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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by sigismund on August 5, 2010, at 3:47:06
In reply to Schisandra, posted by morgan miller on August 1, 2010, at 1:36:36
Here is what "Clinical Applications of Chinese and Ayurvedic Herbs" says are the medicinal uses
Acute and chronic liver diseases, in conjunction with other herbs
Chemical liver damage, poor liver function
To improve the detoxifying capacity of the liver.
To improve mental, physical and sensory performance.
Nervous system disorders.
Contraindicated in pregnancy except to facilitate childbirth.
It makes a nice tea. It's nice and tangy too.
Posted by sigismund on August 5, 2010, at 3:52:57
In reply to Schisandra, posted by morgan miller on August 1, 2010, at 1:36:36
Also....
Small open clinical studies have shown benefit in induction of labour, mild spastic paralysis following a stroke, Parkinson's disease, cerebellar ataxia, Meniere's syndrome and psychosis.
The reference is to
"Pharmacology and Applications of Chinese Materia Medica vol1" by Chang and But.
Posted by morgan miller on August 6, 2010, at 0:08:46
In reply to Re: Schisandra, posted by sigismund on August 5, 2010, at 3:52:57
Thanks for the info. on schisandra!
Posted by morgan miller on August 12, 2010, at 11:02:36
In reply to Re: Schisandra » sigismund, posted by morgan miller on August 6, 2010, at 0:08:46
Well, so far I think Schisandra is really making a difference in the way I feel-a smooth energy boost, subtle mood boost, more alert, and increase in stamina/endurance. I really don't think this is placebo as most everyone I've communicated with has reported nothing but positive things to say about their experience with Schisadra.
Anyone looking for an all around feel good herb that may also help maintain liver health(we all need that with the medications we are taking), I think Shisandra may be a good addition to your regimen. So far, Holy Basil and Shisandra are on the top of my list for feel good herbs. Not crazy about Ashwagandha, I feel like it's better for night time before sleep, rather than a during the day feel good energizing herb.
Hey Lao, you might want to check out a few websites since you are into supplements and researching supplements-mindandmuscle.net and imminst.org
Posted by Hombre on August 12, 2010, at 19:48:30
In reply to Re: Schisandra, posted by morgan miller on August 12, 2010, at 11:02:36
Are you still taking the Planetary Herbals formula?
I looked into it a bit more and it has a lot of herbs that tonify the kidneys, liver and to some extent the lungs and spleen.
I believe that a lot of psyche drugs tax the TCM kidneys and lead to a loss of energy, dry mouth, night sweats, insomnia, anxiety, lack of will/drive and libido. This may have something to do with the adrenals and other hormonal systems.
Also, I feel that psyche drugs can slow down metabolism and cause bloating and edema. A lot of the kidney and spleen tonifying herbs are diuretics to an extent, getting rid of excess moisture that causes poor digestion and a resulting lack of energy.
The liver is important because it supposedly draws from the kidneys for its energy. Anything that affects the kidneys will affect the liver and vice versa. The liver is what gives us our ability to express ourselves and do long term planning. It is the largest and possibly the most complex of the organ systems in TCM and western medicine.
Judging from what you've shared about your physical and mental/emotional symptoms, this is probably a pretty good formula to stick with. Schisandra is also supposed to calm the mind, as you know. You may also look into Planetary's Rehmannia and Ginseng formulas, but you'd probably be better served by a formula that is not too "hot" as it could burn you out. I've had that happen to me recently, with a weird back injury and sudden lack of energy. I had to switch to a "cooler" formula (I believe called Rehmannia Vitalizer by PH) that builds up the kidney and liver yin - the oil in our lamp. The back pain went away and my energy came back a couple of days after switching formulas.
Interesting stuff these herbs.
Posted by Hombre on August 12, 2010, at 20:08:03
In reply to Re: Schisandra, posted by morgan miller on August 12, 2010, at 11:02:36
I also wanted to add that dairy and cold, raw foods can tax the spleen and lead to excessive "dampness" and "phlegm", which can lead to depression and lack of energy.
When I first moved to Asia I met with an American who is a Chinese doctor and kung fu expert. I asked him what common health problems Westerners faced when moving to Asia, and he said digestive complaints were common. Upon having these problems, people would take yogurt thinking the probiotics would fix things, but it ended up causing more dampness, something that was apt to happen anyway living in a hot, humid tropical climate.
While yogurt and raw fruits and veggies are considered healthy foods on one hand, they may not be appropriate for all people depending on their own energetic tendencies. The habit of drinking iced water and beverages and eating big salads is a hard one to break, but once you get used to how it can help your energy it doesn't matter so much.
I just wanted to mention this because I will probably not be on babble anymore for time time being, moving on to the next phase of recovery and job hunting.
Best of luck.
Posted by sigismund on August 12, 2010, at 21:38:02
In reply to Re: Schisandra, posted by Hombre on August 12, 2010, at 19:48:30
Rehmannia is particulary interesting, and the cured stuff is very nice to eat.
If you tick the no message box by mistake your message vanishes.
I had said that ashwaganda was no good for sleep for me because I would wake at 1am and stay that way for the night.
Felt too dopaminergic and was probably due to the combination of that with the agomelatine I take.I don't know if Holy Basil can aggravate insomnia? I'm wondering.
Schizandra is a herb I've been meaning to try for years.
I must get some of that Noni from Pure Bulk.
Posted by morgan miller on August 12, 2010, at 22:36:09
In reply to Re: Schisandra, posted by Hombre on August 12, 2010, at 20:08:03
Hey Hombre,
Yes I'm taking the Planetary Herbals Schisandra Adrenal Complex. It does seem like a nice formula.
Thanks for informing me about what some of the other herbs in the complex are good for. I think it's a keeper.
Jarrow's Wellnes Optimizer is another nice formulation that I just bought and I'm pretty sure I've noticed an immediate positive mood boost, sense of well being, and smooth energy boost. I think this formula could be one in which the benefits may build over time, especially the immune boosting benefits. I really like the ingredients in it. Check it out.
So I guess you are feeling better these days. We are going to miss you here, Hombre. Take care, good luck, and check back in some time in the future.
Morgan
Posted by morgan miller on August 12, 2010, at 22:39:25
In reply to Re: Schisandra, posted by sigismund on August 12, 2010, at 21:38:02
Sigismund, Holy basil is not likely to aggravate insomnia, especially if taken in the morning and afternoon. Some do take holy basil at night to help with sleep. It can work as an adaptogen so it may help to calm when the body needs to rest. I love my Holy Basil. I love my Schisandra too!
Morgan
Posted by Lao Tzu on August 23, 2010, at 15:33:18
In reply to Re: Schisandra » sigismund, posted by morgan miller on August 12, 2010, at 22:39:25
Hi Morgan! What's up? How is the schisandra working for you? Any positive benefits yet? If so, how does it make you feel?
Lao
Posted by morgan miller on August 24, 2010, at 13:35:07
In reply to Re: Schisandra, posted by Lao Tzu on August 23, 2010, at 15:33:18
Hey brotha!
So far so good on Schisandra. I decided to cut my dose in half to see what happens. I definitely have more energy and feel better. It's a very nice smooth and subtle effect.
I have also become somewhat obsessed with medicinal mushrooms. I have noticed a significant improvement in the way I feel after taking Cordyceps. I feel that I have more energy and can breath better. I also feel there has been a positive effect on mood, this may be a result of simply feeling better. I also added Reishi for it's calming effects. My next addition to my mushroom regimen will be Chaga for inflammation.
Check this video out with one of the leading experts in medicinal mushrooms:
http://www.ted.com/talks/view/id/258
Also if you do a pubmed search you will find a slew of studies on these mushrooms and positive effects including cancer fighting properties.
I think you would be especially interested in Cordyceps for it's energy/stamina boosting effects and it's potential ability to fight and prevent lung cancer.
I have seen improvements lately, but I am still struggling in many ways. The muskuloskeletal issues combined with physiological issues are still making it very difficult for me to get back to living the way I was just a few years ago.
How are you? Hope all is well!
Morgan
Posted by sigismund on August 27, 2010, at 21:33:39
In reply to Re: Schisandra, posted by morgan miller on August 24, 2010, at 13:35:07
>I have noticed a significant improvement in the way I feel after taking Cordyceps. I feel that I have more energy and can breath better. I also feel there has been a positive effect on mood, this may be a result of simply feeling better.
Same here, except for the fact that it exacerbated my insomnia (which seems to require very little and anyway for all I know the cordyceps is innocent).
>I also added Reishi for it's calming effects. My next addition to my mushroom regimen will be Chaga for inflammation.
Reishi is said to be one of the few herbs which lowers the allergy threshold (I suppose you might say)by lowering IgE. You find it calming?
I've never heard of Chaga. Good stuff?
Posted by morgan miller on August 27, 2010, at 22:29:48
In reply to Cordyceps, Reishi and Chaga » morgan miller, posted by sigismund on August 27, 2010, at 21:33:39
Don't know if I find Reishi calming. I'm taking so much crap, including lithium, it's really hard to tell right now. I'm taking it for general well being and overall health. I'm interested in Chaga mainly for it's potential ant-inflammatory actions, and hopefully other benefits-mainly strengthened immunity, which it appears most of the mushrooms do as a result of beta-glucans.
Posted by Lao Tzu on August 31, 2010, at 14:38:27
In reply to Re: Schisandra, posted by morgan miller on August 24, 2010, at 13:35:07
Hey Morgan! I'm fine. How are you doing? I've been off babble for a few days. Just didn't feel like it, I guess. Cordyceps? That's interesting. Might just try that one. I might try the Schisandra as well. I've been trying Ginkgo and Gotu Kola. I don't like either one of them. They make me feel worse. So I'm back on the Holy Basil. It does help me emotionally. I just didn't realize it until I stopped taking it. And it doesn't make my depression worse. I really have to be careful what I take. 9 times out of 10, herbs just don't work for me. Holy Basil is okay, though. I have the same problem with amino acids. They just don't help me at all. Psychosis is really difficult to treat. You become extremely sensitive to every supplement you take, and most times they don't work. But I'm glad you're feeling better. You really do give me some good ideas. I can't always rely on the internet for good ideas because frankly, I think they don't know what the hell they're talking about. Getting good ideas from friends is the best way, I think. Keep getting well. Have you gotten all your medical tests done yet? Any results yet?
See ya!
Lao
Posted by sigismund on August 31, 2010, at 20:49:46
In reply to Re: Schisandra, posted by Lao Tzu on August 31, 2010, at 14:38:27
>Holy Basil is okay, though
Do you find it stimulating?
No insomnia?
Posted by sigismund on August 31, 2010, at 20:51:01
In reply to Re: Schisandra, posted by Lao Tzu on August 31, 2010, at 14:38:27
It may be a coincidence, but I have been sleeping a little less badly since I started Schizandra.
Posted by morgan miller on August 31, 2010, at 22:07:18
In reply to Re: Schisandra, posted by sigismund on August 31, 2010, at 20:51:01
> It may be a coincidence, but I have been sleeping a little less badly since I started Schizandra.
It is an adaptogen. So maybe it is helping you during the day giving you more energy and keeping you alert, then at night calming you allowing your body to relax better. Do you have more energy on schizandra? If you do, it may be that you are having more productive days and that is translating to more restful sleep.
I do not think Holy Basil is at all stimulating. It can help the adrenals get going, but it mostly has a calming stabilizing effect. In the right doses, it can be a nice addition to your mood stabilizing and stress coping regimen.
Posted by morgan miller on August 31, 2010, at 22:18:26
In reply to Re: Schisandra, posted by Lao Tzu on August 31, 2010, at 14:38:27
Hey brotha how's it going?!
Good to hear a little holy basil still helps. I just added it back in to my regimen. I won't take it everyday, maybe 4 to 5 days a week when I think I really can benefit from it. Yeah, it is really difficult to figure out exactly what an herb is doing and if it is worth taking. Sometimes we have to go on and off it to come to the right conclusion.
I have gotten most tests back and with the exception of a little nerve damage, everything looks pretty good so far. I will be moving on from the neurologist to a physiatrist, rheumatologist, and lyme disease specialist. I need to make sure I cover all the bases. The neurologist is still waiting on some test results, and the people at radiology still need to evaluate my brain MRI. I really want to get one of those scans that shows brain activity. We will see if my father goes for that. A good friend thinks I should go to the Mayo Clinic if things continue and none of the other doctors have any answers.
I had a few very rough last few days. I don't know what is going on with me. It just hits me out of nowhere and I have to force myself to function normally. Who knows, maybe it all comes down to emotional issues, faulty brain chemistry, and the lack of efficacy with the medications I'm on.
Great to hear from you as always. We all need a break from babble every once in a while. How have you been feeling in general? Have you thought any more about cutting down on the cigarettes and starting exercising more? : )
Morgan
Posted by Lao Tzu on September 2, 2010, at 10:00:12
In reply to Re: Schisandra » Lao Tzu, posted by sigismund on August 31, 2010, at 20:49:46
Yeah, I agree. Holy Basil is okay. I don't find it stimulating. I actually find it more on the sedating side, but not too sedating. I did actually think it might effect your sleep. That's something to watch out for if you take it later in the day or if you take a very high dosage. I stay at 400mg per day (1 capsule) and find it doesn't really affect my sleep that much. It's okay, though, like you said. It does help somewhat with anxiety, but I always felt kava was better in this regard.
Lao
Posted by Lao Tzu on September 2, 2010, at 20:31:46
In reply to Re: Schisandra, posted by morgan miller on August 31, 2010, at 22:18:26
Hey Morgan, I'm doing okay. Sorry to hear you've had some rough days. The SPECT scan can show you brain activity or underactivity. Dr. Amen uses that scan for all his patients. Perhaps you've heard of him. He's written some books and has a website and a clinic. I always wanted to get that scan done just so I'd know how my brain was functioning under medication, you know, to determine if there were areas of concern. I guess you can get it done, but it is not routine for doctors to order it. I guess only for very specific cases. I imagine it's expensive, and I don't know if insurance would cover it other than for very specific situations.
The Mayo Clinic is very renowned. I'm sure they would be able to help you there if, in fact, you needed to go. I'm sure you'll get some good answers to your problem somewhere along the line. It's really good that you are seeing a handful of specialists. At least they can help you rule out things and maybe point you in the right directions. I know my psychiatrist has helped me see the light many times. I just don't always do what he suggests, but I still know that his wisdom is usually the correct thing to do. I guess I could play around with supplements all day long and then he'd say I'm just beating around the bush, so to speak. However, I still say I have gained benefits from my vitamin regimen. I really believe that.Yeah, the Holy Basil is really a good herb for me I'm finding out. I can't put my finger on exactly why that is. I just tend to feel better emotionally while I'm taking it. Of course, all my other vitamins and minerals are essential, but the Holy Basil has been a nice addition. I thank you again for suggesting it.
Anyway, I hope you can get some concrete answers from all the tests you're doing, and I hope the doctors can steer you in the right direction.
I have decreased my cigarettes a tiny bit, which means not really. I am, however, going to get the chance to exercise a few times per week because my brother is going back to school and will be home a lot more. It means I'm going to get out on the tennis court probably at least 3 days a week. I'm looking forward to it. It's the only exercise that I get pumped up about. Hitting that little yellow, furry ball over the net hundreds of times. It's so repetitive, yet I love it. What can I say, I've become a more simple man as I get older.
Anyway, hang in there and as always, stay as well as you can. I know eventually you'll get some relief from your problems.
See Ya!
Lao
Posted by Lao Tzu on September 2, 2010, at 21:00:14
In reply to Re: Schisandra, posted by morgan miller on August 31, 2010, at 22:18:26
You know, the psychodynamic group therapy you mentioned in a previous post is intriguing to me. Don't know if I'd do it, but it is interesting. More and more, I am believing in the power of people to heal each other. I do notice that in many cases, I tend to feel better when I have a positive exchange with someone. I'm too much in my own head, and this leads to feeling depressed. It's a wonder how you can forget yourself when you're involved with others. I'm not saying it is a cure, but I definitely think there is a psychological aspect to feeling low that we may not be able to correct all by ourselves. We seem to need others even though we'd like to be alone. Fixing the biochemical imbalance with medicine and supplements is a must, but then after that, we should get with people. What do you think?
Oh, I heard something funny on the radio. Someone said, "I just heard that drinking red wine is good for you. Red wine, really? We should hear more things like that, Like Red wine in conjunction with a lap dance at a football game is good for you."
I just heard it and laughed. Laughter is good medicine.
Well, take care of yourself. Stay well.Lao
Posted by morgan miller on September 3, 2010, at 0:43:08
In reply to Re: Schisandra))Morgan, posted by Lao Tzu on September 2, 2010, at 21:00:14
>Someone said, "I just heard that drinking red wine is good for you. Red wine, really? We should hear more things like that, Like Red wine in conjunction with a lap dance at a football game is good for you."
Lol, that is hilarious.
>Fixing the biochemical imbalance with medicine and supplements is a must, but then after that, we should get with people. What do you think?
I think as we get functional on medication and suppmlements, we should be in therapy and group therapy, even if we have not reached full therapeutic benefit from medication/supplement treatment.
Hey have you ever heard of Lobelia? It's an indian herb that is smoked and can both reduce cravings for tabacco and can improve lung function. I'm just thinking maybe you can get a hold of some and roll your own lobelia cigarettes with good clean non toxic rolling papers. I think you can do lobelia in tincture and capsule form. I do think there are a few risks with lobelia use. But then again, I doubt they are any worse than smoking that poison the tobacco companies are feeding us.
Hope all is well!
Morgan
Posted by sigismund on September 7, 2010, at 20:11:37
In reply to Re: Schisandra))Morgan, posted by Lao Tzu on September 2, 2010, at 21:00:14
>What do you think?
This is my 2 bob's worth.......
Our emotional lives, especially where we respond strongly to people, involve an often repeated attempt to solve by symbolic means an early childhood dilemma, by which I mean the problem we faced as young children trying to find a way to feel OK about the situation we were in. Psychodynamic therapy isn't great at elucidating these attempts, but it is better at giving us an idea of what this situation originally was.
Love, the people we love, is the stage on which we try to achieve a symbolic restitution.That's how it's been for me, anyway.
Posted by morgan miller on September 7, 2010, at 21:50:21
In reply to Re: Schisandra))Morgan, posted by sigismund on September 7, 2010, at 20:11:37
>Psychodynamic therapy isn't great at elucidating these attempts, but it is better at giving us an idea of what this situation originally was.
I think this may be contingent on whether the ability of the therapist and the patient.
I totally agree with the love thing. Life is love, without it we are lost.
Morgan
Posted by morgan miller on September 7, 2010, at 22:00:50
In reply to Re: Schisandra))Morgan, posted by sigismund on September 7, 2010, at 20:11:37
Hey sigismund, how is it going with schisandra? What do you notice?
I think I notice an increase in energy and mental alertness. I'm also digging the fact that it is good for the liver, something many of us need if we have been taking medication for a long time.
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