People's Pharmacy

For more up-to-date information on drugs, herbs and home remedies visit The People's Pharmacy Home Site at peoplespharmacy.us

How To Find Good Quality Supplements

Posting Date: 02/14/2005

Q. I read that you can make a tea with a common cooking ingredient for flatulence. I?ve lost the recipe and can?t remember what it was. Can you help?

A. Mint tea has its champions, but we prefer fennel tea for flatulence. Smush a teaspoon of fennel seeds with the back of a spoon, and use them to make a cup of tea. It will have a pleasant licorice-like aroma with none of the dangers of licorice.

Q. I have high cholesterol and triglycerides, but I have had bad reactions to all the statin drugs and to Zetia as well. I was told that omega-3 fish oil capsules might help, but no matter when I take them, they "repeat" for several hours. Is there any way to keep the flavor and fumes from coming back?

A. Fish oil can help reduce triglycerides. The fish oil aftertaste or burp may be associated with lower-quality fish oil. You might want to look for ?pharmaceutical-grade? products such as Nordic Naturals, OmegaBrite or OmegaRx. Storing it in the freezer may diminish the taste and odor when you take it.

Q. Years ago, I heard that a tablespoon of blackstrap molasses would alleviate leg cramps. I used to rely on it, but haven?t found it recently.

A. Ask your grocer or check a health food store. Blackstrap molasses is rich in potassium and iron and also provides some calcium and magnesium.

* * *

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).