People's Pharmacy

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Flavoring Agent Fights Flatulence

Posting Date: 01/17/2005

Q. Do you have a suggestion for someone with frequent, odorous flatus? One of my sons has this problem and besides causing lots of laughs, it also causes the rest of us to groan.

A. We recently received a suggestion from a reader on this very topic: ?Has anyone suggested Angostura bitters for gas? When I was a waitress and had that problem, someone suggested a teaspoon in a glass of 7-Up or just club soda. It worked immediately.?

Angostura bitters has been sold for more than a century as a digestive aid. The label suggests one to four teaspoons after meals to combat flatulence. Bartenders use this herbal flavoring in mixed drinks and cooks use it in sauces. It can be purchased in grocery stores.

Q. I get terribly dry hands every winter. Cracks in my fingertips and knuckles drive me crazy year after year. My nails are rough too, and I am at my wit?s end. I cannot afford expensive department store products. Any suggestions?

A. This time of year we frequently recommend ?barnyard beauty aids.? Dairy farmers learned long ago that the salves they used to prevent cows? udders from chapping also worked beautifully for their own hands.

The oldest is Bag Balm from the Dairy Association. It is greasy and smelly, though. Udder Cream is nicer to use and also provides good moisturizing at a good price.

We are sending you our Guide to Skin Care with more information on high-powered moisturizers and order information. Anyone who would like a copy, please send $1 with a long (no. 10) stamped (60 cents), self-addressed envelope: Graedons' People's Pharmacy, No. S-28, P. O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027.

Nails may benefit from another animal product, Hoofmaker. Horse groomers use this to strengthen horses? hooves and have found it helps their nails too. The number is (800) 827-9815.

Q. I just read about a study that says SAMe can help people with depression. But I?ve been taking it for my joints although I?m not depressed (at least I don?t think I am). Is this ok?