Is There Poison in your Spice Rack?

Q. Years ago, when I would get diarrhea, my parents would give me a spoonful of nutmeg with sugar and a glass of water. Later when I was married, I needed something again for diarrhea so I took nutmeg. It stopped right away.

I now see that myristica oil, found in nutmeg, is poison. Is nutmeg poison?

A. Nutmeg is considered safe when used as a spice in food. Even an occasional teaspoon is not likely to cause trouble. But at high doses, such as those sometimes used in a folk remedy for diarrhea, nutmeg can cause flushing, dry mouth, rapid heart rate, nausea, vomiting and even hallucinations.

Q. My Norwegian grandmother has always encouraged our family to take a tablespoon of cod liver oil every day. I hate the stuff and have refused to swallow it since I was a little kid.

My mother is so used to it she feels her day wouldn't be normal without it. Is there really any benefit to cod liver oil? If so, could I get the same results with fish oil capsules?

A. Cod liver oil is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids. It is also rich in vitamins A and D, and therein lies a controversy. Several studies have suggested that even modest amounts of vitamin A might weaken bones and increase the risk of fractures.

More recent research, however, found no relationship between vitamin A intake and weakened bones (Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, June, 2005). The scientists concluded, “If anything, vitamin A supplement users had a lower risk of fracture.�

If you don’t like cod liver oil, stick with fish oil capsules. They should provide anti-inflammatory benefits that can protect the heart and possibly the brain.

Q. I’m just another lucky person who finds gin-soaked raisins really work. I have early stage rheumatoid arthritis in my hands. I thought the raisins would only work for osteoarthritis but I tried them anyway.

I am now making batches for family and friends. I worried that the clerks at the local liquor store would think I had a problem, but the staff knew all about this remedy!

A. We cannot explain how it works, but we have heard from a number of people who have found that gin-soaked raisins can ease rheumatoid arthritis pain and stiffness. Years ago we heard from a woman who was able to reduce her prescribed arthritis medication significantly and regain her mobility eating “gin raisins� for her rheumatoid arthritis.

The raisin recipe is included in our Guide to Home Remedies, along with many other simple inexpensive approaches. Anyone who would like a copy, please send $2 in check or money order with a long (no. 10) stamped (63 cents), self-addressed envelope: Graedons' People's Pharmacy, No. R-1, P. O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027. It can also be downloaded for $2 from the Website: www.peoplespharmacy.com.

Q. I lost a great deal of hair due to stress and illness. My cousin recommended nettle tea. I was unable to find the tea, but I found capsules. The regrowth has been nothing short of amazing! Even my hairdresser is shocked. When I buy the capsules, clerks assume I'm taking it for allergies. Few people seem to know of the hair benefits. Have you heard of this?

A. We too had heard of using stinging nettle for allergies and also for an enlarged prostate. In checking, we found that it has been applied directly to the scalp to treat hair loss. We could not find any studies supporting this use.