People's Pharmacy

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Melatonin Conquers Morning Migraines

Posting Date: 12/20/2004

The anti-inflammatory effect of grape juice might help explain why some people find it eases arthritis pain: ?After reading your article my husband and I started to take grape juice and Certo. It works like magic! I take 32 oz. of red grape juice and mix in one pouch of Certo liquid pectin. We each drink 8 oz. per day.?

Q. Astragalus has been recommended to me as an immune system support to help prevent flu and colds. In a quick search on the Web, I found lots of information promoting Astragalus but not much information on potential risks or side effects. Can you tell me about its safety and how to use it?

A. Astragalus is a traditional Chinese medicine and most of the research on it is published in Chinese. Compounds in the root seem to boost immune system function. Astragalus root is usually given in a tea or added to chicken soup.

Astragalus should be avoided prior to surgery and it may interact with Coumadin or other blood thinners. Side effects are not common, but digestive upset has been reported.

We are sending you our Guide to Cold Remedies for more information on Astragalus, Andrographis, ginger, echinacea and other herbs for treating colds. 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. Q-20, P. O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027.

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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).