Allergy Herb Relieves Prostate Problem

Q. A couple of months ago I read a letter in your column about a man with allergies. Because of an enlarged prostate, he couldn't take the usual over-the-counter antihistamines.

You suggested the herb "stinging nettle" as a substitute that might relieve allergy symptoms and improve the flow of urine. My husband looked these stinging nettles up and began taking them. He has improved 100 percent in both his allergy condition and his prostate symptom of frequent urination. In addition, his PSA number has come down!

The urologist said, "Yes, I've heard of it, and it helps some but not others." We are so glad you mentioned this herbal medicine, and we have shared the information with others.

A. Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) has a long history in folk medicine as a diuretic and an expectorant. Scientific studies have confirmed that extracts of stinging nettle increase urine flow and help alleviate symptoms of prostate enlargement and nasal allergies.

Q. You answered a question once about "killer smell" flatulence. A friend once had this problem, and I mean PROBLEM. The smell was horrendous and hung around for quite a while after release. If it happened in her car, you were outta there!

It turns out that she was taking mega doses of magnesium. Once the magnesium was eliminated, she was "odor free" within two days and has not been troubled for the five years since then.

A. We're always interested in the causes and solutions people find for serious flatulence. Magnesium is renowned for relieving constipation or causing diarrhea. This is the first time we've heard it linked to flatulence.

Gas is frequently associated with certain foods, though people vary in their susceptibility. Some, for example, react to pretzels or bagels, while others have more trouble with onions or broccoli. We have listed foods that may be culprits and a variety of flatulence solutions in our Guide to Digestive Disorders. 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. G-3, P. O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027.

Traditional remedies for flatulence include flavoring beans with fennel, ginger or epazote, a Mexican herb. Discarding the water in which beans are soaked can also be helpful.

Q. My grandmother has just been diagnosed with early congestive heart failure and takes Zestril and Lasix. We have heard of a natural medicine called hawthorne and we were wondering if she should take it. Is it safe with her other medications?

A. This medicinal herb comes from the leaves and fruit of the hawthorn tree, found throughout Europe. Physicians there prescribe it for mild heart failure and certain irregular heart rhythms.

A recent review of the medical literature (J Clin Pharmacol, June, 2002) found that hawthorn extract is helpful in decreasing heart rate, improving exercise tolerance, reducing blood pressure and is "very effective in early stages of congestive heart failure."

Your grandmother must discuss any non-traditional treatments with her physician. There is a possibility that hawthorn could interact with certain prescription medications, including blood pressure medicines, vasodilators, Lanoxin or Coumadin.