People's Pharmacy

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Drinking Tea Has Many Health Benefits

Posting Date: 07/08/2002

The best treatment for a leg cramp is to stretch the muscle gently. Ask your coach about stretches for calves and hamstrings.

Q. Will the daily use of one teaspoon of Metamucil over a long period of time become habit-forming like a regular laxative can? Would one's system become dependent upon the psyllium for regular bowel elimination? Do you have any other suggestions for dealing with constipation?

A. Psyllium (the component of Metamucil and similar products) provides soluble fiber and is not a stimulant laxative. There is no need to worry about becoming dependent upon it.

There are many other safe approaches to solving the constipation problem. Over the years readers have shared their favorite remedies, including fresh dates and uncooked prunes, chocolate, hot water with lemon juice, sugar-free gum and blackstrap molasses.

We are sending you a Guide with 10 tips to combat constipation and a special low-fat pumpkin bran muffin recipe. Anyone who would like a copy, please send $2 in check or money order with a long (no. 10) stamped, self-addressed envelope: Graedons' People's Pharmacy, No. GG-30, P. O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027.

Q. Here?s an easy way to defuse dried beans. After pre-cooking, discard the water. Add fresh water and one whole, peeled potato. When beans are done, discard the potato.

A. Thanks for your approach to de-gassing beans.

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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.org. Their newest book is The People's Pharmacy Guide to Home and Herbal Remedies (St. Martin's Press).