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As many of you know, I blew out my right knee 5 years ago (deep root radial meniscal tear and ACL damage) and have been dealing with constant pain ever since.

I’ve seen three orthopedists, had multiple cortisone shots and done weeks of physical therapy with little to no effect. The only treatment that did give me some relief? Acupuncture, which my insurance refuses to cover.

Considered “alternative”, though it’s been practiced for over 2,500 years, I did it for a four month period back in 2022 and saw a dramatic reduction in swelling and stiffness. But at $125 per session and 2-3 sessions a week…. I also saw a dramatic reduction to my bank account and reluctantly gave it up.

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Until last week when some seriously debilitating pain drove me (and my checkbook) back to the office.

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Looking like a porcupine again…

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I’m hoping for a similar level of pain reduction this time around.

Part of being treated with acupuncture involves a total body holistic approach. And since menopause has wreaked so many parts of my life, my practitioner recommended an all natural herbal remedy for my hot flashes.

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She warned me the liquid was pungent, and quite bitter…. but I was willing to give it a try.

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Good thing we don’t have any crow steaks in the freezer this month.

😳

The bottle came with a small dropper and I was instructed to take 3 full ones, three times a day.

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Oh. My. Freaking God.

I’ve swigged some awful stuff in my life and lived to tell the tale, but this?

Nope. Uh uh.

I couldn’t do it.

The smell was bad enough, but the minute it hit my tongue? Instant gag. There aren’t enough words in the English language to describe how absolutely horrendous this vile black liquid is.

Repulsive. Abhorrent. Ghastly. Foul, and revolting barely touch the surface.

Stick me with a hundred needles from head to toe, I won’t flinch. But that little black bottle?

Reduced me to a quivering mass of jelly.

The tiny bottle tested my resolve… and won.

🤢

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