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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies >> Kudzu works!!!!
        
(Message started by: liquidsuspension on Dec 10^th, 2006, 3:00pm)

Title: Kudzu works!!!!
Post by liquidsuspension on Dec 10^th, 2006, 3:00pm

i stopped taking my verapamil, and the amitriptyline i was on for a short time. i started kudzu last sunday, and this week has been great for me! it works wonders!

i started out with smaller doses (1-2 pill at a time, a few times a day). BTW right now i'm taking Solaray. Now i take 2-4 at a time. around 16 a day. i take them in the middle of the night when i wake up. i have seen a fast improvement. i had 1 PF day, and all the headaches i do get are very, very minor, and easily taken care of. i haven't even had to use very much O2 this week.

i got a bottle of the planetary herbal recovery, but it has no extract, so it is much weaker than the solaray. i had 2 terrible HAs when i was taking those for half a day. i'm going to try the planetary full spectrum, it has more extract in it than the solaray (200mg vs 150mg per pill) and its cheaper, so we'll see how that does.

praise the Lord for such an awesome natural remedy!

Title: Re: Kudzu works!!!!
Post by Charlotte on Dec 12^th, 2006, 3:20pm

I'm glad it's working for you. That seems like a lot to me, but I've only used the liquid extract, which helps a lot.

Charlotte

Title: Re: Kudzu works!!!!
Post by redhead on Dec 14^th, 2006, 10:22pm

:)I once was a frequent poster here under another ID and left for a while as I started getting strange personal emails from one of the other bulletin board folks, so I disappeared. I just wanted to report in that I am also getting major relief from kudzu. I had started a bout about 2 weeks ago after a 2-year reprieve and read about the kudzu here. It took a few days, but by by day 4 when I was taking 3 pills a night (1 mg each) before bed along with 1 in the morning, my 2 night-time beasts went away. And I mean away! I did up my magnesium and added .5 mg clonepin as well so all of this together might be doing the trick. In any case, I just wanted to report in some success here. I also have generally started to drink more water everyday and this has helped with MANY quirky ailments that I had. I probably won't repost again unless something changes and I have something else to report or have a question. Thanks to all of you who posted about the kudzu and who keep giving us great information, such as Floridian. You are all my heroes.

Title: Re: Kudzu works!!!!
Post by Charlotte on Dec 15^th, 2006, 8:54am

I am glad the kudzu is helping.

Redhead, for future reference, there is no need to do a new registration. You can hide your email and change your name by going into profile.

Charlotte

Title: Re: Kudzu works!!!!
Post by liquidsuspension on Dec 18^th, 2006, 8:48pm

well i've been using the planetary full spectrum kudzu for about 4 days, and it has been working much better than the solaray for me so far. i'm taking fewer pills per day, for less than half the price per pill as well. locally, i've been getting solaray for about $13.50 for 60 pills. from iHerb.com i've ordered 120 pills of the planetary for about $11.50 shipped.

Title: Re: Kudzu works!!!!
Post by Ob1kanobee on Dec 25^th, 2006, 4:56pm

What do you mean when you say Kudzu works? Do you mean that is all you take? Do you take anything else, and I mean anything (prescriptions, lots of water, magnesium,ect.). Do you take it every day? Is it used as more of a type of substance to keep you from getting the headaches (like a preventative)? Do you drink Red Bull?

I get these headaches about 2 months out of the year. So I guess I am not chronic. Are you chronic? Is kudzu something you think I could benefit from? (someone who is not chronic)

Please don't send me to the link either for information. I want to know what your exact treatment method is using this Kudzu. The link does nothing but confuse me.

Some specific info. would be great!

Title: Re: Kudzu works!!!!
Post by nani on Dec 25^th, 2006, 5:45pm

Great to hear of your success, LS! :)

Obiwan,

on 12/25/06 at 16:56:43, Ob1kanobee wrote:

Please don't send me to the link either for information. I want to know what your exact treatment method is using this Kudzu. The link does nothing but confuse me.

Can you please explain which part of the FAQ was confusing? I'd like it to be a clear and helpful document, so some input would be helpful. I'll also be happy to answer any specific questions you may have.
pain free wishes, nani

Title: Re: Kudzu works!!!!
Post by Ob1kanobee on Dec 25^th, 2006, 7:49pm

I guess what I am trying to say is I am looking for a benchmark. He has said Kudzu works and I would like to know his specific regimim or how he treats himself (Occording to the post I made). I don't recall a benchmark in the FAQ. From what I understand this is no real benchmark, but the questions I posted are what I wold like to be answered. When you go to a doctor they give you a prescription, say for like Paxil. They start you off on the starter pack to get you to a benchmark. That is then tweaked from there if need be.

He is in essence saying I like Green Tea. I am asking him to be specific. Does he like it with honey or sugar or neither. does he drink it hot or cold? How many times a day does he drink it? Does he drink any other kind of tea, or just green tea? Ect. Just because it works for him does not mean it will work for me, but at least I have a benchmark to go by.

When he says Kudzu works, like I said, I just want answers to the questions I posted. For all I know he is following the directions on the bottle. I would like to get some of this and start taking it. It sounds safe. Can you answer any of my questions? Do you take it?

I wish everyone that was having success, and I mean true success with CH could post what they do in their profile or somewhere. Seperate by those with Chronic and those with remission. Those who are only using natural therapy and those with RX drugs and those with physcodelic methods and those with combinations. The forum is great, don't get me wrong, but I don't have weeks to try and sift through all this stuff.

It is like Red Bull. I have read where people say or have posted "I drink energy drinks a lot or all the time". Are you drinking them for CH or what.

By The Way. I just had a CH. At 5:20 I realized one was coming. I felt signs earlier like tinges or something in my head. I remebered I had one Red Bull in the pantry that I never drank (because I have anxiety I try not to drink things like that, I drink a lot of cranberry juice). Anyway I immediatly put it in the Freezer (there is no way I was gonna drink it warm) Before at around 3:30 I took a Clonazepam 1mg. I got my trust wash cloth and ice and began icing head, neck, ect. At 5:35 I drank the Red Bull as fast as I could (it took me 3 minutes to drink). I usually would have taken a Goody's Powder but I decided not to. I am happy to report that my pain was a 2 maybe 3 tops on a scale of 1 to 10.

Around 7:00 the pain was gone, however it is 7:42 and I still feel like my head is warm and the beast is there, but relaxing, like it did not know how to respond to the curve ball I threw since I never tried Red Bull for this. I was doing good going on 48 hours or so without a CH.

Well I'm gonna go back to pounding more water. I wonder if I would of drank the Red Bull earlier if that would of helped. I can't wait to try oxygen for this condition.

Title: Re: Kudzu works!!!!
Post by Redd715 on Dec 25^th, 2006, 8:21pm

Sounds to me like you may want to get yourself a good supply of the red bull. Unless I'm mistaken, the tone of your posting is that you've about reached the end of your patience with this cycle. Please...I'm asking nicely..hang in there!! You need to understand here and now there is no silver bullet to stop Ch in it's tracks, not for any of us. Each treatment is something that works individualy, and must be tailored to each person's particular beast and their other physical and medical issues. We can't in good faith, just recommend something without knowing your health history and current health state. We are not doctors. We do know the despiration that can come with this hell. Just hang in there a little bit.

Right now, if I had to suggest anything for you, not knowing your health history, but knowing that you are getting the all too familiar wake up calls, that you try melatonin at 6-9 mg combined with 50 mg. of benadryl 30 minutes before going to sleep. This is a combination that has given many people over night relief from the attacks as it causes one to not hit the REM cycle of sleep, which is where the beast tends to appear.

Red Bull during the day at the first sign of an imminant hit...then please..call and get in to see a Neurologist/headache specialist, to rule out other possible conditions, get a check up on all vitals and other medical possibilties so the meds you DO take don't end up making you worse.

CH won't kill you....

Taking the wrong meds CAN!

Title: Re: Kudzu works!!!!
Post by Ob1kanobee on Dec 25^th, 2006, 9:24pm

Thanks Redd. I might try that. I have taken meletonin before with no problem, only 4.5mg though. I am curious as to why this combinaton works though. Thanks again for the encouragement.

Title: Re: Kudzu works!!!!
Post by Redd715 on Dec 26^th, 2006, 10:08am

The reasoning behind the combination, is that Melatonin alone, for some people, no matter how high the mg. isn't enough to prevent REM sleep cycles. This was true for me, but I was giving it a fair shot and kept taking it. I also get back and neck pain from arthritis that is setting in after spinal injuries years ago, and one night I had taked 2 Tylenol PM's along with the Melatonin, and I had my first successful PF night. I tried it again the next night and the same thing happened. Tylenol PM has benadryl as it's sleep agent.

I had not read anything about the combination being used and so I posted here that I happened to find it helpful, and there are some others that take the two now as well. Yes it's worth a try, and should be fairly safe at this point for you till you can get in to see the Doctor. You may wake up groggy in the morning but a couple cups of coffee will clear that up.

Title: Re: Kudzu works!!!!
Post by nani on Dec 26^th, 2006, 10:45am

I took kudzu for several months during a chronic 5 year cycle. It worked better than the tons of preventative meds I was taking at the time (480 mg verapamil, 300 mg lithium, and 1800 mgs of neurontin). The kudzu gave me the ability to taper off all the meds (except for 240 mgs verapamil for high blood pressure). I took 6 tablets a day (read the part about dose and timing in the link) but started with one a day. I only increased the kudzu as needed (the increase of CH activity was my clue).
It worked very well until I decided to try and taper off. Once I did that, it stopped working at all. Episodics find that they can taper off once they're sure the cycle has ended. I hope I answered your questions and that the answers were clear and helpful.
pain free wishes, nani

Title: Re: Kudzu works!!!!
Post by heprat on Dec 26^th, 2006, 11:05pm

nani or anyone...I'm looking for the FAQ that was referenced. Is it on this site? Google got me to a kudzubusters site. Is this it?
I've been PF for 2 almost two years but got woke up by the beast this AM. Neuro can't see me until Thursday and won't call in the script until I see her....so no O2 for me until probably Friday. I'm going to resist any meds and stick with O2 or any other more natural relief. Imitrex is not my friend even though it works.
Please DO send me the link to the FAQs..I'm interested in anything I can read.
Thanks

Title: Re: Kudzu works!!!!
Post by nani on Dec 26^th, 2006, 11:18pm

Here ya go... :)

http://www.kudzubusters.com/KudzuFAQs.doc

pain free wishes, nani

Title: Re: Kudzu works!!!!
Post by Ob1kanobee on Dec 26^th, 2006, 11:24pm

I'm new, but I would suggest to drink lots of water if you can and also a Red Bull at the first sign of one coming.

Title: Re: Kudzu works!!!!
Post by Pinkfloyd on Dec 27^th, 2006, 2:04am

on 12/26/06 at 23:24:31, Ob1kanobee wrote:

I'm new, but I would suggest to drink lots of water if you can .

Lots of water??? What does that mean? three glasses, 8 glasses? How big are the glasses?
How big are you? If 8 glasses is a lot to you and you weigh 280 lbs, is 4 glasses alot for me since I'm only 140lbs?

Do you realize that drinking "lots of water" can actually be very dangerous to your health?

::) Sorry, I couldn't resist.

Even doctors writing prescriptions for verapamil write them starting anywhere from 80mg a day to 480mg a day or more, to begin with.

Just wanted to make the point that everyone is different and finding the right treatment plan, no matter what the treatment or medication or even "natural" substance, takes time and research and safely trying different doses/schedules etc. Even taking the same dose amount can be different due entirely to time of day/night, spacing of doses etc.

I understand anyone's and everyone's level of frustration and desire to find an answer asap.....but it takes time. If you won't take the time to improve your health, who will?

Bobw

Title: Re: Kudzu works!!!!
Post by heprat on Dec 27^th, 2006, 11:16am

thanks for the link Nani
as I still don't have my beloved O2, I tried Red Bull this morning. Had a K3 at 4:30 and another at 5:30. Both times I slammed a Red Bull. Either it works or I'm still ramping up and they were short to begin with.

Took the suggestions of 6mg of Melotonin and a couple Tylnol PMs to prevent REM sleep last night. The combination kept me awake so not much sleep. Considering getting some of the RC seeds that are mentioned. I'm seeing my neuro tomorrow only to get the O2 script.

Title: Re: Kudzu works!!!!
Post by Ob1kanobee on Dec 27^th, 2006, 4:22pm

I swear I posted all those details, I don't know why they did not post? [smiley=laugh.gif]

Title: Re: Kudzu works!!!!
Post by TxBasslady on Dec 27^th, 2006, 8:58pm

I took Kudzu (Nature's Way) for 9 months.

I took no other meds...prescription or OTC while on the Kudzu.

The important thing about Kudzu (for me) is that you take it at the same time each day...you should take the same amount each day. I followed the directions on the bottle, which was 2, 3 times a day. I took the total of 6 each day for the 9 months, and I had excellent results. I tapered off the Kudzu a year ago, and started using 02. Kudzu changed my CH...my hits were not anywhere near as bad as they were pre Kudzu, and the hits didn't last as long.

Today, I take no meds for my CH...except for 02. The last triptan I took was January 2005.

My choice of no meds has worked very well for me. I would never push my choice on someone else, but when you find what works...stick with it, till it quits working.

We're all different, like Bob says. Just because something worked for one, certainly doesn't make it the right solution for another. Like Bob says...everything takes time to get in your system, so by all means give your choice of treatment a chance to work, before moving on to another. I think sometimes it's this back and forth swap and switch method that causes one to suffer unnecessarily.

CH can be manageable by each individual. Find your treatment of choice, and stick with it till circumstances call for a change.

Jean

Title: Re: Kudzu works!!!!
Post by redhead on Dec 27^th, 2006, 10:12pm

I thought that I would report in again that taking 4-5 of the 1 mg tabs a day has worked really well for me. I had several pain-free days and then I did try to taper off too early and the beast came back, so back to taking 4-5 a day and will probably continue this through January at least. I am episodic and my last 2 bouts started in late December....seems to be related to shortened days. Used to get them mainly in August-Oct. period. Glad to know that it is working for others as well.

Title: Re: Kudzu works!!!!
Post by Ob1kanobee on Dec 27^th, 2006, 10:49pm

redhead? Are you sure you are reading your bottle of Kudzu right? I'm taking "Nature's Herbs certified potency Kudzu" and my bottle says: -Certified Potency Kudzu Root Extract 100mg
(standardized for 1% daidzin)
-Kudzu Root 450mg

Also, why did you decide to taper off? I thought this was something you take from now on? It does not say anything about not taking it anymore on the FAQ's page I read.

I am not chronic with CH FYI. I always get them at the same time every year. They started about a weak ago. I never have really kept track exactly (I am now though). I seem to always acciciate them with the time change (shorter days) that is when I start to think about them (I never dwelled on it though). They typically last 8 weeks.

I have been drinking plenty of water. By that I mean, I try not to let my body tell me I'm thirsty. ( For any nitpickers reading this Google dehydration or signs of thirst). Also taking Omega-3 ( it might not help with these CH, but it is supposed to be good for depression and plenty of other ailments, also good for the brain).

Title: Re: Kudzu works!!!!
Post by nani on Dec 28^th, 2006, 12:19am

on 12/27/06 at 22:49:54, Ob1kanobee wrote:

I thought this was something you take from now on? It does not say anything about not taking it anymore on the FAQ's page I read.

From the FAQ:
Must I take it all the time? If you suffer from chronic CH, yes. Chronics who attempted to taper off kudzu found it ineffective after that. After a prolonged break, some found it helpful again. If you are episodic, no. You should try to taper off once you are sure that your cycle has ended.

redhead, I'm happy it's working for you. Can you tell me the brand that you are trying?

pain free wishes, nani

Title: Re: Kudzu works!!!!
Post by Ob1kanobee on Dec 28^th, 2006, 12:53am

Nani thanks. I still don't understand how redhead is only taking 4 to 5 of the 1mg tabs. The Kudzu I'm taking has several hundred (see my post above).

Title: Re: Kudzu works!!!!
Post by alpacino on Dec 28^th, 2006, 10:00am

Happy New Year;
www.alisultaneh.8m.com
[smiley=laugh.gif]

Title: Re: Kudzu works!!!!
Post by Redd715 on Dec 28^th, 2006, 10:46am

Do NOT concider the above post as being serious.

Title: Re: Kudzu works!!!!
Post by Ob1kanobee on Dec 28^th, 2006, 11:18am

Why, is it some kind of BS. Darn, had me excited there for a minute.

Title: Re: Kudzu works!!!!
Post by floridian on Dec 28^th, 2006, 12:04pm

on 12/28/06 at 00:53:04, Ob1kanobee wrote:

Nani thanks. I still don't understand how redhead is only taking 4 to 5 of the 1mg tabs. The Kudzu I'm taking has several hundred (see my post above).

Is that for kudzu or melatonin? Melatonin is commonly sold in 1 or 3 mg doses. I have not seen kudzu in 1 mg doses.

Title: Re: Kudzu works!!!!
Post by Ob1kanobee on Dec 28^th, 2006, 2:12pm

Yeah floridian, I am confused about the dossage Redhead is taking. I posted what my Kudzu bottle says.