Question: I have had irritable bowel syndrome for more than 25 years. I've tried all sorts of remedies, including coconut macaroon cookies. I ate so many, I can't stand even looking at them!
Then I remembered you had mentioned special peppermint pills. I found them at the health food store, and they work so fantastically well, I can't believe it.
I have an almost normal life again. You can't go out very much with this disease, especially if the diarrhea is as severe as mine was.
Answer: Symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome include abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, bloating and gas. One study demonstrated that enteric-coated peppermint oil could significantly reduce such symptoms.
The enteric coating ensures that peppermint oil is delivered to the small intestine, where it helps to ease spasms, instead of to the stomach, where it could aggravate heartburn. It can be purchased at health food stores. One brand name to look for is Pepogest.
We are delighted that peppermint has worked so well for you. Others should check with their doctors or pharmacists before taking this herb. Research shows that peppermint oil can interact with prescription medications in the same way as grapefruit. Blood levels of many medicines could rise, leading to side effects.
Question: What can my husband use on the ends of his fingers? They crack even though he uses hand cream.
Answer: To maximize the benefits of moisturizer, he might want to apply a thick coating just before bed. Then he can wear cotton gloves that photographers use to hold negatives. This keeps the cream in place without messing up the sheets.
In addition to barnyard beauty aids that farmers like (Udder Cream and Bag Balm), he might want to surf the Web for the original formula of Preparation H. Many readers have told us that this old hemorrhoid remedy, which contained shark liver oil and live yeast cell derivative (biodyne), works great for cracked fingers. It is available only from Canada (type "Preparation H with biodyne" into a search engine).
Question: This time of year, when the weather is bad and there isn't much sunlight, I get really down in the dumps. I have found that St. John's wort can help me out of my funk, and it doesn't ruin my sex life or give me insomnia the way Paxil or Zoloft does.
I have read that St. John's wort might not be compatible with some prescription medicines. Could it interact with my diabetes medicine? Are there any other interactions I should know about?
Answer: St. John's wort remains a controversial herb against the blues. Several studies have shown it can be effective against mild to moderate depression. Other research has demonstrated no benefit for more severe depression.
It is less likely than Prozac or similar antidepressants to cause insomnia or sexual side effects. But St. John's wort can interact with many medications. Your diabetes medicine might be affected.
We are sending you our Guides to St. John's Wort, Antidepressants and Grapefruit Interactions: This herb will interact with many of the same drugs affected by grapefruit, but it reduces rather than raises blood levels. Anyone who would like copies, please send $3 in check or money order with a long (No. 10), stamped (60 cents), self-addressed envelope to: Graedons' People's Pharmacy, No. VJX-279, P.O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027.
In their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them in care of King Features Syndicate, 888 Seventh Ave., New York, NY 10019, or e-mail them at pharmacy@mindspring.com or via their Web site: www.peoplespharmacy.org. Their newest book is "The People's Pharmacy Guide to Home and Herbal Remedies" (St. Martin's Press). © King Features Syndicate, Inc.