your feedback.

Replied by Ted
(Bangkok, Thailand)
03/01/2009
392 posts

Dear Bibi:

A lupus issue with kidney problems and diabetes on top of that, along with high blood pressure isn't toxin's being removed too much. Kidneys needs a balance of sodium to potassium ratio and the pH must be monitored. The problem therefore appears not to be the kidney's detox effect, I rarely encounter that, but that the kidneys simply isn't functioning efficiently from high blood sugar, low potassium, magnesium and vitamin B complex. The kidneys need nutrients too. The other issue is if the blood pressure did go up after taking apple cider vinegar with baking soda. Some modification may require to reduce this pressure and instead 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda plus 1/4 teaspoon of potassium citrate (or potassium bicarbonate) in 1/2 glass of water should quickly aleviate it. The consistency of baking soda or the use of baking soda and apple cider vinegar in the use against lupus, isn't so consistent without the use of borax remedy in addition. In fact diabetes and low potassium goes hand in hand. As a result the need to control blood sugar and the taking of potassium is a required remedy for those with a diabetic lupus condition.

It should be noted that kidney is especially sensitive to low potassium, while it is true that a baking soda won't lower a potassium level, a presently low potassium and high blood sugar wouldn't allow the remedy to work either.

In which case, if there is a problem, the standard remedy for lupus is not being used, which is why there is problem. A standard lupus remedy (without a diabetic condition) (the very basic) requires at least 1/2 teaspoon in 1/2 glass of water taken twice a day, plus 1/4 teaspoon (for most men anyway) of borax dissolved in one liter of drinking water. The addition of diabetes condition requires the addition of both potassium, chromium, magnesium and lecithin. The riding of toxins we tend to think of is kidney. However, kidney is just only part of the mechanism of removal, however the bulk removal is done through a 20 plus foot long intestines. So if intestines isn't functioning, causing constipation, it will cause undue pressure to the kidney to work hard, causing kidney overload. Therefore the addition of 1/8 or 1/4 teaspoon of potassium citrate (technical name tripotassium citrate) or potassium bicarbonate to the baking soda, would reduce both the kidney overload and the constipation of the intestines. The lupus is also supersensitive to accidity as well as steaks and meats, that has to be reduced by a large margin. The lecithin 1 tablespoon before meal is required to clear the liver of congestion, which is common for people with lupus and a liver congestion can create a condition of high blood pressure. As to how an apple cider vinegar would have cause a high blood pressure. That comes from the fact that the body is sensitive to acidic pH, even a slight acidity would create problems for a lupus and diabetes, and hence apple cider vinegar is not the remedy I used for lupus as a result. So simply a basic lupus remedy would do, but if diabetes is present here is the following remedy in addition to the basic remedy:

1. 1 tablespoon of granulated lecithin before meals
2. 1500 mcg of Chromium (most chromium works)
3. 1/8 or 1/4 teaspoon of potassium bicarbonate or tirpotassium citrate twice a day dissolved along with 1/2 teaspoon of sodium bicarbonate. Potassium is a required one for diabetes, and high blood pressure.
4. 500 mg of magnesium citrate (or magnesium chloride)
5. Vitamin B complex, in form of B50 at least once or twice a week.

It should be noted that the above is for diabetes and blood pressure issues, which goes hand in hand to the kidney's health. No apple cider vinegar should generally be used at least for the first 3 or 4 weeks is my own observations for many people. This is because some people will have low bicarbonates to begin with and it needs at least 2 weeks to replenish the bicarbonate before starting on with any ACV with baking soda.

I have also further modified the lupus remedy to work better, one of the newer remedy that needs adding is the bloodroot tincture. However, the bloodroot tincture I prefer, I do not like the use of any methanol alcohol, where the common names listed is "grain alcohol". The safest alcohol is an ethyl alcohol or ethanol, which is the same alcohol found in vodka, beer in general. A conservative dose that's needed for a bloodroot to digest the pathogens responsible for the lupus is 3 or 4 drops taken at 3 or 4 times a day in 1/2 glass of water. It can be mixed, in a baking soda and potassium mixture, so that these don't have to be too inconvenient when taken separately.

Whichever the case the bare minimum for a lupus (with a diabetes) remedy are baking soda, borax and potassium WITHOUT the use of apple cider vinegar. Watch what you eat, as this is often the cause to a high blood pressure, such as aspartame, meats, fried food, common table salt (using sea salt is a better substitute). A kidney pain would generally be reduced for this condition if apple cider vinegar are removed, and potassium is added, almost immediately in most cases, assuming the body is already low in potassium electrolytes to begin with.

Ted

P.S. A colloidal silver may help certain lupus and the dose is about 1 teaspoon 4 times a day.

Replied by Bibi
(Nashville, TN)
03/02/2009

Hi Ted. If I am taking the blackstrap molasses recipe (iced molasses - as found on the remedies page under blackstrap molasses), which contributes quite a bit of potassium & some magnesium, should I alter your recommendation on this post? If so, how? I started taking the iced molasses recipe a few days ago and feel improvement, plus sugar cravings have significantly dimished.

I also read another one of your posts about taking vitamin B1 and D4 to lower blood sugar. Would this be advisable in this situation (considering the lupus, etc). I'm surprised that after nine years of hyperglycemia my kidneys are still testing normal.

I know you mention constipation, but my problem is usually the opposite. I'm overweight and have symptoms of both hypo (extreme cold, dry skin, hair loss, fatigue) & hyper (frequent BM) thyroid issues. My maternal grandmother had parathyroid disease. One doctor once told me I had a thyroid issue, but other doctors said he was crazy, that there was no thyroid problem. Aren't autoimmune disorders usually caused by thyroid disorders?

I really appreciate your time, advice, knowledge, & understanding. Thank you.

Replied by Ted
(Bangkok, Thailand)
03/03/2009
392 posts

There's not enough potassium, magnesium, or manganese in the Blackstrap mollasses if we consider the dose I have posted. Here is the nutrient listing for the blackstrap mollasses:

Calcium (Ca) content (mg per 100g) 860
Copper (Cu) content (mg per 100g) 2.04
Iron (Fe) content (mg per 100g) 17.5
Magnesium (Mg) content (mg per 100g) 215
Manganese (Mn) content (mg per 100g) 2.61
Phosphorus (P) content (mg per 100g) 40
Potassium (K) content (mg per 100g) 2492
Selenium (Se) content (µ per 100g) 17.8
Sodium (Na) content (mg per 100g) 55
Zinc (Zn) content (mg per 100g) 1

Consider average dose for a blackstrap mollasses, which is 2 tablespoons, this is equivalent to 28.47 grams or 14.235 grams per tablespoon.

So to get 500 mg to 1000 mg. of magnesium, let's assume the low side a minimum of 500 mg. I prefer 1000 mg on some ocassion. But anyway, in a 100 grams of molasses, I will get only 215 mg. This means I have to consume 500/215 x 100 = 232.55 grams of mollasses, which is roughly eating a half pound of mollasses a day (0.511 pound).On many ocassions I find myself sick and needed 1000 mg of magnesium, so this works out for me to consume 1 pound of molasses a day. This wouldn't make much economical sense. I may in fact get sick from just consuming that amount a day. Then there is the other problems that I don't need: calcium. which tends to disturb kidney function.

Under present medical diagnostic technology it's not that precise. For any cell to live in a hyperglycemia condition, including the kidney under a tissue culture condition, it can be directly observe that these kidney cells won't be healthy if we compared against an optimal condition. It's always about the biological terrain or fluids in which the cells thrive under. As to the issue of an abnormal thyroid caused by a "thyroid disorder" sounds more like musical chairs. It's not the cause. The fact is a glandular system is destroyed by either a virus, fungus bacteria, radiation (such as xrays), or even a depleted uranium exposure. This can lead to a known cause. Autoimmunity I have observe a lot of people have fungus exposure. In veterinary medicine an autopsy of a horse with either a hypo or hyper were found to have a presence of fungus. So if the fungus were no longer damaging the thyroid, a hypothyroid or hyperthyroid would not happen. That's why hydrogen peroxide has work on many ocassion of a thyroid condition by just clearing the blood of pathogens. A hyperglycemia blood would have teems of pathogen presence since sugar is the required nutrient for growing these harmful pathogens.

I still believe chromium and lecithin did reduce blood sugar on many ocassions, along with green tea (from it's diuretic action).

I am sure I haven't address all the issues, but this is the best information that I could come up with.

Ted

Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda
Posted by Elaine (Chicago, IL) on 01/06/2009
 ★☆☆☆☆

WARNING!

I added Baking Soda to my ACV treatment and had many of the side effects others mention on this site. Baking Soda lowers Vitamin C levels and this can lead to symptoms of scurvy. I had to do a lot of research to find this out. I woke up with a purple spot/bruise on my leg and that convinced me, as I had not bumped into anything to bruise myself. The purple bruise looking spot is a sign of scurvy. Luckily, it was recommened to me to take Vitamin C for Constipation. I was sooo sick (my asthma was out of control) last night and the night before. I did not know that Vitamin C actually helps Astmatics.

I took 6 mgs of Vitamin C last night in error. I picked up the wrong size of measuring spoon!!..luckily! I had been up the prior two nights coughing up mucus, but last night I slept through the night. I couldn't figure it out since I needed to take bendryl the other nights just to not choke on the mucus. It appears that the 6 mg of Vitamin C did it's job to replenish my Vitamin C and to help with my asthma.

I woke up with the usual morning junk to cough up and spit out. I took 1000 mg of vitamin C and it stopped this problem dead in it's tracks. People need to read about what vitamin C does, especially for people with Asthma and food allergies. Also, the baking soda should NOT be recommended on this site.

It depletes the Vitamin C. If someone is already low in Vitamin C it can cause Survy Symptoms as it did in me.

I love this site, but I think promoting Baking Soda that depletes Vitamin C is wrong. Also, I love Apple Cider Vinegar and it is promoted here as the top natural relief, but I never hear any talk of vitamin C. It works wonders for Asthma, Hay fever and a load of Respiratory illnesses and other illnesses.


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