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Laxative Helps Remove Earwax

Posting Date: 04/04/2005

Q. Several months ago you suggested taking a fraction of a teaspoon of ground cinnamon, but I don't remember what it was for. I also saw a recommendation for two teaspoons of honey at night, but again, I don't remember the reason.

Here's my story. My wife and I both started taking cinnamon and honey. I told her that I would give it two or three months, and then at my next check-up out at the Air Force Hospital I?d see what the profiles showed. If anything was out of the normal range, I'd quit and forget it. My wife said the same.

Well, we had our check-ups last week. Our provider was amazed at the results. My wife's sub-acute anemia had greatly improved. Her hemoglobin went from 10.5g to 12.5g with a proportionate rise in the RBC. ALL of my results were that of a healthy 30-year-old even though I am in my 70s. Now, I'm sticking with the regimen, but would appreciate your gently reminding us why we are taking cinnamon and honey.

A. We?re as puzzled as you are. We have written that cinnamon can improve insulin sensitivity and reduce blood sugar. Research has also shown that one gram of this spice (about 1/4 teaspoon) can lower triglycerides and cholesterol (Diabetes Care, Dec. 2003).

We doubt that honey would have any impact on cholesterol, anemia or other lab results. Sometimes lab results vary a bit over time for no obvious reason.

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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).