Guest guest Posted October 30, 2003 Report Share Posted October 30, 2003 Constituents---A crystallizable principle, called guaranine, identical with caffeine, which exists in the seeds, united with tannic acid, catechutannic acid starch, and a greenish fixed oil. [<A HREF= " http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/g/#top " >Top</A>] ---Medicinal Action and Uses---Nervine, tonic, slightly narcotic stimulant, aphrodisiac febrifuge. A beverage is made from the guaran sticks, by grating half a tablespoonful into sugar and water and drinking it like tea. The Brazilian miners drink this constantly and believe it to be a preventive of many diseases, as well as a most refreshing beverage. Their habit in travelling is to carry the stick or a lump of it in their pockets, with a palate bone or scale of a large fish with which to grate it. P. Cupana is also a favourite national diet drink, the seeds are mixed with Cassava and water, and left to ferment until almost putrid, and in this state it is the favourite drink of the Orinoco Indians. From the tannin it contains it is useful for mild forms of leucorrhoea, diarrhoea, etc., but its chief use in Europe and America is for headache, especially if of a rheumatic nature. It is a gentle excitant and serviceable where the brain is irritated or depressed by mental exertion, or where there is fatigue or exhaustion from hot weather. It has the same chemical composition as caffeine, theine and cocaine, and the same physiological action. Its benefit is for nervous headache or the distress that accompanies menstruation, or exhaustion following dissipation. It is not recommended for chronic headache or in cases where it is not desirable to increase the temperature, or excite the heart or increase arterial tension. Dysuria often follows its administration. It is used by the Indians for bowel complaints, but is not indicated in cases of constipation or blood pressure. ---Dosage---Powder, 10 grains to 1/2 drachm. Fluid extract of Guarana, U.S.P., 30 minims sweetened with one teaspoonful of syrup in water three times a day. As a strong diuretic 7 1/2 grains can be taken daily and in 24 hours it has been known to increase urine from 27 OZ. to 107 OZ. Tincture of Guarana, B.P.C., for sick headaches, 1 to 2 fluid drachms in water. I have treated a number of people who have had short term acute reactions toguarana including palpitations sweating and over nervousness. A chronic user as it took months to discover what was causing the problem it caused jitteriness, headaches, palpitations and dry mouth, blurred vision and high blood pressure. I don't recommend anyone take this long term but it can be very effective when used as a medicine for the short term. Many diet pills contain this togive that burst of energy which I feel can result in adrenal exhaustion. Sunny Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 31, 2003 Report Share Posted October 31, 2003 --- s_ramharter <s_ramharter escreveu:> --- In Chinese Traditional Medicine , Twyla Hoodah > <twylahoodah> wrote: > > > one lurker to another: just off the top, my instincts tell me > > because guarana is a type of caffeine..long term or overuse > could > result in yang deficiency (adrenal exhaustion) which then of > course > contributes even further to yin deficiency. > > > Thanks for the answer, I realize that it is not the optimum, > however, > would you think it is worse than a cup of coffee a day? > > > I once tried guarana, about 20 years ago on a road trip from > california to florida....i stayed awake for the entire drive > (topping > speeds of 140 mph across the Texas desert) and then could not > sleep > for days afterward. I still feel like I never made up that > sleep! > Imagine my caution ever since then. For some people the > effects of > guarana are quite memorable and last a lifetime!...thanks, TH > > wow, sounds like it really hit you hard, of course I don't > reccommmend huge quantities regularly, just like I don't > recommend > drinking pots of coffee each day. And, as with all things, it > must be > taken carefully and people who have effects similar to yours > should > obviously stay far away! > But for the rest? I just don't know, maybe someone else has an > opinion as well? > > Thanks > Susanne > Hi suzanne, here in Brazil guaraná is a common stimulant, end there are many drinks sold that have it on the flike the colas with caffeine. The question of how much of a 'kick' or of a sleepknight you get are (of course) determined by the amount that you take, I think twila took a goodly amount, but then she was not used to it either. A friend of mine from Peru, was not used to what we call here 'regular coffee', for in his country he took it very weak, when he took one here (Brazil), he also couldn't sleep for three nights afterwards. But we have to use these stimulants with care, for they really deplete us in the long (and sometimes short) run. Marcos Mail - o melhor webmail do Brasil .br Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 2, 2003 Report Share Posted November 2, 2003 Hi Susanne, If someone has Kidney Yin deficiency it is a very bad idea for them to be taking stimulants like guarana or coffee. These things are hot in nature and upset the fire balance between the Heart and Kidneys. They stimulate Kidney Yang, thereby further depleting Kidney Yin. I don't know what you know about the Fires in the body but the Kidneys house the Ming Men fire and the Heart houses the Emperor Fire. Gallbladder is the pivot between them, and helps to control the flaring of the Minister Fire. If you add fuel to these fires in the form of any substance which is warming it stands to reason that you will further deplete Yin. Often people with low energy have some form of Spleen deficiency as well but it is best to assess the individual on their symptom pattern, tongue and pulse. I would ;suggest that you try to get them off warming substances and onto more bland, simple foods and lifestyle. This will help their digestion and allow them to absorb more nutrients (or post-natal Yuan Qi) from their food, thus giving them more energy. Also, remember that coming off stimulants usually requires a bit of a " crash " , so possibly the best thing you can do is offer them means to support the Spleen whilst they are withdrawing. The Spleen and lungs are the sources of Post-natal essence and if these are not working properly the body starts to draw off the Kidneys. bec xxx s_ramharter wrote: > hi all, > mostly I lurk here and learn from all of you - thanks! > > But today I have a question, many of my Shiatsu patients suffer from > lack of energy, lethargy, etc. for different reasons, kidney yin > defficiency, among others. Some feel an appreciable (if temporary) > improvement when taking Guarana, either pure or in a mixture. It > gives them a pick up and improves the general energy level. > > Now I have been asked whether taking something like this is ok - my > first reaction would be yes, sure, if it helps. In second thought, I > am not so sure. > > Thans for sharing your experience and/or ideas, > > Susanne > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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