Favorite Home Remedies: Dozens of amazing treatments for over 45 common health conditions. With drug costs through the roof, why not give a home remedy a try? Only $12.95 +s/h
Guide to Home Remedies: Learn to make your own low-cost remedies at home for only $2
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Q. I tried taking St. John's wort some time ago to relieve anxiety. After several months I found I had become sensitive to sunlight. Not only was it difficult to look at things in bright light, but I became very uncomfortable in direct sunshine.
Since I live in southern California, that didn't work. I eventually gave up on St. John's wort and learned to avoid caffeine, which a doctor told me is linked to anxiety disorders. Please let your readers know about this side effect.
A. St. John's wort can sensitize both the skin and the eyes to sunshine. For some, this can show up as a bad sunburn. For others, it may increase the risk of eye damage. Anyone who uses St. John's wort for depression or anxiety should avoid bright light.
Q. You have written about the ability of coconut macaroon cookies to combat chronic diarrhea. Well, there is an even better way to deal with that problem. Matzo! Yes, the bland unleavened cracker primarily eaten at Passover works like glue.
Just ask anyone who eats it. I have a non-Jewish friend with a very nervous bowel. She tried everything over the counter and prescribed by her doctor. No luck. I suggested matzo and she has been forever grateful.
A. Thanks for this suggestion. You are not the first person to point out that matzo may be constipating. For those with chronic diarrhea, this effect may be a blessing.
Q. I am 55 and recently went to the doctor for a check-up. My blood pressure was great: 120/80. I've been taking garlic pills, magnesium pills, an aspirin a day and vitamin C.
The doctor had prescribed verapamil and Micardis for hypertension, but after reading all the side effects of these drugs I decided I would try the "natural method." I have been doing this for over two years with good results.
Although my blood pressure was fine, my cholesterol and triglycerides were elevated. Is there a natural way to reduce my triglyceride levels? Is it true that high triglycerides are an early indicator of diabetes?
I now avoid high fat foods and walk a mile and a half each day. What else should I be doing?
A. Congratulations! Your progress is admirable and you should keep up the exercise. Make sure your diet is rich in fiber from vegetables, fruits and whole grains.
In addition, you may want to add fish to your diet and fish oil to your supplements. It can be quite effective in reducing triglycerides. High triglycerides may be an early warning sign of future diabetes. They are also a risk factor for heart disease.
We are sending you our Guide to Cholesterol and Heart Health, which discusses the use of fish oil and other approaches to controlling heart disease hazards. Anyone who would like a copy, please send $2 in check or money order with a long (no. 10) stamped (60 cents), self-addressed envelope: Graedons' People's Pharmacy, No. C-8, P. O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027.
You may also want to talk to your physician about niacin. It can help lower cholesterol and triglycerides. Stay away from refined carbohydrates, like sugar and white flour, because they raise triglyceride levels.
Q. Several years ago I read that Tums are an inexpensive way to get calcium. Is this still true? I am on a fixed income and need the best value for my dollar.
A. Tums Extra Strength tablets contain calcium carbonate, an excellent source of affordable calcium.
