People's Pharmacy

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Surprising Uses For Vicks Vaporub

Posting Date: 07/08/2002

We had no idea that Vicks would help this reader: ?What you would recommend to get rid of red scars from kitten scratches? I have a new kitten and needless to say, my hands, arms and legs are scratched all the time.?

Then we heard from another cat lover: ?My kitten Percy enjoyed attacking my feet and legs. We discouraged his behavior using the methods suggested the by the vet, the SPCA animal behaviorist, and many books on the subject, but the behavior continued. The vet was getting very concerned about the condition of my legs.

?In desperation I thought of putting Vicks VapoRub on my feet and legs to turn him away. It worked and the vet has spread the word to other cat lovers."

If you?d like to read more about using Vicks for insect stings or nail fungus, just send $2 in check or money order with a long (no. 10) stamped, self-addressed envelope to Graedons' People's Pharmacy, No. Vi-76, P. O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027. We?ll be glad to send you our Guide to Unique Uses for Vicks.

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Joe Graedon is a pharmacologist. Teresa Graedon holds a doctorate in medical anthropology and is a nutrition expert. Their newest book is "The People's Pharmacy Guide to Home and Herbal Remedies (St. Martin's Press). In their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them in care of this newspaper or e-mail them via their Web site: www.PeoplesPharmacy.com on the HealthCentral.com network.