People's Pharmacy

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Aloe Vera Eases Pain Of Cut

Posting Date: 03/08/2004

Q. Please send me the formula for the raisins soaked in rum to ease pain associated with arthritis.

A. Actually, the remedy calls for gin rather than rum. You weren?t the only one who wondered if a different ?spirit? could be substituted. Another reader inquired, ?Has anyone tried using vodka or bourbon instead of gin? I?d appreciate any other suggestions you have for taming ?old Arthur.??

There is no scientific research to tell us if other spirits would work. Gin is flavored with juniper berries, a traditional arthritis treatment. Place golden raisins in a shallow container. They should be barely covered with gin. Allow it to evaporate.

We are sending you our Guide to Home Remedies with more details on gin-soaked raisins as well as other folk treatments for arthritis. 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. R-1, P. O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027.

Q. Do you have any information on the use of xylitol gum for ear problems?

A. Xylitol is a natural sweetener used in some sugarless gum such as Aquafresh Dental Gum or Carefree Koolerz. Pediatricians in Finland have reported that children who chewed this type of gum were 40 percent less likely to develop ear infections than those who chewed ordinary gum. Xylitol has antibacterial activity, which may explain its effectiveness.

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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).