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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies >> Interesting Kuzdu ?
        
(Message started by: tracyboo on Oct 12^th, 2006, 9:55pm)

Title: Interesting Kuzdu ?
Post by tracyboo on Oct 12^th, 2006, 9:55pm

Ok, this may be a dumb question, but hey, I'm amongst friends... ;;D. Here goes.

If Kudzu acts to constrict vessels, is it possible to open one up during an attack and take it that way? Maybe mix the powder in water and drink it? My thought process is that it would be absorbed quicker.

So, dumb question or what? Anyone tried it before?

Hugs [smiley=hug.gif]

Tracy

Title: Re: Interesting Kuzdu ?
Post by nani on Oct 12^th, 2006, 9:59pm

Hi Tracy. Kudzu isn't a vaso-constrictor. We think it works because it A) relaxes the blood vessels (like verapamil) and B) blocks the 5ht receptors in the brain.
A few folks did try using kudzu as a SPUT, or opening a capsule and holding it under the tongue (for speedy absorption) until they could no longer stand the taste, LOL. The results weren't very promising, I'm afraid. :-/

Title: Re: Interesting Kuzdu ?
Post by tracyboo on Oct 12^th, 2006, 10:07pm

Oh, well, there goes that idea. Guess I won't be winning any awards for coming up with that one. [smiley=laugh.gif]

Title: Re: Interesting Kuzdu ?
Post by Charlotte on Oct 12^th, 2006, 10:52pm

I use liquid kudzu extract, and have tried it as an abortive - which did not work, but it helps systemically. It takes awhile to get into your system, even if you use liquid and absorb it in your mouth.

I'm just now switching from kudzu to verapamil. Most people go the other way.

Charlotte

Title: Re: Interesting Kuzdu ?
Post by BigCoffinHunter on Oct 13^th, 2006, 11:02am

Where does one find Kudzu? It's not in any of the supplements sections of the stores around here. I take the verapamil, but good to know there's similar stuff out there.

Title: Re: Interesting Kuzdu ?
Post by Charlotte on Oct 13^th, 2006, 11:24am

Big, you can find it at iherb, PapaNature, Vitacost, andwhatever other internet sources are listed in med.owl in the kudzu thread in medication/treatments/therapies section.

Discuss it with your doc before starting it if you already take verapamil. My doc said he didn't see why I could not take it at the dosages I was using but that if the neuro wanted me to switch to verapamil, then we can always go back to kudzu if that bombs out.

I've been told that once you stop kudzu, it may not work the same next time you use it, so I did not want to stop until I researched everything. I just stopped kudzu today.

Title: Re: Interesting Kuzdu ?
Post by Sandy_C on Oct 13^th, 2006, 4:20pm

Big,
I found my Kudzu at a local health food store. I looked in the herbal departments of both pharmacy's and grocery stores with no luck. The health food store had at least three varieties to choose from

Sandy

Title: Re: Interesting Kuzdu ?
Post by TxBasslady on Oct 14^th, 2006, 1:07am

It's a lot cheaper to order it online.

You can save about 50% per bottle . I paid $6.86 at IHerb online, and it was $11.99 at the vitamin store.

Some places online will give you free shipping too.

Good luck...

Jean

Title: Re: Interesting Kuzdu ?
Post by Charlotte on Oct 14^th, 2006, 10:59am

PapaNature gives you a small quantity discount, and they have overnight shipping which costs more but is fast, and their regular shipping is pretty fast.

If you are up on your reading, they have more herbs available than you can ever keep up with.

c