Don't Treat Stiff Joints Like Squeaky Hinges

Q. I recently learned that an uncle is using WD-40 on his arthritic joints. A friend of his has been doing this for some time. Since my uncle had some in the garage he put it on his knees.

Have you ever heard about this home remedy? Is it safe and effective? I'm a bit concerned about this.

A. Your uncle is certainly not the first to try "lubricating" his joints with a product made for metal mechanisms. It appears to be a popular remedy, but no studies show that it's effective. And we're not convinced that it's safe.

We recently heard from a doctor whose patient developed severe muscle breakdown and had to be hospitalized as a reaction from applying WD-40 to his joints. There is also a case in the medical literature of a woman who developed lung inflammation from inhaling WD-40 by accident when she sprayed it on her sore back.

Q. Last year it seemed every kid in the state contracted lice, and I caught them from my granddaughter. She and I tried every possible shampoo, rinse and remedy and combed our hair with special combs, all to no avail. It was awful!

What finally worked was white vinegar. Wet the hair and towel it partly dry. Pour the white vinegar all over the hair and let it set there awhile. That's all we had to do to end the nightmare.

A. White vinegar, by itself or with rubbing alcohol, is supposed to loosen the glue that attaches nits (lice eggs) to hair and make them easier to remove with those special fine-tooth combs.

In addition, to prevent re-infestation, sheets and pillowcases should be washed in hot water and dried at a high temperature. Combs and brushes should be soaked in very hot water for at least 10 minutes. And anything that can't be washed-hats, headphones, stuffed animals-should be isolated for two weeks at the minimum.

Q. I've come down with a nasty cold and I am desperate for relief. My doctor warned me to avoid pseudoephedrine because of high blood pressure. He fears the decongestant could give me a stroke.

I've been reading labels carefully, but I haven't found any cold medicine without pseudoephedrine. I'd also like a cough remedy with no dextromethorphan. It tastes disgusting and gives me a bellyache.

Is there a home remedy or herbal product I could use?

A. There are dozens of remedies for colds, ranging from chicken soup or hot toddies to a standardized extract of Andrographis paniculata called Kan Jang, made by the Swedish Herbal Institute (800) 774-9444. Scientific studies show that this Chinese herb can calm cold symptoms.

For more information on zinc, vitamin C, ginger and immunity-boosting herbs, we are sending you our Guide to Cold Remedies. Anyone who would like a copy, please send $2 in check or money order with a long (no. 10) stamped, self-addressed envelope: Graedons' People's Pharmacy, No. Q-20, P. O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027.

For coughs, tea made with sage or thyme can be soothing. Use a teaspoon of dried leaves per cup of hot water.

Q. Please don't laugh when I tell you my wife uses Bova Cream (for cow's udders) and has found it is very effective at removing makeup. Is there any hazard in this use? It contains allantoin, dimethicone, propylene glycol and lanolin.

A. The same ingredients are found in many moisturizers formulated for humans. If she's not allergic to lanolin, there should be no problem using Bova Cream.