Newspaper Columns, Herb & Home Remedy Q&A
Solutions for Stinky Feet (August 30, 2007)
Q. I have read many questions about toenail fungus but not much about our issue. My daughter has hot sweaty feet that smell. She hates wearing socks because she says they make her feet too hot.What can we do to...
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Can Arthritis Supplements Raise Cholesterol? (August 28, 2007)
Q. I've lost the source of research I read indicating some people experience elevated cholesterol from using glucosamine and chondroitin for arthritis. Were you the source of this information, or do you know of the study? Months ago my doctor...
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Vodka Works For Sweaty Armpits (August 27, 2007)
Q. I used to work backstage for the wardrobe department in a theatre. Actors sweat, and clothes that are not machine-washable are dry cleaned only once a week. Clothes get sweaty and smell.The solution that I was taught is to...
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Soften Hair And Skin With Olive Oil (August 25, 2007)
Q. Years ago my dermatologist suggested I stop using all topical creams and lotions since I am allergic to them all. Twice a day I rub olive oil on my skin instead. On the weekends I also use it as...
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Fish Oil Helps Control Triglycerides (August 23, 2007)
Q. Last year, my triglyceride level was 300. I took no medication (except for a baby aspirin daily), but I did start taking fish oil capsules. I also added nuts and seeds to my diet. This year when I saw...
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Cinnamon Helps Control Blood Sugar (August 21, 2007)
Q. When my daughter learned that I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, she did some research on the Internet. She found out that cinnamon capsules would be helpful. I have used cinnamon for about three years. My family doctor...
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Desert Rangers Treat Sting with Tenderizer (August 20, 2007)
Q. I was in the high desert of Oregon several years ago, looking for arrowheads. I saw an arrowhead lying beneath some sagebrush and picked it up. I felt a sharp prick on the back of my hand. Later that...
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Fighting Inflammation Naturally (August 18, 2007)
Q. I have had patches of itchy dermatitis for years. More recently I developed "mildly inflammatory arthritis." Then I came down with carpal tunnel syndrome. In my dealings with doctors, these have always been treated as separate problems.I was recently...
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Soy Sauce Eases Burn (August 16, 2007)
Q. When we were at the beach a friend of ours burned her hand on a very hot pan handle. (I had just pulled the pan out of the broiler.) I grabbed the soy sauce and had her soak her...
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Vinegar and Water Fight Swimmers Ear (August 14, 2007)
Q. Many years ago, I used vinegar and water to treat my son's swimmers ear. I cannot remember the correct vinegar and water ratio and I hope you can help. A. Doctors sometimes recommend using ear drops made of one...
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Soap Works for Card Player's Cramps (August 13, 2007)
Q. I read your column about using soap in the bed for leg cramps. It really works. My husband had leg cramps for years since he is a fisherman and on his feet 18 hours a day. They brought tears...
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Fish Oil Lowers Triglycerides (August 10, 2007)
Q. I cannot take statin-type drugs. Is there a natural way to get triglycerides down? A. Triglycerides have just been shown to increase the risk of heart attacks (JAMA, July 18, 2007). Fish oil is a natural way to lower...
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Vinegar Helps Save Nails (August 9, 2007)
Q. My sister has been going through chemotherapy and radiation for breast cancer this past year. She started losing her toenails due to fungus and was shocked at the cost of the medication for this. I passed along your article...
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Nutritional Approaches May Help Preserve Vision (August 7, 2007)
Q. I have been diagnosed with the onset of macular degeneration. The eye doctor said there is no cure.Are there any vitamins or other nutritional supplements that might slow the process down? I’d like to keep my vision for as...
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Listerine Eases Nasty Skin Condition (August 6, 2007)
Q. I had a bout with folliculitis, an infection that causes inflammation of the hair follicles. My dermatologist prescribed an antibiotic ointment that was messy and hard to use.I decided that if Listerine killed germs in a person's mouth, it...
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Potato Against Wart (August 2, 2007)
Q. I had a wart on my finger for 15 years. A few doctors said they could cut if off, but I don’t like the idea of surgery.My mother told me of an old gypsy remedy, but I would never...
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Soap Is Strange Remedy for Restless Legs (July 31, 2007)
Q. I finally fell asleep last night but woke back up an hour and a half later. I had started getting cramps and a creepy-crawly feeling in my legs.I know some people who have RLS (restless leg syndrome) so I...
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Bee Sting Against Arthritis Pain (July 30, 2007)
Q. I'm a nurse in a rural hospital. Some of the mountain folk I care for tell me that a bee sting every two years or so will significantly decrease arthritis inflammation and pain. They attribute this remedy to the...
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Supermarket Remedy Fights Arthritis (July 28, 2007)
Q. I have read about combining something called Certo with grape juice for arthritis pain. I suffer something awful and have never heard of Certo. My pharmacist was no help.Is it an herb, a home remedy, a drug or a...
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Antiperspirant Banishes Jock Itch (July 26, 2007)
Q. My husband suffered with jock itch for a long time. He would use medicine to clear it up but it always returned. Then he tried applying antiperspirant daily to the affected areas, and this solved the problem. A. Jock...
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Cherries May Help Ease Joint Pain (July 24, 2007)
Q. I would like some info about cherries for a friend who suffers from arthritis and gout. A. A small study in the Journal of Nutrition (June, 2003) suggested that sweet cherries could lower uric acid levels that cause gout....
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Meat Tenderizer Against Stings (July 23, 2007)
Q. Let's talk about the crawling wasps and hornets of the American Southwest--fire ants and scorpions. These critters give a wallop of a bite or sting without the warning of a buzz. Years ago, when I moved to Texas with...
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Listerine Fights Blemishes (July 21, 2007)
Q. Several years ago I noticed that gum irritations healed more quickly after I used Listerine. I decided to try it on facial blemishes. If it is applied as soon as a blemish begins, the spot fades quickly without becoming...
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Hormone Research Creates Confusion (July 19, 2007)
Q. I am totally confused about hormone therapy. I used to take Premarin to keep my bones stronger and reduce the risk of a heart attack. Then a friend who is a nurse pleaded with me to stop taking hormones...
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Colon Cleansing Not Recommended (July 17, 2007)
Q. I am looking for a home recipe for colon cleansing without having to use expensive over-the-counter detox programs. I've seen your recipes for constipation, but I'm specifically looking for a thorough cleansing of the colon. A. We really can’t...
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Vinegar Is Secret Weapon Against Dandruff (July 16, 2007)
Q. A few weeks ago someone reporting using Miracle Whip on her scaly flaky scalp. She said that after a couple of hours she had a flake-free scalp and wanted to know why it worked so well. I think the...
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Old-Fashioned Thyroid Drug Best for Some (July 12, 2007)
Q. You once had an article about some people needing Armour Thyroid because Synthroid doesn't contain T3. I want to thank you for saving my sanity and life.Since 1993, I have been on Synthroid and more recently, Levoxyl. I have...
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Can Herbs Cause Bruising? (July 10, 2007)
Q. I have been taking curcumin for the inflammation of arthritis. I have noticed that I bruise easily. I also take ginkgo and I wonder if taking both of them is causing this. A. Animal research suggests that curcumin (the...
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Take Tape to Trap Ticks (July 9, 2007)
Q. I live near a national park and walk my dogs in the woods. There are ticks everywhere. I stop and pull ticks off myself every few minutes, but I hate to just throw them back in the bushes where...
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Natural Alternatives to Ambien (July 6, 2007)
Q. My husband has had a terrible time with the sleeping pill Ambien. One night he got up and wandered out of the house. A stranger had to bring him home. Another time he poured coffee on the computer in...
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Olive Oil Combats Vaginal Dryness (July 4, 2007)
Q. I’ve read that olive oil can be used for vaginal dryness. I couldn’t tell if I should include olive oil in my diet or actually apply it directly to the vagina.A. This remedy calls for topical application of olive...
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Natural Treatments for Doggy Diarrhea (July 2, 2007)
Q. Can I use coconut milk and rice milk or coconut macaroon cookies for my boxer dog's diarrhea? Would it be harmful to her?A. Many years ago we heard from a reader that coconut macaroon cookies could alleviate chronic diarrhea....
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Miracle Whip Scrubs Scales (June 29, 2007)
Q. For several months now I have had a problem with a scaly flaky scalp. I finally went to the doctor who prescribed medicated shampoo and mometasone topical solution. Nothing worked. Then a friend suggested I try Miracle Whip. I...
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Natural Approaches to Lower Blood Sugar (June 27, 2007)
Q. I am a type 2 diabetic, taking metformin, glipizide and Avandia. I have begun taking cinnamon, alpha-lipoic acid and chromium picolinate in an effort to get off the drugs. It seems to be working, as I stopped taking Avandia...
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How Dangerous Is Brazil Nut Gluttony? (June 25, 2007)
Q. I was taken aback by your remarks about limiting the number of Brazil nuts eaten. Many years ago when I was growing up, my parents bought nuts at Christmastime. Brazil nuts were my favorites and I ate tons of...
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Looking for Licorice to Aid Digestion (June 21, 2007)
Q. I have heard that licorice is helpful with digestion. All I have been able to find is artificially flavored licorice. I assume this won’t work. Where can I find real licorice? A. Real licorice can be found in health...
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Certo and Grape Juice Ease Joint Pain (June 19, 2007)
Q. I have been using Certo in purple grape juice for arthritis pain and it really works. But I wonder if there are any side effects. For example, since Certo is a thickening agent, does it thicken the blood? This...
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Listerine Used to Fight Lice (June 18, 2007)
Q. Both of my boys were sent home from school with head lice. The checklist given to me by the school nurse said that in order for them to return to school, I must treat their scalps with an insecticide.I...
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Duct Tape for Treating Warts (June 15, 2007)
Q. I had a wart near my ankle and decided to try the duct tape treatment. I cut a small piece of duct tape each morning and after my shower, stuck it over the wart. I did this every day...
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Finding Alternatives for Pomegranate Juice (June 13, 2007)
Q. I was listening to a health show on public radio and heard about the health benefits of pomegranate juice. The juice is pricey. Could you please let me know where I can find pomegranate powder? A. Pomegranate juice is...
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Yellow Mustard Is Slam-Dunk Against Leg Cramps (June 11, 2007)
Q. I suffer from leg cramps. Recently while attending a basketball game, I had to leave my seat and try to walk off a severe inner thigh cramp.A security guard, seeing that I was grimacing in pain, approached me to...
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Low-Tech Hiccup Remedy (June 9, 2007)
Q. Here is a cure for hiccups. The person with hiccups plugs up both ears with her fingers and drinks water. This is easiest with the help of another person holding the ears, but by using a bottle of water...
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Restless Legs Respond to Soap in Bed (June 8, 2007)
Q. I have suffered from restless leg syndrome all of my life, and I am over 50! My mother always told me I had "growing pains" when I was a kid, but that was clearly ridiculous by the time I...
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Chocolate for High Blood pressure? (June 6, 2007)
Q. I have spent more than a year trying one kind of blood pressure medicine after another. I have suffered from all sorts of side effects, including heart palpitations and dizziness but the worst was depression. All I wanted to...
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Coconut Saves Patient's Life (June 4, 2007)
Q. I noticed an article on your Web site (www.peoplespharmacy.com) about coconut macaroon cookies stopping diarrhea. I am a hospice nurse, and one of my patients was literally dying of diarrhea. None of the medical treatments were helping. After reading...
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Many Options for Treating Nail Fungus (May 31, 2007)
Q. I think I remember reading about some simple remedies for nail fungus in your column. At the time I didn’t need the information but now my toenails are discolored and ugly. They want to remove the nails, but that...
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Solutions for Smelly Gas (May 29, 2007)
Q. What is the best thing to do for daily, frustrating, embarrassing gas? I eat high-fiber foods during the week, but I eat various things on the weekends and it doesn’t seem to make a difference. I have continuous gas...
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Brazil Nut Warning Causes Worry (May 28, 2007)
Q. You wrote recently about selenium and said three or four Brazil nuts daily supplied enough selenium to cause toxicity. I'm taking 100 micrograms of selenium daily to ward off prostate cancer. Is this dosage of selenium safe? A. Selenium...
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Banana Peel Battles Warts (May 25, 2007)
Q. I have heard that a banana peel can be helpful against warts but I am not clear on how you would use it. My doctor burns off several warts yearly but they inevitably come back. I would be grateful...
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Blood Donors May Need More Iron (May 23, 2007)
Q. You recently answered a question from a vegetarian blood donor who has trouble with low hemoglobin. He was concerned about caffeinated beverages. I too am a vegetarian and donate blood every 56 days. I do not consume caffeine at...
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Home Remedies Collected in One Place (May 21, 2007)
Q. Is there a book that has all of your home remedies in it? I really would like to have something as a reference to all of these great ideas. A. We have included many of our favorite home remedies...
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Cherry Juice Eases Arthritis Pain (May 20, 2007)
Q. My husband and I take black cherry juice concentrate for arthritis aches and pains. I buy it at the local health food store. We take a teaspoon a day, like cough syrup. My finger joints are no longer swollen...
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Remedies May Ease Arthritis Pain (May 13, 2007)
Q. I have arthritis in my fingers and I'm sure using the computer has compounded the pain. I can't take anti-inflammatory medication due to an ulcer, so I am hoping you could suggest other supplements that might help. A. There...
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Home Remedies for IBS Distress (May 13, 2007)
Q. Help! Now that Zelnorm has been taken off the market, what can I do for my irritable bowel syndrome? I depended on this drug.A. Zelnorm was prescribed for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with constipation. Because of concerns about increased...
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Can Fish Oil Reduce Breast Cysts? (May 13, 2007)
Q. I recently began taking fish oil for heart health. I have fibrocystic breasts, and after about a week on fish oil I noticed a reduction in the number and size of the cysts.Is there any evidence that fish oil...
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Quinine Ban Worries Leg Cramp Victims (May 7, 2007)
Q. Now that quinine sulfate will no longer be available to control leg cramps, what do you suggest? A. The FDA has determined that quinine is too dangerous for treating leg cramps. The drug can cause a life-threatening blood disorder...
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Aloe and Licorice for Canker Sores? (May 7, 2007)
Q. When I get a canker sore I use the gel from an aloe vera leaf directly on the sore. I keep a plant all the time because it's so helpful.A. Aloe vera gel has a long history for healing...
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Probiotics May Help IBS (May 7, 2007)
Q. My husband and I travel by car each year to Arizona for the winter and return home in spring. The trip is difficult because I have IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) and often hold up our fellow travelers so I...
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Health Benefits of Nuts (May 7, 2007)
Q. Could you talk about the relative benefits of various nuts? We know almonds and walnuts can lower cholesterol. Do pecans, macadamia nuts, Brazil nuts or hazelnuts offer anything besides calories?A. Nearly all nuts have beneficial fatty acids, particularly monounsaturated...
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"Power Pudding" for Constipation (April 30, 2007)
Q. My husband has difficulty with his daily bowel movement. We eat dark bread and yogurt every day. He drinks milk but it does not seem to be helping the constipation. He is bloated and feels uncomfortable. Any help would...
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Bitters for Flatulence (April 30, 2007)
Q. I would like to know the formula you once printed about using bitters for flatulence.A. The Angostura bitters label suggests taking one to four teaspoonfuls after meals for flatulence. Some readers put it in club soda or 7-Up to...
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Liquid Bandage for Skin Tags (April 30, 2007)
Q. Do you know of any ointment, poultice or herb that will get rid of skin tags? I had a dermatologist examine me. He told me this skin tag was not dangerous, but the cost of removing a small skin...
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Cayenne Pepper Eases Arthritic Joints (April 30, 2007)
Q. You recently had a question from a person with arthritic fingers who can't use anti-inflammatory drugs because of an ulcer. Many years ago, an old man panning gold in icy water told me of an arthritis cure. He'd had...
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Remedy for Cracked Heels (April 30, 2007)
Q. I have dry cracked heels. What can I do to make them nice and smooth again? A. There are expensive foot creams on the market, but we like affordable products like Bag Balm and Udderly Smooth Foot Cream (an...
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Guggul Not Good Choice for Cholesterol (April 30, 2007)
Q. I have read several columns about how to lower cholesterol. Mine is somewhat high but my HDL is good (75). Maybe that’s because I exercise four times a week, getting my heart rate up to the 130s for at...
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Will Vinegar Lower Cholesterol? (April 23, 2007)
Q. Your column often covers high cholesterol issues. Why don't you mention the value of adding a daily dose of organic apple cider vinegar as a great way of reducing cholesterol? I add 1 to 2 teaspoons to my morning...
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Green Olives for Hiccups (April 23, 2007)
Q. I just wanted you to know I read your column recently about the power of green olives fighting hiccups. My 5 year old got the hiccups the next day. Guess what? One green olive did the trick. Coincidence or...
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Bag Balm for Dry Hands (April 23, 2007)
Q. I have always had a problem with dry hands in the winter. The skin on my hands dries out, splits and peels off time and again. Ten years ago a co-worker told me about Bag Balm. (I later read...
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Probiotics for Diverticulitis (April 23, 2007)
Q. My husband was diagnosed with diverticulitis. He was treated with antibiotics, but the doctor said he could have another attack at any time.My husband now avoids seeds and nuts, but a different doctor says food has very little impact....
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Gin-Soaked Raisins Help RLS (April 16, 2007)
Q. Last summer you ran a letter from a woman who reported that gin-soaked raisins had helped BOTH her arthritis and restless legs syndrome (RLS). Mercifully, I don't have arthritis, but I do have RLS, so I've been trying this...
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Rubbing Alcohol as a Deodorant (April 16, 2007)
Q. I am 70. When I was 13 my mother told me to use rubbing alcohol as a deodorant. It works.I have tried over-the-counter products but find Mom’s advice works like a gem. All my six children use this cheap...
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Filters for Flatulence (April 16, 2007)
Q. I am interested in purchasing flatulence filters. My mom has severe gas problems and is taking charcoal tablets along with other things. The problem is still noticeable. I would like to try the filters. I have checked a couple...
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Instant Glue for Cuts (April 16, 2007)
Q. Like some of your readers, I get cracked fingers when it's cold. This year I decided to try something different. I had a place split open at the end of my thumb. I put Super Glue on it, held...
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Preventing Cold Sores (April 9, 2007)
Q. You had an article about drugs to heal cold sores faster. Why not prevent them? I take L-lysine before meals every day and it prevents cold sores from developing into full-blown blisters. I think prevention is better than cure....
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Can Preparation H Reverse Wrinkles? (April 9, 2007)
Q. Is it true that Preparation H helps wrinkles on the face? A. Decades ago Hollywood starlets were reputed to use the hemorrhoid cream Preparation H on their faces to smooth out wrinkles. The shark liver oil and live yeast...
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Acupressure for Nausea and Insomnia (April 2, 2007)
Q. I read with great interest about your readers who have had good results using acupressure bands as a sleep aid. I too have had great results from acupressure bands, but as a cure for nausea. When I was pregnant...
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Coffee, Tea, Cocoa Interfere with Iron Absorption (March 28, 2007)
Q. I'm a vegetarian who gives blood several times a year. Every now and then my hemoglobin is too low and they cannot take my blood. How should I time my caffeine consumption so that it doesn't interfere with iron...
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Cod Liver Oil Controls Cholesterol (March 28, 2007)
Q. I was saddened to read about people suffering the side effects of cholesterol-lowering statin drugs. In less than a year, I have lowered my cholesterol 30 points by doing nothing but take fish oil. I take a tablespoon...
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No Foods to Dampen Sex Drive (March 28, 2007)
Q. My husband has a really high sex drive, but after working all week and keeping the house tidy and cooking, I cannot be bothered. On the weekend when we take care of our baby grandson, I don’t have the...
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No Grape Juice for Dogs (March 19, 2007)
Q. I used your Certo remedy for arthritis with my beloved Rachel Dog for seven years. She thrived without side effects and as pain free as her debilitating arthritis would allow for the duration. I am a believer! A. We...
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Kill Lice by Shrink-Wrapping the Scalp (March 12, 2007)
Q. I heard a radio program about an over the counter product that can be put on the hair then dried with a hair dryer. The result is a sort of shrink wrap effect that kills head lice. Do you...
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Coconut May Ease Diarrhea (March 5, 2007)
Q. Thank you for your invaluable advice. After a colon resection I had severe diarrhea diagnosed as IBS. Nothing helped except 4 to 6 Lomotil pills daily. When I tried your remedy of shredded coconut, it worked like a miracle....
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Vanilla Soothes Minor Burns (February 26, 2007)
Q. I recently read your column about using soy sauce on burns. Vanilla does the same thing. I have used vanilla for many years in my kitchen to soothe burns. A. We always recommend that burns be treated with cold...
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Microwave Sponges to Kill Germs (February 19, 2007)
Q. I read that there is a way to sterilize sponges in the microwave, but I didn’t get all the instructions. How long do they stay in the microwave? This technique would be a lot easier for us. Currently my...
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Trap Gas with Carbonized Undies (February 12, 2007)
Q. For the past several months I have been suffering with flatulence. It is extremely embarrassing. I worry every time I go out in public that I will pass very smelly gas. I have tried over-the-counter medications like Gas-X, Beano,...
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Listerine and Vinegar Fight Nail Fungus (February 6, 2007)
Q. You receive many letters about nail fungus and I wanted to share my experience. Our daughter contracted a foot fungus while swimming at a local club when she was six. We’ve tried a lot of different anti-fungal products but...
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Black Tea Is More Healthful Without Milk (January 29, 2007)
Q. I’ve read that drinking tea with milk has a negative effect on human blood vessels. Is this true? A. A German study showed recently that drinking two cups of black tea relaxes blood vessels, quadrupling blood flow (European Heart...
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Looking for Safe Cinnamon (January 22, 2007)
Q. I have high cholesterol and diabetes (controlled through diet). I’ve been using cinnamon to help keep my blood sugar and cholesterol down. I’d like to continue, but I read in your column that it might be dangerous. Is there...
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Green Olives Ease Hiccup Woes (January 15, 2007)
Q. I have been meaning to write you about this for a long time. I have used one or two green olives for hiccups for many years, as have all my family members. I don't know why it works, it...
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Can Soap Ease Arthritis Pain? (January 8, 2007)
Q. A man told my daughter that a bar of soap at the foot of the bed between the sheets would help arthritis. I have arthritis, so I tried it. After about four weeks my arthritis seems to be much...
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Will Woman's Herb Control Man's Sex Drive? (January 3, 2007)
Q. I am writing to you from Freiburg, Germany, because I cannot find any information about chaste tree berry here. Your Web site states that this herb may have antiandrogenic effects that could help reduce an overactive libido. What dose...
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Soy Sauce Is Home Remedy for Burn (December 26, 2006)
Q. I listened to your public radio show and heard a man call in recommending soy sauce for burns. "How weird is that?" I thought. But then, as I took a loaf of bread out of the oven, the inner...
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Spray Foils Christmas Tree Allergy (December 18, 2006)
Q. My son and I have suffered yearly from allergies when we bring our freshly cut Christmas tree into the house. We have tried rinsing off the tree at home and letting it dry in the closed garage before setting...
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Snorting Saline Saves Sinuses (December 11, 2006)
Q. You recently had a letter from someone with frequent sinus infections. For many years, I too struggled with sinus infections every few months. I’d feel bad and usually have bad breath. To deal with them, I went to a...
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Too Much Cinnamon May Be Harmful (December 4, 2006)
Q. I recently read that nutmeg can be poisonous in large doses when it is used as a folk remedy. Is the same true of cinnamon? I use a large amount of cinnamon on my oatmeal every morning, probably about...
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Duct Tape for Warts Is Controversial (November 27, 2006)
Q. I am a nurse and have always relied on conventional medicines or physician-supervised treatments. I noticed a wart on my upper arm that had grown to about pencil-eraser size and remembered an article in your column about warts and...
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Calming Dog During Storm Is Difficult (November 20, 2006)
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...
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Can Curry Counter Gout Pain? (November 13, 2006)
Q. I suffer from gout from time to time. Have you ever heard of curry relieving the symptoms? My wife made a soup containing curry and within one hour after eating it, I could feel the pain going away. I...
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Is There Poison in your Spice Rack? (November 6, 2006)
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...
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Cola Lovers May Risk Bones (October 30, 2006)
Q. My wife and I, 58 and 63, both take bone-density prescriptions and 1200 mg daily of calcium. We get bone density tests periodically. Recently, a medical doctor my wife saw for the first time commented that if she was...
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Coconut May Ease Diarrhea (October 23, 2006)
Q. I’d like to try coconut macaroons for controlling diarrhea, but I am trying to cut out sugar. Could I make my own macaroons using Splenda instead of sugar? Can shredded coconut be used by itself instead of eating the...
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Bacon Fat Defeats Plantar Wart (October 16, 2006)
Q. I read about someone who wanted to know how to get rid of plantar warts. My grandson had one on his foot for quite some time and was going to a doctor for treatment. His grandpa had him put...
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Will Pocket Full of Soap Stave Off Leg Cramps? (October 9, 2006)
Q. I read about putting soap under the sheet to stop leg cramps in your column. My husband tried it and it worked wonders. Before, his legs had sometimes hurt so bad he would have to sit on the side...
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Is Wife Poisoning Husband with Saltpeter? (October 2, 2006)
Q. I have a question about the effects of saltpeter on erections. I have reason to believe my wife is feeding me saltpeter. I am a very sexual person who has no problems getting and maintaining an erection. In the...
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Does Goat's Milk Protect Against Poison Ivy? (September 26, 2006)
Q. When I was two, I was very ill and was hospitalized in a sanitarium. There the children were fed goat’s milk. The goats roamed the hills around the hospital and foraged on poison oak. I have been immune to...
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Can Banning Bananas Banish Blemishes? (September 18, 2006)
Q. I was having problems with acne on my face and head. It seemed to keep coming back in the same spot and getting worse every day. I stopped eating some of my usual foods for two weeks at a...
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Will Natural Diet Pill Interact with Medicines? (September 11, 2006)
Q. I bought an herbal diet pill and checked its web site. It is said to be safe, containing konjac glucomannan and Citrus aurantium. I take Zocor, a multivitamin, fish oil, flax seed oil and 9 golden raisins soaked in...
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Will Listerine Solve Woman's Jock Itch? (September 3, 2006)
Q. I live in a very tropical, hot and humid place. For the past year, I have had recurring yeast infections. My problem is not so much the yeast infection (which I think I now have under control, having taken...
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Hydrogen Peroxide Soothes Itchy Bites (August 28, 2006)
Q. I am highly susceptible to mosquito bites and often get a dozen bites in the same time frame that others get one. I have tried many remedies to prevent the bites, like natural insect repellants and Vitamin B. I...
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Smelly Solution for Stubborn Warts (August 21, 2006)
Q. I’ve had good luck getting rid of warts with minced garlic. Apply it directly to the wart and cover it with a bandage. Change the garlic and the bandage at least once a day. The wart should be peeled...
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Fingernail Polish Against Warts (August 14, 2006)
Q. I just read your column on plantar warts. My doctor suggested I use fingernail polish, covering the wart twice a day for three weeks. I believe the wart died within 10 days of doing that treatment. It was easy...
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Don't Drive After Eating Gin-Soaked Raisins (August 8, 2006)
Q. Some of the people in my multiple sclerosis support group use the gin and raisins remedy for achy muscles and joints. Does the alcohol evaporate entirely? Would there be cause for worry if a person ate 15 or 20...
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Listerine Fights Underarm Odor (July 31, 2006)
Q. My daughter is entering puberty and dealing with the usual underarm body odors. We tried many different deodorants and antiperspirants to no avail. I figured if Listerine killed the germs that cause bad breath, it might kill the bacteria...
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Cinnamon and Mustard Lower Blood Sugar (July 24, 2006)
Q. I have been using cinnamon to help control my blood sugar for the last 4 years. Using 1/4 teaspoon in boiling water to make a cinnamon tea lowers my blood sugar readings from about 185 to 135 in one...
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Don't Give Dogs Gin-Soaked Raisins (July 17, 2006)
Q. My 11-year-old dog suffers from severe hip dysplasia and arthritis. I read in your column that gin-soaked raisins relieve arthritis pain in people, so I decided to try it on my dog. I am giving him 6 raisins a...
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Can Vitamins Prevent Sun Damage? (July 10, 2006)
Q. Instead of sunscreen, I take megadoses of vitamin C, which has protected me for over 20 years against sunburn. (Of course, I don't tan or freckle either.) I take 3 grams of C each day, and once every year...
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Don't Eat Poison Ivy Leaves (July 3, 2006)
Q. I heard a radio show caller say that an old-timer had told him to pick two small, new, reddish poison ivy leaves each spring and roll them inside a dough ball and swallow them to be immune from poison...
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Hot Water for Itchy Bug Bites (June 26, 2006)
Q. Why haven’t you written about an effective remedy for alleviating the agony of poison ivy, mosquito or fire ant bites? Simply run water, as warm as you can stand, over the affected area for a few seconds. The itching...
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Ground Black Pepper Stops Bleeding (June 19, 2006)
Q. Last night I sliced my finger on the inside of a can that I was rinsing out. It was a fairly significant cut. I rinsed it and applied pressure, then went to the cupboard and pulled out a packet...
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Radish Addict Is Growing Desperate (June 12, 2006)
Q. I am addicted to radishes. My mom doesn’t want me to eat them but I can’t go without having at least 10 a day. My mom stopped buying them so I would stop eating them. Before this, I just...
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Is Sea Moss an Aphrodisiac? (June 4, 2006)
Q. I have a friend taking Sea Moss from St. Lucia as an aphrodisiac. Does it work and what are the side effects? A. Sea moss refers to products made from varieties of red seaweed that grow in the Caribbean....
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Sloe Gin Eases Arthritis Pain (May 29, 2006)
Q. Golden raisins soaked in gin were ineffective against my arthritis pain, but raisins in sloe gin were immediately and totally effective. Thanks for the suggestion. A. Thank you for the testimonial. Regular gin is flavored with juniper berries, while...
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Cinnamon Lowered Triglycerides (May 22, 2006)
Q. Taking lovastatin has controlled my total cholesterol and bad LDL cholesterol. But my triglycerides were always very high. My doctor had no suggestions, so I decided to try cinnamon. My triglycerides went from 350 to 150 in four months....
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Will Sniffing Hot Pepper Cause Harm? (May 15, 2006)
Q. I’ve heard that capsaicin nasal spray was used to treat migraines in a study. I've also read accounts online of migraine sufferers who put capsaicin powder into their nostrils as a nonprescription alternative treatment. I have tried this. I...
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Sunshine Vitamin Eases Joint Pain (May 8, 2006)
Q. For people who have general joint pain, and no specific diagnosis of arthritis, consider telling them to take vitamin D. Many more people are deficient than is generally believed, and one symptom is bone or joint pain. When I...
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Papaya Solves Heartburn Problems (May 2, 2006)
Q. I frequently have heartburn and finally found a wonderful remedy: papaya pills. Every time I have heartburn I eat one of the pills and the heartburn disappears. My doctor says these are fine to use. The roll is easy...
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Blood Pressure Benefits from Chocolate (April 24, 2006)
Q. I’ve got a comment about the dark chocolate controversy on whether it is irresponsible to recommend chocolate for health benefits. I started eating Hershey’s dark chocolate when it was on sale a few weeks ago. I enjoy about five...
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White Vinegar May Help Dry Skin (April 17, 2006)
Q. I used to have severe dry skin. My hands were always dry and chapped. Then a friend told me to dip my hands in a solution of 2/3 white vinegar and 1/3 water. Leave it on one or two...
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Yogurt Helps Painful Hangnails (April 10, 2006)
Q. My 5 year old has terrible hangnails. Do you have a simple remedy for this annoying condition? A. One reader shared this: “I had a hangnail that had gotten very inflamed. A friend of mine from Iran told me...
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Earl Grey Tea Linked to Muscle Cramps (April 3, 2006)
Q. I wonder whether some additive to Earl Grey tea may cause muscle pain and cramping. I am a yoga teacher with a generally mobile body. Over the past couple of years I have suffered worsening muscle pain, cramping, and...
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Ballet Dancer Suffers with Stinky Feet (March 27, 2006)
Q. My 12-year-old daughter is a ballet dancer and has started pointe. Her feet smell so bad we gag if she takes her shoes off. Do you have any remedies for foot odor? A. Foot odor seems to be a...
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Indian Spice Rescued Potbellied Pig (March 20, 2006)
Q. My pet potbellied pig (Bradford) was down for six weeks with a disc problem in his back. We tried everything to help him, including prednisone. What finally saved him, just before the vet was set to euthanize him, was...
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Peanut Butter Dose Is Lethal (March 13, 2006)
Q. You’ve discussed remedies for hiccups in your column. You got a warning about eating peanut butter off a spoon and responded: "If someone has trouble swallowing, it would be prudent to avoid peanut butter. But for most folks, we...
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Milk of Magnesia for Underarms (March 6, 2006)
Q. I want to share a remedy I learned about when traveling in Brazil. Just apply milk of magnesia to your armpits. It is the best underarm deodorant! A. What an unusual idea. Milk of magnesia contains magnesium hydroxide, which...
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Herbal Gel Banished Bruises (February 27, 2006)
Q. Yesterday I had a slow motion tumble off my bike onto my knees on the way home. They were bruised, but I was able to pedal home and get arnica gel on them in about ten minutes. I also...
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Is Peanut Butter Safe As Hiccup Remedy? (February 20, 2006)
Q. I was surprised to see in a recent column a suggestion for swallowing peanut butter as a cure for hiccups. Years ago I read that one should never eat peanut butter unless it is on a cracker, bread, celery,...
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Prick Up Your Ears for Hiccup Cure (February 13, 2006)
Q. I have a hiccup cure that I’ve used all my life and passed on to my kids: Have someone stand behind you and pull straight up on your ears while you take sips of water. I do this by...
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Will Herb for Prostate Make Hair Grow? (February 5, 2006)
Q. Are there any herbs that will help hair grow back? I read that saw palmetto worked for some men. My dermatologist, who is bald, tells me nothing works and it is all a waste of money. According to him,...
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Blueberries May Be Healthy for Heart (January 30, 2006)
Q. Do blueberries have any bad side effects for cardiac patients? I put some fresh berries in my yogurt every day. A. Blueberries are rich in fiber and antioxidants. Rats fed a diet rich in blueberries have better blood vessel...
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Science Supports Cherries to Fight Gout (January 23, 2006)
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...
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Curry Spice May Suppress Urge to Gamble (January 16, 2006)
Q. All my life my knees have ached at night. I would use Aleve, arthritis-strength aspirin or Tylenol and usually woke up and had to take more about 3 am. I read in your column about using turmeric for arthritis...
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Listerine Works Against Jock Itch and Dandruff (January 9, 2006)
Q. I have been plagued with jock itch for weeks and had tried a couple of OTC creams with little success. I was getting ready to see my dermatologist when I read about using Listerine for jock itch, athlete's foot,...
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Will Horny Goat Weed Solve Sex Problem? (January 2, 2006)
Q. My husband has suffered from high blood pressure and high cholesterol for years. HCTZ and Monopril control his hypertension and Vytorin has lowered his cholesterol. Since starting the drugs, he’s had trouble with impotence. He refuses to see a...
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Spice Rack Discovery Lowers Blood Sugar (December 27, 2005)
Q. I found a spice in my spice rack that I had never heard of and I had no instructions on how to use it. In researching fenugreek as a spice I found that it is one of the most...
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Should You Smear Vitamin E on Scars? (December 20, 2005)
Q. I'm a 4th grader working on a science project about applying vitamin E (topically) to scars. Is there any research proving that it heals scars faster if applied daily? A. The idea that applying vitamin E oil to scars...
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Is Cranberry Sauce Safe with Blood Thinner? (December 12, 2005)
Q. I take the anticoagulant Coumadin and I have read that drinking cranberry juice may increase my risk of bleeding. Would that hold for cranberry sauce as well? I love it. A. There is still no consensus that cranberries interact...
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Natural Approaches for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (December 5, 2005)
Q. Are there any natural treatments for IBS (irritable bowel syndrome)? I think they should call it cranky colon or irritable intestine or something alliterative, but I’ve had it for several years and there is little to be done for...
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Will Old-Fashioned Liniment Help Sore Muscles? (November 29, 2005)
Q. Long ago when I was in high school, my baseball coach provided "oil of wintergreen" for our sore muscles. Is this approach still considered valid? Now that I’m pushing eighty, I have a few aches and pains. A. Oil...
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Can Garlic Ward Off Colds? (November 22, 2005)
Q. I have been eating two cloves of raw garlic every day at my evening meal. It may be a coincidence, but I have not had a cold in over 10 years and I don’t get sick for any other...
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Tea Eases Heartbreak of Eczema (November 14, 2005)
Q. Thank you for your advice to try oolong tea for eczema. It’s been like a miracle. I’ve had eczema on my scalp for most of my life. I would have terrible itching and scaling on my scalp that would...
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Vinegar and Cinnamon Lower Blood Sugar (November 7, 2005)
Q. I suffer with type 2 diabetes. My doctor prescribed Glucotrol for my blood sugar. It helped to a degree, but I have found that by adding apple cider vinegar and cinnamon to a careful diet, I can control my...
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Colon Cleansing Can Be Overdone (October 31, 2005)
Q. I have a friend who is convinced that constipation causes cancer. She is fanatic about cleansing her colon regularly. Not only does she use an enema a couple of times a week, but she also drinks laxative tea containing...
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Concord Grape Juice Keeps Cough at Bay (October 17, 2005)
Q. My wife used to get sore throats every winter. They'd hang on for weeks and develop into a loud, hacking cough. Until she recovered, neither of us would get much sleep. Then I remembered that my sister had a...
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Avoiding Migraines with Wheat-Free Diet (October 17, 2005)
Q. I suffered from migraine headaches for more than 10 years. I saw several neurologists, but my intense headaches forced me to take early retirement. In the fall of 2002, I went from 3 headaches a week to almost non-stop....
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Treating Narcolepsy Is Tricky (October 10, 2005)
Q. Are there any natural treatments for narcolepsy and cataplexy? A. Narcolepsy is a condition in which people fall asleep suddenly during waking hours. If they lose muscle control, it is called cataplexy. Some narcoleptics fall asleep and collapse while...
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Seniors Sneak Gin For Arthritis Relief (October 3, 2005)
Q. Some elderly friends recently told a group of us that they were surreptitiously going to the liquor store and purchasing gin so they could soak golden raisins in it and eat a few daily. This was actually helping their...
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Snuff May Be Bad For Blood Pressure (September 26, 2005)
Q. We hear so much about the dangers of cigarette smoking but you never hear about snuff. My husband and his mother live on the stuff and I cannot stand it. Does the nicotine in snuff have an effect on...
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Garlic Flea Remedy Dangerous For Dog (September 19, 2005)
Q. I heard that garlic could keep fleas from biting, so I put some in my dog's food for about a week. He became lethargic and couldn't even climb the lowest stairs. I thought this might be a reaction to...
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Cutting Carbs Controls Indigestion (September 12, 2005)
Q. Years ago, I was overweight and had high blood pressure. So my doctor put me on a diet. When I reached a plateau, the doctor told me to cut out bread. It worked. I lost the desired amount and...
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Will Eggplant Lower Blood Pressure? (September 5, 2005)
Q. Have you ever heard of this remedy for high blood pressure? Wash but don't peel a medium eggplant. Dice it into 1-inch cubes. Place the cubes in a glass gallon jug and cover the eggplant with distilled water. Put...
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Listerine Works For Trucker's Bottom (August 29, 2005)
Q. I read an article in your column about using Listerine for itchy scalp. It reminded me that forty-plus years ago when I was a glue chemist, we kept a crystal of thymol in our pH buffers to prevent the...
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Lowering Cholesterol With A Bit Of Cinnamon (August 22, 2005)
Q. I have a history of high cholesterol dating at least to bypass surgery about 12 years ago. My cholesterol was running around 290. Several months ago I decided to try cinnamon, about a quarter teaspoon every morning. I usually...
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Pennyroyal Plants Beat Off Bugs (August 15, 2005)
Q. A camper recently asked how to avoid insect bites. My family faced this problem when I was young, living in the hills of Arkansas. Much of our food, such as huckleberries or blackberries, came from the woods. When we...
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Echinacea Strikes Out As Cold Cure (August 8, 2005)
Q. My sister recently visited me with a bad cold and introduced me to echinacea. I now take it three times a day to prevent colds. What do you think about it? Are there any other natural cold remedies I...
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Is Carob Healthier Than Chocolate? (August 1, 2005)
Q. I have heard that carob is a healthy substitute for chocolate. I don't like it as much, but if it really is better I would consider it when I crave chocolate. How healthy is it? A. Carob is completely...
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Will Lemon Conquer Nail Fungus? (July 25, 2005)
Q. I have suffered for years with a fungal growth under my big toenail and would like to get rid of it. I read somewhere that sticking my big toe in half a lemon every night would do this. Apparently...
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Pomegranate May Help Fight Prostate Cancer (July 18, 2005)
Q. I have prostate cancer. I heard on the local news that pomegranate juice might lower PSA. Is there any scientific research to back this up? A. A group of scientists in Marburg, Germany, has been investigating the effects of...
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Sour Cherries Worked Against Gout (July 11, 2005)
Q. My sister has had two recent episodes of gout. Because she has no health insurance, she could not afford to go to the doctor. I gave her some samples of an anti-inflammatory medicine I had on hand. She took...
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Sugar Solves Hiccup Misery (July 4, 2005)
Q. My father has been plagued with hiccups at all hours of the day or night. His physician gave him samples of medications to try, but none worked. A friend of mine told me many years ago that a teaspoon...
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Old-Fashioned Vinegar Remedy vs. Warts (June 27, 2005)
Q. My great-aunt kept a diary of old remedies for various afflictions. She advocated distilled white vinegar for wart removal. I decided to try her remedy when I discovered an odd wart on my elbow. I attacked it by soaking...
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Sugarless Gums Can Cause Digestive Woes (June 20, 2005)
Q. My husband is plagued with diarrhea. He'll be okay for a week or so. Then for no apparent reason, he has diarrhea. He's been eating two coconut macaroons a day for about two weeks. We thought that had taken...
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Turmeric Interaction Could Be Hazardous (June 13, 2005)
Q. I started taking turmeric to help my psoriasis. Then I developed a severe rash and stopped it. My biggest concern is that I take Coumadin. When I went in for a routine blood test my doctor told me that...
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Common Weed Eases Alcohol Cravings (June 6, 2005)
Q. Some time ago you had a letter from a woman who was drinking too much wine in the evening and wanted to cut back. You told her about a tea or an herbal concoction to diminish her desire to...
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Turmeric Can Cause Allergic Reaction (May 30, 2005)
Q. I am always interested in the arthritis remedies I find in your column. After reading that turmeric could help, I bought some and took the pills according to directions. Several days later I had such a terrible rash that...
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Key Remedy Rescues Indian Princess (May 23, 2005)
Q. I have read with interest your columns reporting keys as a solution for nosebleeds. I've been reading "A Princess Remembers:The Memoirs of the Maharani of Jaipur," an autobiography by Gayatri Devi. In talking about palace guests whom she particularly...
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Indian Spice Clears Scalp Psoriasis (May 13, 2005)
Q. Have you ever heard of any remedies for psoriasis? So far nothing that the doctor prescribed has worked. A. Psoriasis is a condition in which skin cells turn over too quickly, causing flakes and redness. There are many prescription...
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Vicks Helps Relieve Persistent Cough (May 9, 2005)
Q. I have allergies that result in postnasal drainage. As a result, I find I cough all night long this time of year. Is there a good home remedy to help nighttime coughs? A. Some readers report that Vicks VapoRub...
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Vitamin D May Boost Cancer Survival (May 2, 2005)
Q. I know that we need Vitamin D for absorption of calcium. Do you make Vitamin D if the sunlight is coming through glass (when you're riding in a car or sitting by a window)? A. The body makes vitamin...
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Skeptic Trashes Magnetic Bracelets (April 25, 2005)
Q. I cannot believe you would write about magnetic bracelets for arthritis. This is just a bunch of hooey designed to loosen the purse strings of gullible readers. I am surprised you would give credence to any "study" of this...
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Cornmeal Fights Fungus on Roses and Toes (April 18, 2005)
Q. You have responded to many questions about curing toenail fungus with home remedies, but here's one you've never mentioned. Put about an inch of cornmeal in plastic dishpan. Pour in hot water, stir it so the cornmeal gets dissolved...
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Choosing Chocolate For Good Health (April 11, 2005)
Q. I am confused about chocolate. I read that it's good for me because of its flavonoids. But I've also heard that alkali processing strips cocoa of most of these antioxidant chemicals. If the good stuff is processed out, is...
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Laxative Helps Remove Earwax (April 4, 2005)
Q. I was astonished to hear on the radio that a laxative can be used to remove earwax. Do you have any details? A. Consumer Reports On Health (March, 2005) reports that a few drops of liquid docusate sodium (Colace,...
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Shellfish Allergy Leads to Hospitalization (March 28, 2005)
Q. My husband's internist suggested glucosamine and chondroitin for mild arthritis. My husband's medical records state that he is allergic to shellfish. I guess his doctor did not know ground shellfish is a component of many glucosamine-chondroitin supplements. After several...
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Would Boyfriend's Marijuana Cause Her Grief? (March 21, 2005)
Q. Can semen transmit drugs? If my boyfriend smokes marijuana and ejaculates inside of me could I fail a drug test? A. Semen can carry certain drugs. For example, a woman who is allergic to penicillin may experience a reaction...
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Will Coconut Help Thyroid? (March 14, 2005)
Q. Can coconut counter hypothyroidism? I started eating two macaroons daily to control diarrhea after finding this remedy in your column. I didn't expect any effect on my thyroid. I'd been told my thyroid condition would worsen with time. The...
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Cinnamon-Ginger Drink Fights Heartburn (February 28, 2005)
Q. I'm disappointed that you did not mention ginger in your comments on acid reflux. My reflux became really bad when I stopped hormone replacement therapy. Acid suppressing drugs worked great, but after two months I couldn't stop them without...
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No Way To Boost Bust Size (February 21, 2005)
Q. I'm in 8th grade and have a very small chest size. This wouldn't bother me, except that lots of other girls in my grade have large B and C cup sizes. I have heard that eating lots of chicken...
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Treasure Hunt For Whole Grains Beyond Bread (February 14, 2005)
Q. I keep reading that we should be eating more whole grains. But what are they? My neighbor, who is a nutrition nut, says that whole wheat bread doesn't really count as a whole grain. A. Many of the wheat...
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Soap For Restless Legs (February 7, 2005)
Q. This is either an urban legend or a friend is playing a joke on me. She says that if you sleep with a bar of soap (not Dove or deodorant kind) the restless leg syndrome (RLS) will not occur....
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Can Aluminum Be Absorbed From Antiperspirants? (January 31, 2005)
Q. I have read that antiperspirants could be dangerous because the aluminum they contain can be absorbed into the body. Is there any basis to this? A. The association between aluminum and Alzheimer's disease has been controversial for decades. Research...
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Curtail Dog Flatulence (January 24, 2005)
Q. What can you recommend for dog flatulence? It is so smelly and in the winter we can't put the dog outside at night. A. Look for CurTail. When drops are added to food, they control pet gas with the...
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Flavoring Agent Fights Flatulence (January 17, 2005)
Q. Do you have a suggestion for someone with frequent, odorous flatus? One of my sons has this problem and besides causing lots of laughs, it also causes the rest of us to groan. A. We recently received a suggestion...
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Magnets Really Ease Arthritis Pain (January 10, 2005)
Q. I heard a report on the radio about the effectiveness of magnetic bracelets for arthritis pain. My 85-year-old dad suffers terribly and has been taking Celebrex. We're concerned about reports linking Celebrex to heart attacks and strokes. Heart disease...
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Sloe Gin May Substitute In Arthritis Remedy (January 3, 2005)
Q. I've read about raisins and gin for arthritis. When I went to the liquor store, they said slow gin is best for this remedy. Your Web site just says gin. Which is it? With the bad news on Vioxx,...
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Herbs May Ease Persistent Cough (December 27, 2004)
Q. Last month I had a nasty cold. Even though it went away after about a week, the cough has lingered all this time. It is troublesome during the day and downright disturbing at night. I hate the taste of...
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Melatonin Conquers Morning Migraines (December 20, 2004)
Q. Since the age of 23 I have had frequent migraine headaches. Over the years, many doctors have prescribed medicines to prevent them, but none has worked. Drugs can stop the migraine if I take them early enough, but they...
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Keep Raw Eggs Out Of Child's Milk Shake (December 13, 2004)
Q. I have relatives that make milk shakes for my five-year-old granddaughter. They always put a raw egg in the milk shake. They seem to think the uncooked egg is better for the child. I believe I have read that...
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Key Trick Saves Business Meeting (December 6, 2004)
Q. I want to thank you for saving me from a most embarrassing situation. I am president of a small corporation and we were making a pitch to an important client. I had been suffering from a cold for about...
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Urine Is Simple Cure For Smelly Feet (November 29, 2004)
Q. A few years back my teenage son suffered terrible foot odor. My husband and I would not let him bring his sneakers into the house, nor would we let him put his dirty socks in the hamper! His worst...
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Black Walnut Remedy For Ringworm (November 22, 2004)
Q. I've read a couple of questions about ringworm in your column and want to give you the benefit of my experience. I grew up in the country. As a teenager, I got ringworm on the back of my leg....
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Acupressure May Work For Insomnia (November 15, 2004)
Q. I would like to share an acupressure tip that helps me sleep. Tape a dried kidney bean to the inside of your right wrist. I locate this point between the two tendons by measuring the width of three fingers...
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Cinnamon Lowers Cholesterol (November 8, 2004)
Q. I am curious about the health value of cinnamon. A year ago, I ran across a Web site suggesting cinnamon to reduce bad LDL cholesterol in people with type 2 diabetes. I do not have this disease, but I...
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New Health Findings For Ancient Fruit (November 1, 2004)
Q. I'm so glad pomegranates are back in season. I love them! Are there health benefits from eating pomegranates, so I don't have to feel bad about spending money on them? A. Scientists keep finding new powers for pomegranates. One...
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Cheap Gin May Not Work With Raisin Remedy (October 25, 2004)
Q. You have recommended soaking golden raisins in gin for arthritis relief and suggested that cheap gin would work fine. I spent several years in the distilled spirits business. It was said that the cheap gins are not true distilled...
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Bad Breath May Be Infectious (October 18, 2004)
Q. A family member pulled me aside a few months ago and informed me that I have had bad breath for years although I brush and floss religiously. I went to see the dentist, who took x-rays and said I...
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Dandruff Shampoo May Ease Jock Itch (October 11, 2004)
Q. Are there natural ways to keep jock itch from returning? My husband has been using Lotrimin cream or other antifungals daily for about 3 years. Within 2 or 3 days of stopping the cream, the rash always comes back....
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Silver May Turn Children Gray (October 4, 2004)
Q. My daughter and her husband make their own formulation of colloidal silver. They think this mixture protects them against the flu and other infections because it provides a natural boost to the immune system. My main concern is that...
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Turmeric-Flavored Eggs Fight Arthritis (September 27, 2004)
Q. After reading about turmeric in your column, I started using one teaspoon in my scrambled eggs each morning. My arthritis has greatly improved, and I have far less pain when I walk. I work in my yard every few...
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No Relish For Mustard Remedy (September 20, 2004)
Q. Some time ago I read about a common kitchen condiment that was supposed to be good for severe leg cramps. Now I can't recall what it was. Can you help? A. The remedy in question involved a teaspoonful of...
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Can Castor Oil Grow Hair? (September 13, 2004)
Q. At 62 years old, my hair is thinning, especially on the crown. Both my grandfathers were bald in their 70s, so this doesn't surprise me much. Yesterday, a woman I don't know stopped me in a parking lot to...
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Noxema Provides Help For Hemmorrhoids (September 6, 2004)
Q. I enjoy reading about Noxzema in your column. I have used this product on my hemorrhoids for years. I used to work for General Motors as a power fork truck driver. I sat on leather seat, sweating, for hours....
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Vitamin E Won't Prevent Heart Problems (August 30, 2004)
Q. My husband had bypass surgery five years ago, and last year he had two stents put in. The heart doctor asked if he were taking vitamin E. We said he'd taken it for years, and the doctor said to...
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Mustard Alleviates Mom's Leg Cramps (August 23, 2004)
Q. I was surprised that in a recent column you seemed unfamiliar with using mustard for leg cramps. Last year you recommended that very same remedy. My mother has leg cramps almost every night. Because of your earlier column on...
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Home Remedies To Relieve Chigger Bite Misery (August 16, 2004)
Q. My mother has over 100 chigger bites, and the itching is driving her crazy. What can she do to get some relief? Is there any way to prevent this from ever happening again? A: Chiggers are a type of...
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Mineral Supplement Helps Her Sleep (August 9, 2004)
Q. I suffered from insomnia for three miserable years during menopause. My doctor prescribed Sonata but could not guarantee more than four hours of uninterrupted sleep nightly. I decided not to spend money on a prescription for so little benefit....
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Caffeine In Chocolate Is Controversial (August 2, 2004)
Q. You really blew it in your response to a person concerned about the health effects of chocolate. You said there's no caffeine in chocolate. My doctor told me to stay away from coffee and chocolate because caffeine could throw...
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Sugar Substitute Relieves Joint Pain (July 26, 2004)
Q. My wife has recently developed diabetes and watches her sugar intake carefully. She uses Equal to sweeten her coffee or iced tea. We read that Equal might be helpful against arthritis pain, but her doctor has never heard of...
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Poison Ivy Remedies To The Rescue (July 19, 2004)
Q. My mother-in-law is incredibly sensitive to poison ivy. A walk in the woods is guaranteed to end in disaster. Is there anything she can use that would either prevent an outbreak or speed recovery? The itchy, red blisters drive...
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New Uses For Old Mouthwash (July 12, 2004)
Q. You have written about a formula using Listerine for hot spots on dogs. I tried it and it works great, but we've nearly used it up and I lost the instructions. Could you give them again? A. A horse...
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Mustard Eases Leg Cramps In A Pinch (July 5, 2004)
Q. At a social function last week, a lady stood up and was hit with a leg cramp so severe she could not move. The hostess rushed to the kitchen, returned with some French's mustard in a teaspoon and asked...
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Don't Give Raisin Remedy To Dogs (June 28, 2004)
Q. I am curious to know if anyone has tried the gin-soaked raisins for arthritic dogs. I have an 80 lb. dog with arthritic hips, although she is only 6. Daily aspirin and glucosamine is helping som