People's Pharmacy

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Magnets Really Ease Arthritis Pain

Posting Date: 01/10/2005

A. The research showing that cinnamon reduces blood sugar and cholesterol (Dec. 2003, Diabetes Care) suggests that one quarter to one teaspoon of this spice is effective. For many this may not cause digestive tract upset, especially if the dose is divided throughout the day. Others may not be able to tolerate even that amount.

Q. A few weeks ago, I read in your column about an acupressure point on the inner arm to aid sleep. You suggested taping a kidney bean between the two tendons, 3 finger widths from the wrist.

My husband and I tried it, and it's been amazing! The tape proved uncomfortable on our skin, so we're using plastic "marbles" (for arranging flowers in vases) instead of a kidney bean, and we secure it with an elastic band. It has improved our sleep tremendously, and we wanted to thank you.

A. We?d like to thank you for sharing your ingenious adaptation of the technique. Other readers also reported good success with the kidney bean, but it does get tricky.

For those who would like a commercial alternative, there are elastic wristbands (Sea Bands) with a plastic button embedded. They are sold for nausea associated with pregnancy and motion sickness and put pressure on the same acupuncture point.

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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).