Hi. I'm a newbie that just finished a relatively short cluster season...My last CH was on March 13th.
Though I've had CHs for about 12 years, I've never posted on this site before now. For relief during these years, I too, have tried all the drugs mentioned by others on this site, but 5 years ago O2 became my sole method for treatment. 7 - 12 liters per minute of blessed relief...
Anyway, after the unexpected retirement of my neurologist, getting my oxygen equipment was delayed for a couple weeks this year...I was 2 weeks into the daily CH pain when I found this forum and THIS topic...
I was intrigued with the thought of something as simple as an herb being as effective as O2 (or other drugs) and since I was waiting anyway, I ran to Whole Foods and got some tincture of licorice.
Anyway, my results were amazing! Totally different than other treatments in it's effect on me. The results weren't "immediate" but when compared to years of pain, it could have been....
-On the first day, March 5th, I took the licorice, and had 4 CHs that night. All of them were very mild...about a pain level #2.
-Mar 6th...Licorice x3 and some shadows only. NO CHs at all.
-Mar 7th...Licorice x3, some shadows and 2 CHs. Pain level #2.
<I keep a diary of these episodes>
-Mar 8th...Licorice x3, some shadows and NO CHs!
-On Mar 9th, the O2 was delivered. I still took the licorice x3 and had 2 CHS that night. Pain level #3.
-Mar 10th...licorice x3. Only 1 CH at about #5 pain level. O2 shortened it to about 5 minutes time. It started strong and ended real quick...
-Mar 11th and Mar 12th...Licorice x3. No need for O2. 2 days with No CHs.
-Mar 13th...Licorice x3. 1 CH at about pain #3. Lasted 15 minutes with O2...
That was my last CH. Total season was about 4 weeks long...
Now, I know that not everyone will see my results as being conclusive in favor of licorice. After all, the delivery of O2 does confuse the experiment. However, I am certain that the licorice was quietly effecting my CHs and therefore limiting my need for the O2...
Plus, I have health issues like BP and BAP and so I am careful with supplements. No problems either...
Okay...my conclusion and opinion...
I noticed an immediate difference in the frequency and pain level after starting the licorice treatment. Where my episodes had been daily and very painful, they suddenly became intermittent and mild. After I had waited a couple weeks for the O2 delivery, the use of licorice eliminated my need once it had arrived.
Hard to believe? Yes. I still have a partial bottle of licorice and a whole bunch of O2, and my CHs stopped over 3 weeks ago. No shadows or anything...
Oh yeah, in past seasons I have resorted to taking a portable O2 bottle if I needed to travel during a season (nothing worse than a camping trip with CHs). As well, if you ride a bike, portable O2 is not really an option either. No over nighters.
Now, my first line of defense will be a little bottle of licorice tincture in my saddle bag...
Thank you Les Gesner for sharing this information...