People's Pharmacy

For more up-to-date information on drugs, herbs and home remedies visit The People's Pharmacy Home Site at peoplespharmacy.us

Turmeric Eases Suffering From Psoriasis

Posting Date: 12/01/2003

Weight loss, regular exercise and a diet rich in vegetables, fruits and low-fat dairy products can be helpful. Relaxation tapes or a device called Resperate (877-988-9388) that slows respiration to lower blood pressure may also be beneficial.

We are sending you our Guide to Blood Pressure Treatment with information about white coat hypertension, proper blood pressure measurement and non-drug approaches. Anyone who would like a copy, please send $2 in check or money order with a long (no. 10) stamped (60 cents), self-addressed envelope:

Graedons' People's Pharmacy, No. B-67, P. O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027.

Q. Other readers might like to know how to stop diarrhea. We have used blackberries or their juice for many years and find this to be effective.

A. There are many remedies for diarrhea including coconut, dried bilberries and pomegranate juice. Blackberries are loaded with plant pectin, another time-honored approach. Blackberry leaf tea is a traditional diarrhea remedy. The tannins in the tea may explain its effect.

Q. Here?s an inexpensive remedy. My brother came back from the Pacific Islands (Navy, WWII) with jungle rot. I was told in the Army to urinate on my feet at each shower to prevent fungus. I have done that ever since and have never had athlete?s foot. Cost: zero!

A. Urine is a traditional remedy for many skin problems. We have heard from other Army veterans that this advice was helpful.

* * *

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).