People's Pharmacy

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Black Walnut Remedy For Ringworm

Posting Date: 11/22/2004

Q. I feel sorry for my sister's husband. When they are together in a moving car, he can?t jump out to escape her horrible gas odor. It sounds funny, but being trapped in a closed space with her is no joke. Everyone in the family has been a victim at one time or another, so we all try to keep her away from the foods that make it worse. Do you have other suggestions?

A. Your sister might use a flatulence filter. The cushion is filled with activated charcoal that traps odors. Then she would not need to worry about offending family members. Order information is available from UltraTech Products at (800) 316-8668.

We would also like to send her our Guide to Digestive Disorders, with an extensive discussion on foods to avoid and ways to control gas. 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. G-3, P. O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027.

Q. A recent column mentioned stinging nettle for treating allergy symptoms. Growing up on a farm years ago, I had some not-too-friendly experiences with stinging nettle plants. How is it is used to treat allergies?

A. In a placebo-controlled study showing benefit, people took stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) capsules. You can find them in a health food store. This is a lot easier than trying to harvest the stinging leaves yourself.

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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).

2004 King Features Syndicate, Inc.