Science Supports Cherries to Fight Gout

Q. I have heard that sour cherry juice can ward off gout attacks. Have you heard of this remedy? My doctor thinks it is ridiculous.

A. Cherries have traditionally been recommended for gout prevention, but the medical evidence has been limited. One study has shown, however, that uric acid drops after people eat Bing cherries (Journal of Nutrition, June 2003).

Elevated uric acid triggers the excruciating pain of a gout attack, so this finding supports the potential usefulness of cherries against gout. Another reader reported: “I used tart cherries to cure a gout attack and it worked. The real news is that the pain from osteoarthritis of the hip joint diminished also. I've been able to reduce my use of Celebrex from 400 mg/day to 200 mg/day and still have less pain.� Cherry juice or cherry concentrate in pills (CherryFlex) may be helpful.

Q. I've read in your column about Vicks VapoRub and the dangers of placing it inside the nostrils. We’ve had a series of colds in our household and I’d like to treat them without unnecessary medication. Vicks seems good, but I heard once that you should not rub it on your chest if you'll be outside the next day. Presumably it opens your pores, so the cold air could cause pneumonia. Is there any truth to this?

A. The maker of Vicks VapoRub warns “Do not take by mouth or place in nostrils.� Inhaling the petroleum jelly base could be harmful to lungs. Rubbing Vicks on your chest, though, won’t put you at risk of pneumonia.

The herbal ingredients in Vicks, especially menthol and thymol, can help ease coughs. We have gathered many nondrug approaches for congestion in our Guide to Cold Remedies, which we are sending you along with our Guide to Unique Uses for Vicks. Anyone who would like copies, please send $3 in check or money order with a long (no. 10) stamped (63 cents), self-addressed envelope: Graedons' The People's Pharmacy®, No. QVi-276, P. O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027.

Q. I have been struggling with a skin condition called Granuloma annulare. After three years, two dermatologists and a lot of frustration, I found an article that said viruses do not like acid and Granuloma annulare was considered viral.

I put two and two together and decided to try white vinegar. I soaked my hands in the vinegar fifteen minutes every day for a month. The results were amazing. After one month, 85 percent of the lesions are gone from my hands. I am happy to report this natural remedy worked for me. Maybe there are others who will benefit.

A. Granuloma annulare is a skin condition of unknown cause. It can occur over knuckles and other joints and dermatologists do not consider it serious.

Your success with vinegar is fascinating. Because this condition sometimes disappears by itself, we cannot verify that the vinegar was responsible. Nevertheless, this remedy is inexpensive and safer than steroids.

Q. I have a problem with a yeast condition (seborrhea) that covers my scalp, especially behind my ears. Should I avoid yeasty food like yogurt?

A. Yogurt does not contain yeast and there is little data to suggest diet has an impact on seborrheic dermatitis (super dandruff). Some readers tell us that massaging old-fashioned (yellow) Listerine into their scalps helps this condition.