People's Pharmacy

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Vitamin D May Boost Cancer Survival

Posting Date: 05/02/2005

I am taking glucosamine and chondroitin, grape juice and Certo (plant pectin) and turmeric. It made me feel so good I forgot to take it for a few days and the pain returned. I won?t make that mistake again.

A. The experiment that you are conducting is quite unique. Combining several natural remedies for arthritis hasn?t been tested but may offer some advantages.

There is research to support glucosamine against arthritis. Many readers report benefit from one tablespoon of Certo in eight ounces of purple grape juice daily. Others find that up to one teaspoon of turmeric mixed into food can ease joint pain or psoriasis. Turmeric can also be purchased in capsules at the health food store.

We are sending you our Guide to Alternatives for Arthritis with more details about a variety of other home remedies. Anyone who would like a copy, please send $3 in check or money order with a long (no. 10) stamped (60 cents), self-addressed envelope: Graedons' People's Pharmacy, No. AA-2, P. O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027.

Q. I have read about using butterbur to prevent migraines. Warn your readers that this herb contains ingredients that can damage the liver and may cause cancer.

A. New research suggests that butterbur (Petasites hybridus) extract may be helpful against migraines, but your caution is appropriate. Experts suggest butterbur should not be taken for more than six weeks a year.

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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).