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Title: Ghostwriter's Chinese Brew Post by Giovanni on Aug 28th, 2007, 5:34pm Some months ago the Ghostwriter had posted a Chinese tea brew formula via his wife’s uncle living in China. After having obtained the ingredients from Healing Waters Herbs in St Augustine, Florida, I started the brew and said that I would report back. What I found was that during the last cycle (over six months long), the tea brew greatly diminished the pain level of these headaches when I was drinking three cups a day. The number of headaches decreased and the cycle stopped. I don’t know if I can contribute the stopping of that cycle to the tea…might have been on the way out anyway. During July and most of this month, August, the activity level of a pending cycle has been present. During this activity, I drink the tea and found that the activity mostly stops (90%) only with minor breakthrough shadows occasionally. I should be in full blown cycle right now. Again, I don’t know for sure that this tea formula, aka “the brew”, is responsible for my good luck, but I suspect that it MIGHT be. And, for all that I know, not sure that I’m out of the woods with a most certain cycle. I’m somewhat reluctant making this post as I do not want to give anyone false hopes here, but I feel it MIGHT be worth a try. I would have referenced a link to the Ghostwriter’s posts here at C.H.C., but do not know how…..Maybe someone can help me here? A few words of caution here: I do not know what reactions, if any, this brew may have on your current medication in combination. Use at your own risk if you choose to try it. I do NOT have any commercial interest what-so-ever with healing waters herbal shop in St Augustine, Florida. I found that establishment via Jonathan’s cluster headache book. John |
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Title: Re: Ghostwriter's Chinese Brew Post by thomas on Aug 28th, 2007, 5:42pm Thanks for the info, John. Appreciate you being a guinea pig for everybody. Hope this one is over soon, and you can enjoy a screw driver. ;) |
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Title: Re: Ghostwriter's Chinese Brew Post by phil_h on Aug 28th, 2007, 10:53pm Great... As a chronic I'm willing to try anything that may reduce the pain . Please post the data and I'll run it by my tx team...... I don't try anything on my own anymore without clearance....... thanks I'll try and find this online .. phil h |
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Title: Re: Ghostwriter's Chinese Brew Post by Charlotte on Aug 28th, 2007, 11:50pm http://www.clusterheadaches.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi?board=chspecific;action=display;num=1160714864 Ghostwriter and I had a personality conflict, after which he went into this thread and hand deleted everything he ever wrote, and gave me credit for him leaving. For those of you who miss him, I apologize. Charlotte ps Here is a quote of Giovanni from pg 4 on 10/18/06 at 16:54:33, Giovanni wrote:
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Title: Re: Ghostwriter's Chinese Brew Post by sandie99 on Aug 29th, 2007, 2:07am John, It's great that you've found something which helped you. :) That's brilliant! :) PF days, Sanna |
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Title: Re: Ghostwriter's Chinese Brew Post by phil_h on Aug 29th, 2007, 5:56am Thank you Charlotte , Mostly I just miss my mind ....... phil h |
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Title: Re: Ghostwriter's Chinese Brew Post by Chillrmn1 on Aug 29th, 2007, 6:07am John, Thanks for your report. I've been saving the recipe from Ghostwriters' original post but haven't had to try it yet. Please continue to update on this as you use it. Thanx, Bob |
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Title: Re: Ghostwriter's Chinese Brew Post by Giovanni on Aug 29th, 2007, 8:26am Mathematically, I had broken down the formula to accommodate 2-2 one half quarts of brew at a time. I bring 3 quarts of bottled water to a hard boil in a stainless steel pot; add the below herbs; take the water down to a simmer; cover; continue simmer for 40 minutes; strain and bottle/refrigerate. Additionally I use tea filters, size 4 in unbleached t-sac tea filters. Takes two of these filters to accommodate the quantity of herbs. I drink two to three cups of tea a day when activity is present (6 oz cup)---Best to cut down to 2 cups a day after 3rd day. This stuff is TERRIBLE tasting---I use honey to make it more palatable. I get the herbs from Healing Waters: http://www.healingwatersclinic.com/ The formula is in my name: Ask for the formula for clusterheadaches for JOHN I in North Carolina--they have a record. The quantity that I order will make numerous batches of the brew and cost $50.00---they might cut this order in half if you request it. Call Healing Waters directly as they are not too prompt with the email. Chai Hu (Bupleurum) 5.3 grams Bai Shao (White Peony) 8 grams Man Jing Zhi (Vitex) 6.4 grams Ju Hua (Chrysanthemum) 8 grams Chuan Xiong (Cnidium) 3.2 grams Fang Feng (Siler Root) 5.4 grams Gan Cao (Licorice) 1.6 grams Fu Ling (Poria) 3.2 grams Shi Jue Ming (abalone shell)—Substituted Mother of Pearl—16 grams The above quantity will make the 2-2 1/2 quarts. As an additional note; I take various RX medications including varapamil and had no adverse reactions. John |
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Title: Re: Ghostwriter's Chinese Brew Post by Giovanni on Aug 29th, 2007, 9:09am I forgot to mention, store the brew in a glass container in the fridge, shake well, pour 6 oz in a cup, microwave, add honey. Enclosed is a list of the herbs and description compiled by Lee: chai hu Medicinal Uses Alterative; Analgesic; Antibacterial; Antiinflammatory; Antiperiodic; Antipyretic; Antiviral; Carminative; Diaphoretic; Emmenagogue; Haemolytic; Pectoral; Sedative. Bei chai hu root has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for at least 2,000 years[238]. It is a bitter herb that is used to harmonize the body, balancing the different organs and energies within the body[254]. It strengthens the digestive tract, acts as a tonic for the liver and circulatory system, lowers fevers and has anti-viral effects[238]. The root is alterative, analgesic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiperiodic, antipyretic, antiviral, carminative, diaphoretic, emmenagogue, haemolytic, hepatic, pectoral, sedative[116, 147, 174. 176, 178, 218, 238, 254]. It is taken internally in the treatment of malaria, blackwater fever, uterine and rectal prolapse, haemorrhoids, sluggish liver, menstrual disorders, abdominal bloating etc[238]. The roots are harvested in the autumn and can be used fresh or dried[238]. The root contains saikosides[254]. These saponin-like substances have been shown to protect the liver from toxicity whilst also strengthening its function, even in people with immune system disorders[254]. These saikosides also stimulate the body's production of corticosteroids and increase their anti-inflammatory affect[254]. Source: http://www.ibiblio.org/pfaf/cgi-bin/arr_html?Bupleurum+chinense&CAN= COMIND |
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Title: Re: Ghostwriter's Chinese Brew Post by Giovanni on Aug 29th, 2007, 9:10am man jing zi Main Uses: Treatment of heat and cold between tendons and bones, damp bi type cramps, brightens the eyes, and strengthens the teeth. It regulates the nine orifices and expels "bai chong" ["chong" as indicated by the Chinese character indicates some kind of worm, bug, parasite etc. All I can find on that is "bai chong bing" in a medical dictionary which translates as "teniasis" whatever that is.] Prolonged use of this herb can prevent aging. Both Xiao Jing and Man Jing can treat headache caused by wind, ringing in the head, lacrimation and benefit qi. It can enliven and brighten the spirit, and has been said to be able to expel pathogenic qi and help the hair [head hair] to grow. It has also been said to be able to free up the joints, treat epilepsy, red eyes, tai yang type headache It can treat heaviness in the head [and implies some state bordering on unconsciousness]brighten the eyes, disperse pathogenic wind, cool menstrual blood, treat aching eyes, soothe liver wind, treat headache caused by wind, darken head hair and treats mastitis in the early stages. Source: http://www.chineseherbacademy.org/articles/manjing.shtml Ju Hua Also Known As: Florist's Chrysanthemum, Ju Hua, Mum. Anthemis grandiflorum; Anthemis stipulacea; Chrysanthemum morifolium; Chrysanthemum sinense; Chrysanthemum stipulaceum; Dendranthema morifolium; Matricaria morifolia. Family: Asteraceae or Compositae. Hua Properties: SWEET, BITTER - COOL Dosage:4.5 – 15g. Chrysanthemum Flower Meridian: LIVER, LUNG -disperse wind, clear heat – headache, fever -clears liver – red-painful-dry eyes, excessive tearing, floaters -calms liver – dizziness, headache, deafness, blurred vision Also Used For: Orally, Ju Hua/Chrysanthemum is used to treat angina, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, fever, cold, headache, dizziness, and swelling. In combination with other herbs, chrysanthemum is used orally to treat prostate cancer. In combination with licorice (Gan Cao) (Glycyrrhiza uralensis) and (Ren Shen) Panax notoginseng, it is used to treat precancerous lesions. As a beverage, Ju Hua/Chrysanthemum is very popular as a summertime tea in southern China. Source: http://tcm.health-info.org/Herbology.Materia.Medica/juhua-properties.htm |
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Title: Re: Ghostwriter's Chinese Brew Post by Giovanni on Aug 29th, 2007, 9:13am chuan xiong Biological Name: Rhizoma Chuanxiong Common Name: Szechwan Lovage Rhizome Description of plant: A perennial growing to 40-70 cm, with white flowers. Flowers in July-August and bears fruit in August-September. Found in Sichuan, Jiangxi, Hubei, Xiaxi, Gansu, Guizhou and Yunnan. Part(s) of plant used: Root. Key Constituents: Ferulic acid, 4-hydroxy-3-butylphthalide, senkyunolide, ligustilide, tetramethylpyrazine, chuanxiongol, sedanic acid. Nature: Bitter taste, warm in nature. Key Actions: Promote flow of blood and qi , dispel wind and relieve pain. Indications: Menstrual disorders, amenorrhoea, dysmenorrhoea Abdominal pain with mass formation Pricking pain in the chest and costal regions, Swelling and pain due to traumatic injury Headache Rheumatic arthralgia Source: http://www.heritage.com.sg/monograph/prod28.htm fang feng Traditional Chinese uses Resolves the exterior and dispels wind (both wind-heat and wind-cold); dispels wind-damp and alleviates pain; antispasmodic Traditional Chinese applications Exterior syndromes, particularly those that involve headache, muscle, or joint pain; itching skin rashes; spasms Possible unwanted effects None noted Herb drug interactions None reported TCM and other contraindications Blood deficiency with spasms; yin deficiency with heat signs Formulas Nepeta +12 (Changing Seasons) Ligusticum +8 (Changing Seasons) Astragalus +2 (Changing Seasons) Eucommia +14 (Older) Peony +9 (Woman's Health) Source: http://www.senhealth.com/vsite/vcontent/page/xmlcontent/0,11740,4822-129 108-130416-19197-68231-xmlcontent-item,00.html |
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Title: Re: Ghostwriter's Chinese Brew Post by Giovanni on Aug 29th, 2007, 9:14am gan cao tonifies pi (spleen), enhances qi, clears heat, rids of toxins, expels phlegm and stops cough, stops pain, synergizes other herbs. Being used in spleen and stomach weakness, tired and lack of strength, palpitation and short of breath, cough with abundance of phlegm, stomach and solar plexus pain, spastic painful limbs, boils, to reduce toxicity of other herbs. Medical Function: 1. adrenocortical hormone function As early as 1946 gan cao extract showed the characteristics of mineralcorticoid. Glycyrrhiza is metabolically converted to glycyrrhetic acid (GA). GA, when incubated in-vitro with adrenal gland cells increases DHEA production. 2. effects on digestive system a. anti ulcer b. anti convulsion c. promotes secretion of insulin d. protects liver from toxin 3. anti inflammation 4. anti allergy 5. anti cancer Saponins stimulate the immune system and inhibit Epstein-Barr virus expression and possess in-vitro (in the test tube) anti-cancer activities. Epstein_Barr virus is associated in certain cancer development. Glycyrrhiza also contains quercetin that has anticancer effects. Glycyrrhiza lowers serum testosterone levels and correspondingly increases estrogen levels by inducing two enzymes called 17-ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and aromatase thus inhibit prostate cancer cells. 6. anti virus and bacteria a. anti HIV b. anti amoeba and bacteria 7. effect on blood vessels a. lower blood lipids Both saponins and licoflavones are known to bind to cholesterol and bile acids and have surfactant properties. Source: http://alternativehealing.org/gan_cao.htm inhibit prostate cancer cells. 6. anti virus and bacteria a. anti HIV b. anti amoeba and bacteria 7. effect on blood vessels a. lower blood lipids Both saponins and licoflavones are known to bind to cholesterol and bile acids and have surfactant properties. Source: http://alternativehealing.org/gan_cao.htm |
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Title: Re: Ghostwriter's Chinese Brew Post by Giovanni on Aug 29th, 2007, 9:15am fu ling Taste: bland Energy: neutral Channels: Heart, Spleen, Kidneys. Actions: drain Dampness, resolve oedema, strengthen the Spleen, calm the Mind. Indications: urinary difficulty, oedema, "Dampness" in all its manifestations ("it resolves oedema without harming Qi because it is bland and neutral" ), tiredness, poor appetite, loose stools, insomnia. Pharmacology (Hobbs, 1995) Polysaccharides have anti-tumour effect Stimulate phagocytosis Immuno-stimulating Antiviral Anti-mutagenic activity Source: http://www.phytochemistry.freeserve.co.uk/mushroom/maciocia/fuling.htm shi jue ming Shi Jue Ming Properties: SALTY - COLD Dosage: 9 – 30g. Abolone Shell Meridian: KIDNEY, LIVER -drains liver fire and ascending yang – headache, dizziness, red eyes -liver heat disturbing vision – photophobia, pterygium, visual obstruction Source: http://tcm.health-info.org/Herbology.Materia.Medica/shijueming-propertie s.htm |
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Title: Re: Ghostwriter's Chinese Brew Post by phil_h on Aug 29th, 2007, 9:16am THANK YOU...... phil h |
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Title: Re: Ghostwriter's Chinese Brew Post by LeeS on Sep 4th, 2007, 12:48pm Hey John - sorry I missed this update. How are you doing? Still well, I hope. Are you still on the verapamil? -Lee |
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Title: Re: Ghostwriter's Chinese Brew Post by Giovanni on Sep 5th, 2007, 9:36am on 09/04/07 at 12:48:32, LeeS wrote:
Hey Lee..........thanks I think I've flipped to the chronic side as I have "activity" outside of a defined cycle. Before while in remission, no symptoms now I have activity or shadowing much too often. Last cycle was a killer over 6 months long--200 + imitrex or Zomig doses, countless M tanks. Yep, still taking the verapamil CR. The brew, along with generic red bull seem to help. Hope you're doing well. John |
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Title: Re: Ghostwriter's Chinese Brew Post by LeeS on Sep 6th, 2007, 9:53am Hi John Yeah, I know exactly what you mean about flipping over to the chronic side. It happened to me 4-5 years ago, although even from onset my cycles were never really classically defined. I managed after much trial and tribulation to regain my "episodic status" a couple of years ago, through the alternative treatment, but this year has been more difficult (no idea why!). Currently running at 33 days completely PF though, so one can't grumble (but time for a maintenance dose methinks). This brew continues to fascinate me. I wonder if some of the ingredients in isolation are more important than the others; or perhaps the sum of the whole is more crucial? Where's Flo – I’m sure he would have some valuable input? Anyway, I'm very glad you seem to be doing relatively well. I think we need more beta-testers in this respect – it is certainly on my list should the alternatives fail. -Lee |
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Title: Re: Ghostwriter's Chinese Brew Post by Giovanni on Sep 6th, 2007, 8:27pm Lee, Here's a tea formula, Keishi-Bukuryo-Gan, by Floridian that shares maybe a couple items: http://www.med-owl.com/clusterheadaches/tiki-index.php?page=Keishi-bukuryo-gan I've tried that formula, but the "brew" seems to work better with me. John |
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