Dynamic Chiropractic, Oct 21, 2004 by Amaro, John

In contemporary applications of acupuncture in North America, it is becoming increasingly common to hear patients complain that their insurance carrier is challenging them; acupuncture is not effective for a particular situation, according to the insurer, and therefore, coverage is being denied. Of course, it is obvious that insurance companies are in the business to minimize costs, escalate productivity and maximize profit. As a result, it is not uncommon or unlikely that our patients will be denied coverage, only because the insurance carrier has deemed acupuncture to be ineffective or an unapproved treatment.

The World Health Organization (WHO), whose authority concerning health-related matters internationally cannot be challenged, has compiled a list of symptoms, syndromes, disease processes, pathologies, traumas and conditions that have definitely been proven as effectively treated by acupuncture. The WHO has also compiled a list of diseases, symptoms and conditions for which acupuncture has shown definite therapeutic effects, but more proof is needed to establish it as a mainstream form of treatment. Should a curious patient, insurance company or colleague require proof of acupuncture’s effectiveness, the following list is something you will want to keep on file. Its use is inevitable and will be invaluable.

In an official report, Acupuncture: Review and Analysis of Reports on Controlled Clinical Trials, the WHO lists the following symptoms, diseases and conditions that have been shown through controlled trials to be treated effectively by acupuncture:

* Low back pain

* Neck pain

* Sciatica

* Tennis elbow

* Knee pain

* Periarthritis of the shoulder

* Sprains

* Facial pain (including craniomandibular disorders)

* Headache

* Dental pain

* Temporomandibular (TMJ) dysfunction

* Rheumatoid arthritis

* Induction of labor

* Correction of malposition of fetus (breech presentation)

* Morning sickness

* Nausea and vomiting

* Postoperative pain

* Stroke

* Essential hypertension

* Primary hypotension

* Renal colic

* Leucopenia

* Adverse reactions to radiation or chemotherapy

* Allergic rhinitis, including hay fever

* Biliary colic

* Depression (including depressive neurosis and depression following stroke)

* Acute bacillary dysentery

* Primary dysmenorrhea

* Acute epigastralgia

* Peptic ulcer

* Acute and chronic gastritis

The foregoing list is absolute concerning acupuncture’s effectiveness; however, the report continues with three more categories (summarized due to space limitations as follows):

1. Diseases, symptoms and conditions for which the therapeutic effect of acupuncture has been shown, but further proof is needed (68 specific conditions). These conditions are effectively treated, as in the first category; it’s just that more trials are necessary to establish the proof scientifically.

2. Diseases, symptoms and conditions reporting some therapeutic effects for which acupuncture is worth trying (nine conditions).

3. Diseases, symptoms and conditions for which acupuncture may be tried, provided the practitioner has special modern medical knowledge and adequate monitoring equipment (eight conditions).

Should any reader desire the complete list of conditions for which acupuncture is deemed effective, as noted in the three categories outlined immediately above, please email me with your request. As healers, let’s continue to effectively treat this broad range of conditions. Best wishes!

John Amaro, DC, FIAMA, Dipl. Ac, LAc. Previous articles, a “Talk Back” forum and a brief biography of the author are available online at www.chiroweb.com/ columnist/amaro.

By Brian Benjamin Carter
Introduction

In clinical setting we frequently see patients who are taking antidepressants like Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, Effexor, and Wellbutrin. Chinese herbs like Albizzia may be an alternative to psychiatric drugs. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a holistic medicine- it has never separated the mind and body, and so can comprehensively treat conditions with both physical and mental symptoms.
Causes of Depression

As with all disease, we need an accurate diagnosis before we can begin treatment. Depression has many causes. Not all of them will be helped by antidepressants. If your self-esteem is intact, your mood does not vary during the day, and you are not impaired socially, your depression may have a physical cause.

Some physical/biomedical causes of depression are: chronic pain, chronic fatigue, normal grief, vitamin B12 deficiency anemia, folate deficiency anemia, viral disease, connective tissue/collagen disorders (arthritis), an organic brain disorder, drug side-effects, cancer, and endocrine abnormalities. Chinese Medicine can enhance the health of anyone with any of these conditions.
Psychiatric Drug Therapy

Controlling depression with pharmaceuticals usually requires weeks or months of experimentation with various drugs at different dosages. During this experimentation, the patient experiences physical and mental side-effects which can range from the annoying to the unbearable. Chinese herbal medicine, properly practiced, does not cause side-effects and so may ultimately be preferable to psychiatric medications.

However, there are many grave situations where psychiatric pharmaceuticals are essential, and not taking them can endanger the well-being, or even the life of the patient. More and more M.D.’s are now working to minimize the amount of pharmaceuticals taken by each patient, and some are even working with OMD’s to utilize acupuncture and Chinese herbs to slowly take the patient off of drugs and cure the root problem.
How Chinese Medicine Diagnoses Depression

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), we always conduct a thorough evaluation of the patient. Symptoms and other diagnostic findings are like the pieces of a puzzle. The puzzle is a diagnosis that describes a patient’s particular imbalances. Treatment arises naturally from this diagnosis. In TCM (unlike western biomedicine) there is a treatment for every diagnosis.

One simple way to understand depression is to use TCM’s 5-Element system. The 5 Elements are Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. Each element is associated with a particular strength, weaknesses, color, sound, etc. Three common 5-Element types in depression are Earth, Water, and Wood.

Earth-Type Depression

“Can’t keep up”

Digestive Problems, Weight Gain, Fatigue, Loose Stool

Worry, Overwhelmed

Water-Type Depression

“Can’t get it up”

Impotence, Morning Diarrhea, Knee and Low Back Problems, Frequent Urination

Fear

Wood-Type Depression

“All bunched up”

Eye Problems (red, painful, dry, etc.), Wiry build, Pain in ribcage area, Headaches on top or sides of head

Irritability, Frustration, Anger, Short Temper

Earth types can’t keep up. They often experience digestive deficiency, become tired and overwhelmed easily, and are prone to worry and weight gain. They become depressed as a result of deficiency.

Water types have deficiencies in their ‘root’ energy. This is most associated with old age, or extreme chronic illness.

Wood types get depressed because

By Dr. Shawn Messonnier

As many of you are aware, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has removed ephedra-containing supplements from the shelves. This means that diet pills and body-building products that contain ephedra (ma huang) and similar “stimulant” supplements will no longer be available.

As a holistic veterinarian, I understand that some natural products can be dangerous if not used correctly. Many people equate “natural” with “safe,” but this is not always true. In my practice, while I prefer natural products when possible for treatment, occasionally a “drug” might work better and more safely than a natural supplement (I find this to be the case with some deworming products, for example.) So when I heard of the FDA announcement, I had mixed reactions.

Inititally, I thought the move was a good one. Ma huang is a Chinese herb with thousands of years of use. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), ma huang is a popular treatment for respiratory problems, especially asthma. Using it for weight loss is a misuse, as there is no indication in TCM for the herb to be used to control weight.

Second, there are more than 100 deaths and a number of reported and unreported cases of people exhibiting side effects (increased heart rate, palpitations, jitteriness, etc.) when using the herb. As far as potentially dangerous supplements, you’d have to place ephedra supplements in this category.

My second reaction was the opposite of my first, however. While it is true that ephedra can be dangerous when used incorrectly, it is a helpful supplement when used under doctor’s supervision for respiratory problems.

Keep in mind that while there have been more than 100 reported deaths attributed to ephedra supplements, there are thousands of deaths and side effects attributed to prescription drugs (especially non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) each year and, of course, these very potent medicines (some available without a prescription) are still legal.

It’s hard to know what to make of all of this. I guess for me, the take-home message is this: Supplements that contain potent ingredients such as ephedra should either be available by prescription only or at least have clear warning labels on the products and require identification for purchase to prevent minors from having access to them.

While some supplements can be dangerous and even fatal if not used correctly, prescription drugs properly prescribed by doctors cause even more illness and death than any nutritional supplements reported to date. My recommendation: Choose supplements over drugs when possible, but only use supplements under a doctor’s supervision to ensure maximum safety and effectiveness. (Editors Note: Ma huang is still legal when prescribed and overseen by a licensed TCM practitioner.)

By Guenther W. Frank

Nowadays we experience a return to healing measures that are close to nature; also remedies and foods of unnatural origin - away from industrial packaged products. This may be one of the reasons for the great attractiveness and fascination of the healthful beverage called Kombucha. Communalities of yeasts and bacteria have been used by people, and applied for their well-being, since ancient times in all the world for the creation of health-promoting fermented drinks and foodstuffs.

We read already in the Bible (Ruth 2:14) that the land-owner Boas invited the Moabite Ruth, who later became his wife, during her gleaning of grains: Come over here and eat some bread and dip your morsel into the vinegar-drink! And she sat down beside the reapers; and he reached her parched corn and she ate and was sufficed and left.” This biblical report from around 1000 B.C. not only gives us a hint of their exemplary nutritional habits, although they were modest by our perspective, we see from it also that, even at that time, people prepared beverages with microorganisms of lactic acid and how they served the people for strength and refreshment during the hard work of harvesting.

An ancient, pure relative of these related symbioses of bacteria and yeasts is the tea-fungus called Kombucha. It comes from the area of East Asia and came to Germany via Russia, around the turn of the century. This ancient house-remedy Is used more and more also In other countries against all possible defects. The mushroom consists of a gelatinoid and tough mushroom-web membrane In the form of a flat disk. It lives in a nutrient solution of tea and sugar, in which it constantly multiplies through germinating. The fungal disc at first spreads over the entire surface of the tea and then thickens. When one treats the mushroom correctly, it thrives, germinates, and will accompany its owner for life.

During the fermentation and oxidation processes, the mushroom effects diverse complicated reactions In the tea-setting, either one after the other or side by side (these are assimilation-and dissimulation- processes). The tea-mushroom feeds on the sugar And, in exchange, produces other valuable substances which change into the drink: glucuron-acid, lactic acid, vitamins, amino acids, antibiotic substances, and other products. The tea-mushroom is, therefore, a real, tiny biochemical factory.
KOMBUCHA - REMEDY FOR EVERYTHING?

There is a treasure of extensive experience regarding the Kombucha mushroom. Besides its use as a refreshing drink, one can read in nearly all reports also of its usage as a remedy. In the reports of oldest and modern times, a large number of diseases are quoted, for which Kombucha- tea is used and praised. The palette reaches from the most harmless indisposition up to the most serious diseases.

Numerous doctors and scientists have concerned themselves with the effects of the Kombucha-beverage as a home remedy. Many scientific works are at hand concerning Kombucha. They speak of its therapeutic effectiveness abased on glucon-acid, glucuron-acid, lactic acid, acetic acid, as well as the life-supporting vitamins C and the B-group. As has been proven especially by Russian researchers, many of its components have antibiotic and detoxifying characteristics, and they playa decisive role for the biochemical processes in the body.

In contrast to the many pharmaca with unpleasant side effects, the active substances of the Kombucha address themselves to the whole body system; through its friendly metabolistic properties, it can reestablish a normal condition in the cellular membranes without any side-effects and thus promote one swell-being. Let us use these natural powers for maintaining our vitality, activity, as well as our mental and physical capacities!
AN EXTENSIVE WORLD-LITERATURE

Already Bacinskaja (1914) noted that the drink is effective for the stomach-intestinal activity. The authoress recommended that one drink a small glass of it before every meal and to increase the portions gradually.

Professor S. Bazarewski brought forth a report in the “Correspondence for the Association of Nature Researchers in Riga, 1915, that among the Latvian population of the Baltic Russian Provinces of Livland and Kurland, they had a folk-remedy by name of “Brinum-Ssene” Verbally translated, it means “Wonder-mushroom”. The Latvian population ascribed to this mushroom “a wonderful healing power for many diseases”, according to Bazarewski. Some people asked by Bazarewski insisted that it helps fore head aches, but others assured him that “this mushroom is useful for all diseases.
GOOD FOR CONSTIPATION

Prof. B. Lindner(1917-1918) reported that the remedy is mostly used as regulator of the intestinal activities. Also Hemorrhoids were cured.

Privy Councilor Prof. Dr. Rudolf Kobert(1917-18) recollects that an “unfailing remedy against joint rheumatism” was made with this mushroom.

Also Prof. Dr. Wilhelm Henneberg(1926) reports that a drink made with tea- mushroom was prepared, called “Teakwass” in Russia, being used in all those areas as a “remedy against all sorts of diseases, especially against constipation. ”

According to Dr. Madaus in the “Biologic Healing Arts” (1927), the mushroom, and its metabolic products, has excellent influence on the regeneration of the cellular walls and is, therefore, an excellent remedy for arteriosclerosis.
GENERAL IMPROVEMENT OF ONE’S OVERALL CONDITION

H. Waldeck (1927) tells of a chemist he met during W.W.I in Russia-Poland, 1915, with whom he had his quarters, and who cooked for him a “Wonderdrink” against his severe constipation. The chemist entrusted to Waldeck that he always keeps this “Russian secret home remedy” at hand, it being “said that it is good for all kinds of ailments” and “because of its naturally formed acid, it successfully counters aging problems, thus, contributing to life extension.”

Prof. Br. Lakowitz (1928) confirms Waldeck’s statement that digestive disturbances are quickly removed by the mushroom-tea. Strong headaches and nervous disturbances also are removed experientially. Lakowitz comes to the conclusion: “An extensive spreading of the mushroom-tea for the production of such Tee-Kwasses, as a remedy against digestive disturbances is desirable for all types of people.”

In the “White Flag” (1928) is reported: ‘The refreshing taste of this tea-beverage is generally pleasing, and its effect is … a very good one. The taste of the fermented tea is very pleasant, being reminiscent of light, sparkling wine or sweet Most (pear juice).The effect of the tea usually shows up very fast. Most of all, it works blood-cleansing and detoxifying and is said … to give excellent services for facial skin rashes. Further, according to doctor’s orders and evaluations, it is very effective for constant headaches, pain in the limbs, gout, rheumatism, and other aging problems. The general effect of the mushroom-tea shows already in a few weeks through an improved general condition and in one’s raised performance capacity, which may be connected with the mushroom’s high vitamin and hormone effect, which are also emphasized by doctors.

Further, the mushroom stimulates the metabolism … excellently and, thereby, helps in clearing out the body, i.e. the elimination of all types of disease toxins.
FAVORABLE EFFECT IN ARTERIOCLEROSIS

Dr. Maxim Bing (1928) recommends the Kombucha mushroom as a “very effective remedy for Arteriosclerosis, gout, and intestinal deficiency.” “A favorable effect in the sense of lowering blood pressure, cessation of anxiety, of irritability and pains, headaches, dizziness, etc. in arteriosclerosis” occurs from the use of fresh, good cultures. “Intestinal sluggishness and its accompanying effects also can be quickly removed. It gives especially favorable results in calcification of the kidneys and the capillaries of the brain.”

Dr. Siegwart Hermann (1929) describes experiments with cats who had been poisoned with Vigantol (an anti-rickets Vitamin B-preparation). He noted a positive influence in their cholesterol level when the animals received Kombucha extracts. This is interesting because in cases of human arteriosclerosis there is also a raised cholesterol level. Hermann’s resume based on these experiments is: “The observations by doctors at the sickbed, as also the animal experiments, showed that folk-wisdom quoted effects have been observed in general.”
THE GLURURONIC ACID
In my opinion, there are factors speaking for the good effects of the mushroom for gout, rheum, arthritis, etc. as being explainable by the accumulated toxins of the body being made water-soluble and kidney- manageable through their conjugation with the Glucuronic acid in the beverage, and thus being eliminated through the urine. This conjugation is a form of bio-transformation; by it, both endogenic and body-foreign substances become bound with Glucuronic acid into Glucuronoids, also named “paired Glucuronic acid.”

In 1961, Dr. med. Valentin Koehler stimulated a discussion on the therapeutic usage of Glucuronic acid through his article titled, “Glucuronic Acid Gives Courage to Cancer-Patients in the periodical “Medical Practice”. Glucuronic acid is one of the products that are produced during the fermentation process in the Kombucha-tea. Dr. Koehler reported at that time about encouraging results in treating cancer patients with Glucuronic acid. The maximally long effect of Glucuronic acid is able to bring about an increase in the body’s own defenses and, possibly, also of the Interferon-production.

The detoxifying function of Glucuronic acid goes hand-in-hand with an improvement in the general condition and in the oxidative metabolism.

Dr. Koehler also noted surprising successes in the treatment of sick trees. Various Institutions were doing scientific tests for resolving the problem of dying trees. By combining nutritious substances, trace- elements, and heavy metals ions a building process was activated or accelerated. The capacity of the Glucuronic acid to enter into combination with both foreign and endogenic toxic substances, effects protection for the plant cell. Over 200 substances can be made harmless by this way, including those which are contained in acidic and radioactive rain, as well as sulfur dioxide, nitrites, ozone.

According to Dr. Koehler’s research, the protective activity connected with Glucuronic acid preserves also the genetics of the plant from growth disturbances or promotes their restoration in the further course of its growth. The insights arising from Dr. Koehler’s examinations can be transferred onto all human cells. When the processes of growth and decomposition in the human metabolism are maintained on an optimal level through adding small dosages of Glucuronic acid, as contained in the Kombucha beverage, it presents a combination of scientific data and a product of nature which is currently still much preferred by the laity. Here is a possible aid for a humanity that is more and more threatened through toxic environmental substances. By Glucronic acid, the “disturbance products in the human body are disintegrated into end- products, eliminated and, thereby, made harmless. This detoxifying function of Glucuronic acid benefits the variety of cellular functions.

This shows up as increased endogenic capacity towards the toxic and environmental stresses batting us from many sides, as a revival. of damaged bodycells, and a restoration and firming upon our well-being. When many peoples say that they use Kombucha not to necessarily heal a particular disease, but they drink it as a beverage for supporting their well-being, we have in this a contact point where scientific insights and folk-wisdom can go hand in hand.
THE NORMALIZATION OF INTESTINAL FUNCTIONS

Dr. L. Mollenda (1928) reports that the Kombucha beverage is especially effective for disturbances of the digestive organs, by practically normalizing their functions. Moreover, the drink has proven itself as helpful for gout, rheumatism, and diverse stages of arteriosclerosis. About additional areas of application he writes: “In the case of angina, especially when there is a coating of the tonsils, the drink should not merely be used for gargling but for drinking, and that, for the destruction of bacteria which reach the stomach through food and drink. Such gargling in angina brings fast recovery, and in pains of gout and arteriosclerosis, surprising successes are reached even in serious cases. … Even though the beverage is acidic, it does not cause any acidic condition in the stomach; it facilitates and noticeably promotes the digestion even of difficult to digest foods. Equially favorable successes after taking Kombucha beverage have also been reached for gouty eczema and for stones in kidneys, urine, and gall.”

Dr. E. Arauner (1929) reports of diverse medical reports and evaluations and reaches the following conclusion:” In summary, one can say that the Kombucha mushroom or its extract, has proven itself as excellently prophylactic against diabetes, but especially against aging problems, such as arteriosclerosis, high blood pressure with its consequences such as dizziness, gout, hemorrhoids; for the very least it is a pleasant laxative.” Dr. Arauner reports that in his home-country the tea- mushroom has been in usage for centuries by Asian people because of its surprising healing successes, being a most effective, natural home-remedy for tiredness, fatigue, nervousness, beginning aging problems, arteriosclerosis, intestinal lassitude, gout and rheumatism, hemorrhoids, and diabetes.

Arauner adds to this, that not only professors, doctors and biologists have confirmed the surprising healing successes but also those who have imbibed the mushroom-tea report about “entirely excellent effects on the general body functions.’
RECOMMENDED FOR MENTAL STRESS

Hans Irion, who was then the Director of the State-recognized Academy for Chemists in Braunschweig says in his “Course for Druggist Specialty Schools”(1944, Vol. 2, pg. 405): “By the intake of the drink described as Teakwass, there happens a remarkable invigoration of the body’s entire glandular system and a promotion of the metabolisms. Teakwass is recommended as an excellent prophylactic for gout and rheumatism, furunkulosis, arteriosclerosis, high blood pressure, nervousness, intestinal lassitude, and aging problems. It is also very highly recommended for sports-people and those who do strenuous mental work. Through the promotion of the metabolism, undue fat deposits in the body are avoided or removed. With the drink, also microorganisms reach the body which transform damaging deposits, such as uric acid, cholesterol, etc. into easily soluble forms, thus removing them. Foul intestinal bacteria are suppressed.”
“DETOXIFYING IN EVERY REGARD….”

The first description having mushroom-tea as it’s theme in bookform appeared in 1954. This booklet of 54 pages is written in the Russian language and carries the title “The Tea-Mushroom and Its Therapeutic Properties”. The author, G.F.Barbancik refers in his introduction to the first application of the mushroom-tea decoction (in 1949) as a healing remedy at the therapeutic clinic of the Omsker Hospital for water laborers. He reports of successful therapy for tonsillitis, diverse internal diseases, especially those of inflammatory nature, stomach catarrh due to deficient acid production, intestinal inflammations, dysentery, arteriosclerosis, high blood-pressure, scleroses, etc.

The med. doctor, Dr. Rudolf Sklenar of Lich, Oberhessen, reported in 1964 in the periodical “Experiential Healing Science” about his methods of diagnosis and therapy successes: “An outstanding natural remedy is the mushroom beverage named Combucha, which acts detoxifying in every regard and which dissolves microorganisms as well as cholesterol.” Dr. Sklenar had developed a biologic cancer therapy in which Combucha, as well as other biologic remedies such as Coli-preparations, held an important place for the sanitization of the intestinal flora.

In a small publication of 8 pages, titled “Cancer Diagnosis Based on Blood and the Treatment of Cancer, Pre-cancerous Conditions, and other Metabolic Diseases with Kombucha and Coli-Preparations”, Dr. Sklenar reports that vitamins, lactic acids and glucuronic acid are (viruses, bacteria, fungi)and to the dissolution of waste matter and toxic deposits (uric acid, cholesterol, etc.)”. Kombucha effects “an outstanding detoxification of the organism”. Through enjoying this beverage there is, additionally, a “noticeable invigoration of the entire glandular system and enhancement of the metabolism.”

Dr. Sklenar reports that he was able to treat successfully with the mushroom-tea: gout, rheum, arteriosclerosis, arthritis, dysbacteria, constipation, impotence, nonspecific draining, obesity, furunculosis, kidney stones, cholesterol, cancer and especially its early stages, etc.
CANCER KILLER?

Dr. Veronika Carstens (1987), wife of the former German President, recommends Kombucha in a series titled, “Help from Nature-My Remedies Against Cancer”, with the words: “Kombucha detoxifies the organism and enhances the metabolism; this improves the defense capacity.”

The Natural Healing specialist A.J.Lodewijkx of Ermelo, Netherlands, writes about Kombucha in his very recommendable book “Life Without Cancer” (obtainable in the Dutch and German languages): “The Kombucha mushroom has strongly antiseptic properties. The tea purifies the glandular system and promotes elimination; uric acid is neutralized and eliminated through Kombucha tea. Therefore, this tea is an excellent remedy against gout, rheum, arthritis, kidney stones, intestinal dysbacteria, but especially cancer and its early stages because the Kombucha mushroom exerts a mighty influence on the disease-causing endobionts. As we have seen, it is these endobionts which eliminate the red corpuscles when the pH changes unfavorably. In all metabolic diseases and cancer, Kombucha is a unique beverage for the detoxification of the body. Kombucha removes the metabolic dross and normalizes thereby the blood pH.”

Gottfried Mueller, founder of the world-wide “Salem Children’s and Youth Villages” praises the Kombucha tea-mushroom this way: “A gift from heaven, especially for health emergencies” (in “Salem-Help” 15, Nr. 3, August 1987, page 2).
JUDGING FOR ONSELF

In both the literary reports and also in the many personal experiences reported during my focusing on Kombucha, the broad palette of complaints relieved by it is conspicuous. This Is explainable on the basis that Kombucha does not target a specific body organ but, rather, it influences the entire organism positively by effecting a stabilization of the metabolic situation and through its detoxifying effect of its glucuronic acid. This leads in many people to a heightened endogenic defense capacity against those toxic influences and environmental stresses which inundate us from many sides, resulting in the Invigoration of a damaged cellular metabolism, and the restoration and firming tip of one’s well-being.

Some of the health-promoting properties ascribed to Kombucha-tea require further research. However, other active mechanisms are entirely proven both by scientific testings and experientially, such as: regulation of the intestinal flora, cellular strengthening, detoxification and dross elimination, metabolic harmonization, antibiotic effect, facilitating pH- balance.
MAKE IT YOURSELF! NO PROBLEM IF YOU KNOW HOW!

The Kombucha beverage can be made in one’s home for just pennies. Because the mushroom constantly grows, one can begin with a piece of a mushroom- tea membrane and allow a health-promoting source of drink to bubble tip. The preparation is no problem if one knows how. From ancient days, one prepares the Kombucha beverage right at home and passes the tea-mushroom from family to family as a sign of friendship and mutual helpfulness. Tea- mushroom has high vitality and a great capacity for regeneration. If it did not have this high biologic energy, it would not have survived the long timespan from its reported discovery in the Chinese Empire more than 2000 years ago until now.

Nowadays, there are occasional warnings - mostly coming from ignorance or economic interests - not to make the Kombucha beverage by oneself. Such a warning is justified in so far as the know-how about the precise method, wherewith, and why, etc. had often been lost and people wrongly experimented instead of abiding with proven recipes.

However, when one works clean and abides by proven directions, then there is no hesitation in making the Kombucha drink, as in many generations past. Whoever has the necessary knowledge can deal successfully with the tea-mushroom - just as one deals with other “open” foodstuffs in one’s household. When abiding by proven instructions, one can produce an impeccable, tasty, wholesome and effective Kombucha beverage. The mushroom will increase and accompany its owner lifelong and serve him or her well.
THE KOMBUCHA MUSHROOM PROTECTS ITSELF

Whoever treats his mushroom culture according to proven rules with thought and carefulness, need not expect disturbances. In the Russian reports it is even mentioned that no special precautionary measures are needed because the mushroom protects itself against impurities. It has a number of protective features: the organic acids, the low alcoholic content, carbonic acid, the antibiotic products all these jointly block the development of all foreign microorganisms not belonging to the tea- mushroom organism.

The Russian researcher I.N. Konovalow mentions in his report of 1959, that the intensive growth of the tea-mushroom leven and bacteria distinctly suppresses the spreading of other yeast and bacterial varieties.

Also the Russian Professor G.F. Barbancik(1958) reports In his book about the tea-mushroom based on laboratory tests which showed that the tea- mushroom bacteria drive out all other microbes energetically (antagonism).

In contrast to other reports. this mushroom is easy to multiply and part. Because It grows cheerfully and is parted willingly, all friends and acquaintances can soon benefit. It is a good custom to pass on the Kombucha mushroom to other people as a sign of friendship and mutual helpfulness.

Source: Guenther W. Frank, “Kombucha, Healthy beverage and Natural Remedy from Far East” Publishing House W. Ennsthaler, Steyr, Austria, 9th revised edition 1995
How to make Kombucha - at a glance
INGREDIENTS

- The Kombucha culture (the ferment)

- Approximately 70 - 100 g (2 1/2 - 3 oz ) of refined white …sugar per litre (about one quart) of water

- 2 teaspoons black or green tea per litre (about one quart) of water
UTENSILS AND MATERIALS

- One 2 - 4 litres (2 - 4 quarts) pot to boil water

- One 2 - 4 litres (2 - 4 quarts) glass or porcelain jar

- A linen/cotton handkerchief or a paper tissue

- Bottles
PROCEDURE FOR THE PREPARATION of Kombucha

It’s best if you begin first with two litres (2 quarts). When your Kombucha culture has grown big enough and has reproduced itself, you can produce larger quantities of the beverage.

1.- Make tea in the ordinary way. Per litre (quart ) of water, infuse 2 teaspoonfuls (about 5 g = 0.2 oz) of black or green tea in freshly boiled water. You may also use tea bags. Let the tea leaves “soak” for 15 minutes. Green tea comes from the same plant as black tea and is distinguished from it principally by the way it is processed: it is not fermented. Japanese doctors found out that green tea prevents cancer growth. I would suggest to use green tea for the Kombucha beverage. If you don’t want to use black or green tea you can also use herbal teas.

2 - Strain off the tea leaves through a sieve, or remove the tea bags from the water, as the case may be.

3 - Add about 70 - 100 g (2+ - 3 oz) of white sugar per litre (quart) of water into the filtered infusion before it has cooled. Stir the tea so that the sugar dissolves totally. 1 tablespoon of sugar is about 20 g (0.7 oz).

4 - Let the sugared tea cool down to a temperature not higher than 20 - 25 degrees Centigrade = about 68 - 77 degrees Fahrenheit (lukewarm). The culture dies when it has been placed in a hot nutrient solution.

5 - When the tea has cooled to room temperature, pour the solution into a glass, china, glazed earthenware or stainless steel container. Glass is best. Metal containers of other types than stainless steel are unsatisfactory and should never be used because the acids formed may react with the metal. You could also use a high-grade synthetic material of the polylefine group, e.g. polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene. Wine or cider is also kept in containers made of this food-grade material. However, you should avoid containers made of polyvinylchloride (PVC) or polystyrene.

6 - If you prepare your first Kombucha drink, add the liquid that you got with the culture. On all later batches, always keep enough Kombucha drink to add about one tenth (10%) of the quantity to your new batch as a “starter liquid”.

7 - Place the live Kombucha culture in the liquid.

8 - Cover the mouth of the fermentation container with a cheesecloth, a tea towel, paper towel or similar light cloth to keep out fruit flies, dust, plant spores and other pollutants. Tie it down with a large rubber band to ensure that fruit flies can’t get in. The cloth must be porous enough to allow air to circulate so the culture can breathe, but not so porous that tiny fruit flies can get in to lay their eggs.

9 - The fermentation should proceed for 8 - 12 days, depending on the temperature. The higher the room temperature, the faster the fermentation. The period of 8 - 12 days is given merely as a guide. The Kombucha culture needs a warm and quiet place and should on no account be moved. The temperature of the tea should not fall below 68 degrees F (= 20 degrees Centigrade) and not rise above 86 degrees F (=30 degrees Centigrade). The ideal temperature is about 74 to - 80 degrees F (=23 - 27 degrees C). Light is not necessary. The culture also works in darkness. The culture may be damaged by exposure to bright sunlight. Half shade is better. During the process of fermentation the sugar is broken down by the yeast and converted into a gas (CO2) and various organic acids and other compounds. It is the combination of these processes which gives the Kombucha beverage its characteristic flavor. The infusion is at first sweet but this sweetness disappears as the sugar is broken down. At the same time an acid flavor begins to develop as a result of the activities of the bacterium, so there is a transition from sweetness to sourness. If a slightly sweet drink is preferred, the fermentation has to be stopped earlier. For a dry or slightly acid flavor it has to be continued longer.

10 - When the tea has attained the right acid degree (pH 2,7 - 3,2), depending on individual taste, remove the culture with clean hands. Clean the culture under cold or lukewarm water. Fill new tea into the jar and add the culture immediately. Respect the right temperature of the tea. Pour the beverage into bottles, which should be filled to the brim. Keep about one tenth (10%) as starter for the next batch. Stopper the bottles securely. I don’t think it necessary to strain the fermented beverage through a cloth. A certain amount of sediment is normal. It is due to the growth of yeasts, which produced the gas which aerates the beverage. The yeasts are said to have some desirable positive effects on the human organism.

11 - To find ultimate satisfaction in this drink it should be allowed to mature for a few days (at least 5 days), after having been bottled. The activity of the bacterium is stopped because the bottling excludes the air, while the yeast continues to work. If the bottles are securely stoppered, the gas produced by the yeast’s activities, is unable to escape. Thus an effervescent drink is produced. For this a few days in the bottles is usually sufficient; the Kombucha beverage, however, will keep well for months. Do not worry: The yeast will stop the gas production at a certain point. It is advisable to keep the beverage in a cool place.

12 - The drink has an agreeable taste. It is sparkling, slightly sour and refreshing. One normally drinks three glasses a day, one glass (4 to 6 ounces or more) on an empty stomach in the morning, the second glass after a meal in the course of the day, and the last glass a short time before going to bed.

13 - When you start a new fermentation process, never forget to add to the new tea at least 10 % of the liquid from a cultivation which has already fermented.
IMPORTANT POINT TO BE NOTED

Sometimes the culture floats on the surface, sometimes it sinks to the bottom of the liquid. Both is OK. When the culture sinks to the bottom a new culture (a baby-culture) will begin to grow on the surface of the tea. For more details see page 33 of this book. The Kombucha culture needs some time to reproduce itself. It begins with a thin and filmy layer. The longer you leave it in peace, the thicker the new culture will grow. Because the growing of a new culture needs more time you should separate it from the preparation of the beverage that you want to drink. Please allow the new culture on the surface of the liquid 3 to 5 weeks to grow.

The Kombucha culture grows and covers the surface of the tea completely. While growing on the surface of the tea the culture thickens considerably. The thickened culture will be composed of easily separable superimposed layers. The layers can be peeled off one from another and each can be used as independent units for the production of Kombucha beverage.

If the culture should sink to the bottom of the vessel, a new culture will form on the surface of the tea. In this way each culture will continue to propagate itself until it gradually begins to turn a dark brown color. When it is dark and dirty brown discard it and replace it with one of its offspring. Thus this unique culture can provide you and your family with an ongoing supply of Kombucha tea at very low cost.

I would appreciate any exchange of information, experience and research results.

Guenther W. Frank
75217 Birkenfeld, Germany Fax (+49) 7231-485046
E-MAIL: gwfrank@gmx.de

Where to get the book: “Kombucha - Healthy Beverage and Natural Remedy from the Far East” see http://www.kombu.de/where.htm
The Publisher: Verlag Ennsthaler, Stadtplatz 26, A-4402 Steyr-Austria,
Tel. (+43) 7252-52053-52, Fax (+43) 7252-52053-55,
e-mail: buero@ennsthaler.at,
http://www.ennsthaler.at

By Lawrence Miller

Of all conditions which the herbalist/traditional Chinese medical doctor may treat, cancer represents a major test of the herbal tools we have at our disposal. A common and largely accurate perception of the damaging effects of malignancy is that “if the cancer doesnt kill you, the biomedical treatments for it will.” This statement, while accurate in some regards, doesnt take into account the growing effectiveness of chemotherapy against many forms of cancer. Determining the effectiveness of biomedicine must be considered within a long-term perspective, however; survival rates are commonly measured in 5- and 10-year intervals, while a “cure” is considered when a cancer survivor has been cancer-free for seven years after cessation of treatment. The issues surrounding human health and the sequelae of malignancy are not as simple as these statistics suggest, however. While some rapidly growing forms of cancer may develop within ten days to two weeks of cancer cell implantation (malignant melanoma, for example), other slower-growing tumors (consider prostate cancer) may take up to ten years to make themselves detectable. To use the term “cured” for a patient who remains cancer-free after seven years is both unrealistic and arbitrary, given the unpredictability of cancer.

Aside from whether or not a cancer survivor is presently cancer-free, also of consideration is the general state of health of the individual, which oncology tends to disregard. Of primary concern to the oncologist is whether malignancies have redeveloped, not whether conditions exist which may portend the derangement of cellular processes which could ultimately lead to loss of differentiation. This is one of the most appropriate and effective roles the TCM doctor/herbalist can fulfill”to help reestablish an underlying balance in the individual, and to unravel the complex patterns inherent in the body which can, if left untreated, lead to the development of cancer.

Another appropriate role for TCM doctors and advanced herbalists is in the use of herbs as an adjunct to ongoing biomedical treatment for existing cancer. This can be addressed using any or all of three main approaches: 1) to offset the damaging side-effects of radiation and chemotherapy; 2) to benefit the patients immune system, which biomedicine overwhelms and supplants with its powerful agents; and 3) to aid in tumor reduction itself, potentially shortening the length of time the patient needs to receive radiation and/or chemotherapy.

Listed below are ten herbs from the Chinese and western herbal traditions which address this third treatment approach–tumor reduction itself, via their ‘antineoplastic’ action. Consider that different forms of malignancy are treated with different substances, and each individual case may require entirely separate treatment principles, suggesting that anti-neoplastic herb choices must be chosen from appropriate categories of action. Obviously, there are more than 10 herbs with antineoplastic action in the Chinese and western pharmacopeia, but these can be considered a ‘jumping off’ point for further study; this is my personal intent. Information provided on these herbs is based on both empirical and clinical evidence gathered third-hand; verification of clinical and/or empirical findings is difficult to provide without access to the studies themselves, and no guarantees are made for these herbs effectiveness. References for all information is provided below.

Chinese Herbs:

Common Name: Oldenlandia
Chinese Name: Bai He She She Cao
Latin: Herba Hedyotidis Diffusae/Oldenlandia Diffusae
Family: Rubiaceae
TCM Category: Clear Heat/Relieve Toxicity
Antineoplastic Action(s):
–Used in treatment of stomach, esophageal and colon cancer;
–Activates reticuloendothelial system and increases phagocytosis by lymphocytes. Also, in high concentrations shows inhibitory affect in vitro on cells from acute lymphocytic and granulocytic leukemia.

Common Name: Selaginaella
Chinese Name: Shi Shang Bai
Latin: Herba Selaginellae Doederleinii
Family: Selaginellaceae
TCM Category: Clear Heat/Relieve Toxicity
Antineoplastic Action(s):
–Mice inoculated with granuloma-180 and injected with Shi Shang Bai showed 40-50% tumor inhibition of tumors; Mice with hepatic cancer lived significantly longer than control group not treated with Shi Shang Bai.
–Helpful in treatment of lung and throat cancer, and malignant hydatidiform moles, with remission in 50% of patients. Commonly used in China in treatment of smaller body cancers in nose, throat, lung and liver. When used with chemotherapy and radiation shown to accelerate cancer remissions.

Common Name: Sophora Root
Chinese Name: Shan Dou Gen
Latin: Radix Sophorae Tonkinensis
Family: Leguminaceae
TCM Category: Clear Heat/Relieve Toxicity
Antineoplastic Action(s):
–In doses of 60g/kg had significant effect in treatment of cervical cancer in mice, and an inhibitory affect on sarcoma-180. Used in treatment of acute lymphocytic/granulocytic leukemia, inhibiting dehydrogenase activity and cellular respiration of malignant cells.

Common Name: Zedoania
Chinese Name: E Zhu
Latin: Rhizoma Curcumae Ezhu
Family: Zingeberaceae
TCM Category: Invigorate Blood
Antineoplastic Action(s):
–Inhibits granuloma-180, often combined with San Leng (Rhizoma Sparganii Stoloniferi).
,-In China, 80 cases of cervical cancer patients were treated with a solution of Zedoania, which was injected directly into the tumor sites. 30 patients were completely cured, while 15 were found to have a 50% size reduction.

Common Name: Rhubarb Root and Rhizome
Chinese Name: Da Huang
Latin: Radix et Rhizoma Rhei
Family: Polygonaceae
TCM Category: Clear Heat/Relieve Toxicity
Antineoplastic Action(s): –Injected subcutaneously had a killing effect on neoplastic granulomas in mice. Inhibited growth of melanoma, breast tumor cells and ascitic hepatic carcinoma in humans via the actions of emodin and rhein, major constituents of Da Huang.

Western Herbs:

Common Name: Red Clover
Latin: Flos Trifolium pratense
Family: Papilionaceae
Antineoplastic Action(s):
–Red Clover contains isoflavone compounds, such as genistein, which have weak estrogen properties. Various laboratory studies show that these isoflavones may help prevent and combat malignant tumors, especially of the breast and prostate.

Common Name: Pau DArco, Lapacho, Taheebo
Latin: Tabebuia impestiginosa
Family: Rubiaceae
Antineoplastic Action(s):
–Lapachol and beta-lapachone (known collectively as naphthaquinones) are two primary active compounds in Pau DArco. These compounds have anti-cancer/anti-tumor properties, although the effective dosage is considered toxic; Pau DArco is commonly used in the treatment of cancer in Central and South America with good results.

Common Name: Mistletoe
Latin: Viscum alba
Family: Loranthaceae
Antineoplastic Action(s):
–Contains anti-tumor proteins, and has been shown by current cancer research in Germany to have antineoplastic activity.

Common Name: Cleavers
Latin: Galium aparine
Family: Rubiaceae
Antineoplastic Action(s):
–Cleavers is considered the best lymphatic tonic in the western herbal pharmacopoeia, and is both alterative and diuretic. It has a long tradition of use for tumor reduction and lymphatic drainage, especially indicated when cancer has nodal involvement.

Common Name: Sweet Violet
Latin: Flos Viola odorata
Family: Violaceae
Antineoplastic Action(s):
–Sweet Violet has a long tradition and reputation as an anti-cancer herb, used especially as a poultice for cancers of the skin. Current scientific research has yet to bear out this reputation in the clinical setting