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. Perhaps you have come across a solution for thunderstorm-phobic dogs, which my hound is to an extraordinary extent. Even Xanax doesn't help him! He thinks storms are in the apartment and we have to sit in the lobby whenever there is one.
A. We have a friend whose dog is also afraid of thunder. Here’s how he copes: “Having a dog that is afraid of thunder means that a year in its life takes seven off yours. We've had some limited success in helping our dog Lucy survive the bolts that she is sure are directed at her.
“Snug wrapping helps. Since we had trouble with Ace-type bandages, we got a doggie sweatshirt. We put it on when we first see her exhibit symptoms of thunder nervousness.
"Comfort Zone spray from Farnam Pet Products has worked recently, producing a real calming effect. I apply a spritz on the neck of her sweatshirt. Active Ingredient: ‘DAP,’ or ‘Dog Appeasing Pheromone.’ I don’t know what it is, but look for it at: http://www.farnampet.com.
“What really works best is driving. I drove through a thunderstorm with her in the back seat, and she was not bothered at all."
Q. I am a 46-year-old male, 6 foot 4 and 235 lbs. I work in heavy construction and don’t smoke, drink or do drugs. Are colon-cleansing products beneficial and safe to use?
A. Someone who is healthy does not need to “cleanse the colon." This is only appropriate prior to a colonoscopy.
The laxatives that are often used for so-called colon cleansing can be harsh. Used too frequently, they can damage the tissues of the colon or deplete the body of essential minerals.
Q. I have a fungal infection under both big toes and remembered reading in your column about soaking feet in vinegar to get rid of it. Can you send me those directions again? The $149 nail polish prescribed by my doctor was NOT covered by insurance.
A. Prescription drugs for nail fungus are pricey, whether it’s the liquid polish your doctor prescribed or pills. The oral medicine may also produce some scary side effects, such as liver problems.
Home remedies may not be well tested, but hundreds of readers have found them helpful. You might try soaking your feet in a solution of one part vinegar to two parts water for 15 minutes daily.
We have described many other inexpensive options, including Vitamin E and Vicks VapoRub, in our Guides to Nail Care, Unique Uses for Vicks and Home Remedies. Anyone who would like copies, please send $4 in check or money order with a long (no. 10) stamped (63 cents), self-addressed envelope: Graedons' People's Pharmacy, No. HRV-3176, P. O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027. We have a whole chapter on nail fungus in our new book, Best Choices from the People's Pharmacy (Rodale Books).
Q. My wife and I both use plain old yellow mustard to combat indigestion or acid reflux. It works very well for us. If we swallow a spoonful of mustard before an Italian meal, we are okay.
A. Although mustard may seem like the last thing anyone would want to take for heartburn, we have heard from others that it can be helpful. The turmeric that makes mustard yellow was traditionally used for digestive upset in Chinese medicine.
Q. Which is better for your heart, walnuts or almonds?
A. Both can lower cholesterol and are heart healthy according to nutritional data. There are no head-to-head comparisons to prove one is substantially better than the other.
My dog is also very afraid of thunderstorms and other loud noises, such as fireworks. I've found that an all-natural liquid called "Rescue Remedy" works extremely well. It was originally intended to help people control anxiety and panic attacks, but is also widely used in dogs. My dog weighs about 70 pounds, and I give him 2 droppersful as soon as I start hearing thunder. One nice thing about this is that it's impossible to overdose on it, so if the dosage you give doesn't seem to work, it's safe to try a little more.
I recommended this to a friend whose dog is even more terrified of storms than mine, and she said she couldn't believe how calm it made him. "Rescue Remedy" can be found in health food stores and online.
My part lab is so petrified during fireworks that he jumps up on furniture, tries to go through mirrors, knocks everything off the tables/dressers, pants heavily, and drools like crazy. I don't think I nor he can handle another event. My neighbors are having another New Year's Eve party and always set off fireworks. HELP!!!