09/13/2023
Updated - 2024
The credit for this regimen goes soley to - John of Ohio - “So that others might intelligently consider it, users of the regimen are strongly encouraged to post their results, positive or negative, on the Meniere’s Talk Forum, at
http://menieres.org/talk/index.php?board=2.0
–John of Ohio
meniere95@aol.com”
A SUCCESSFUL NEW APPROACH TO MENIERE’S DISEASE
– The John of Ohio Meniere’s Regimen –
Updated – June 2014
NOTE: Changes in this version of the regimen, compared to previous ones, include removal of references to Vertigoheel and Cocculus Compositum, which are no longer available in the US.
Regimen Component Details
1. L-Lysine.
VitaCost, 1-800-381-0759, Product No. NSI 3002122
http://www.vitacost.com/NSI-L-Lysine
Purpose: Reduce or stop the replication of herpes viruses that may be a cause of many Meniere’s cases, and to prevent the disease from affecting a second ear.
Active Ingredients: The amino acid l-lysine.
Known Side Effects: In the dosages recommended here, there are none.
Dosage: It is important to consume enough lysine to stop or slow herpes virus replication. It appears that for herpes zoster (shingles) and herpes simplex (cold sores, et al.) infections, up to 3000 mgs of lysine must be taken each day for control. A similar dosage would be advised for Meniere’s cases.
Therefore, until Meniere’s symptoms significantly subside, take two 500 mg capsules three times a day, without food. Take at least 20 minutes before eating. If taken with food, lysine is not effective against herpes viruses. Two 500 mg capsules taken immediately upon arising, at least 20 min. before breakfast is a good daily start. Then, in mid-afternoon, at least 2 hr after lunch, take another pair of 500 mg capsules. Finally, just before retiring, at least 2 hr after supper, take a final pair of capsules.
Therapeutic results usually don’t appear quickly. It can take up to four, five, or even six months before the virus becomes suppressed and symptoms begin to subside. Be diligent and patient. When Meniere’s symptoms enduringly subside for several months, take 1000 mg maintenance dose each day for several weeks or several months. Finally, take a single 500 mg capsule as an enduring maintenance dose.
At the first sign of returning symptoms, go immediately to 3000 mg again.
For some, it has taken 5000 mg of lysine through the day to bring relief.
Approximate Cost: 3.6 cents per capsule, about 22 cents per day (at six 500 mg capsules). 300 capsules for $10.99 plus shipping.
2. Lemon Bioflavonoid.
Nutrition Express, “Lindberg Lemon Bioflavonoid Complex” 1-800-338-7979,
www.nutritionexpress.com,
Item No: 98-343-250
http://www.nutritionexpress.com/best+sellers/best+vitamins+minerals/vitamin+c/lindberg+lem on+bioflavonoid+complex+700+mg+250+tablets.aspx
Another product, “Nature’s Life Lemon Bioflavonoid” can be ordered from Vitacost, Item # NLE 7001558 http://www.vitacost.com/natures-life-lemon-bioflavonoids-1000-mg-250-tablets-1
(800) 381-0759
(Other vendors also sell the product.) But a number of users of the regimen have reported better results with the Nutrition Express product above.
Purpose: To dilate inner ear blood vessels and increase blood flow. To increase membrane and capillary permeability to reduce fluid accumulation.
Active Ingredients: These products contain lemon bioflavonoid, which is known to dilate capillaries and increase capillary permeability.
Known Side Effects: None are known. Lemon bioflavonoid is made from lemon rinds, which are found or used in a number of foods.
Dosage: Generally, one or two tablets each day, one in the morning, one in the evening. Or, two together in the morning. After relief is gained, or if two tablets cause any sort of discomfort, a single daily tablet may be sufficient. Effective dosage for each individual is unknown. One tablet is probably sufficient for most. A half tablet may also bring relief. Be prepared to experiment. Approximate Cost: 18 cents (max) per day. 250 tablets for $22.99 plus shipping.
3. Vinpocetine.
VitaCost, 1-800-381-0759, Product No. NSI 3005864 http://www.vitacost.com/NSI-BioVinca- Vinpocetine
Purpose: Vinpocetine increases blood flow. Vinpocetine is also known to reduce or eliminate tinnitus, although this usually occurs only after prolonged periods (four or more months). Active Ingredients: An extract from the Vinca minor plant.
Known Side Effects: For most, none. But rarely, mild tachycardia (increased heart beat) or other similar effects are encountered. Consequently, it would be advisable to start with only single, 10mg doses for a week or so, and to simply stop taking the compound if any undesirable side effects are noted. It is generally well tolerated.
Dosage: At first, for a week or so, a single 10mg tablet each morning. Then after a week or so (if no side effects are encountered), a second tablet mid-day or evening. Dosages up to 30mgs (3 tablets/day) are commonly suggested by various vendors of vinpocetine. Most people have no side effects whatsoever. Be sure to consume vinpocetine with a meal. If taken without food, it is poorly absorbed and offers little help.
Approximate Cost: less than 30 cents (max) per day. 240 tablets for $18.99 plus shipping
4. Ginkgo biloba Extract.
VitaCost, 1-800-381-0759, Product No. NSI 3004393
http://www.vitacost.com/NSI-Ginkgo-Biloba-Extract-120-mg-300-Capsules
Purpose: Increase circulation through inner ear.
Active Ingredients: An extract of the leaf of the Ginkgo biloba tree.
Known Side Effects: Ginkgo extract is known to reduce blood clotting, so it should not be taken with any prescribed anticoagulant such as Coumadin (warfarin). One should also stop taking ginkgo 10 days before elective surgery. If one notices hematuria (blood in urine) discontinue the ginkgo extract. If hematuria then persists, consult a physician.
Dosage: One capsule in the morning.
Approximate Cost: 5 cents per day. 300 capsules for $14.75 plus shipping.
5. Sustained Release Vitamin C.
VitaCost. 1-800-381-0759, Product No. NSI 3003334
http://www.vitacost.com/NSI-Vitamin-C-1000-Complex-Sustained-Release-Tablets
Purpose: Increases blood vessel permeability, motility of red blood cells; supports immune system and helps suppress viruses.
Active Ingredients: The vitamin C of this product is sustained release, to even out concentrations in the blood during the day.
Known Side Effects: Unlike straight vitamin C (ascorbic acid), these sustained release forms cause no stomach upset.
Dosage: One tablet in the morning, another later in evening, or one with breakfast and a second one with supper.
Approximate Cost: 13 cents per day. 300 tablets for $18.93 plus shipping.
6. Vitamin E.
VitaCost. 1-800-381-0759, Product No. VCT 7018901
http://www.vitacost.com/vitacost-vitamin-e-400-iu-with-mixed-tocopherols-400-iu-250-softgels-1
Purpose: Increases blood vessel health, permeability, supports the immune system, works with vitamin C.
Active Ingredients: This vitamin E contains the much more beneficial d-alpha form (as opposed to the dl-form). Perhaps even more importantly, it also contains d-beta, d-gamma, and d-delta forms of vitamin E. New research indicates that these are very helpful.
Known Side Effects: None. But there is some evidence that vitamin E can moderately reduce blood clotting, so stop taking it 10 days before any elective surgery.
Dosage: One softgel per day.
Approximate Cost: 11 cents per day, 250 softgels for $24.79 plus shipping.
7. Methylsufonylmethane (MSM).
VitaCost. 1-800-381-0759, Product Number NSI 3001774
http://www.vitacost.com/NSI-MSM
Purpose: Restore tissue health (permeability) in the inner ear, reduce allergic reactions. Active Ingredients: Methylsufonylmethane, “MSM.”
Known Side Effects: None.
Dosage: One or two per day. Can be taken at once, or spread out over two meals. Take with food.
Approximate Cost: 19 to 28 cents per day, 240 capsules for $12.49 plus shipping. ***********
Do not confuse the lemon bioflavonoid of this regimen with a comme
Methylsulfonylmethane, or MSM, is an organic source of sulfur (an abundant mineral in the human body) that helps maintain normal connective tissues.* Included in this formula are 1,000 mg of OptiMSM®, a patented, pure, distilled form of MSM.