People's Pharmacy

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Vicks Helps Relieve Persistent Cough

Posting Date: 05/09/2005

Q. I have allergies that result in postnasal drainage. As a result, I find I cough all night long this time of year. Is there a good home remedy to help nighttime coughs?

A. Some readers report that Vicks VapoRub can soothe those coughs. But don?t put it on your chest or under your nose. Here?s one person?s experience:

?My wife read your column on using Vicks VapoRub on the soles of the feet, covered with cotton socks, at night. I had been waking up every three hours with a coughing attack. I tried this remedy and IT WORKS!?

We are sending you our Guide to Unique Uses for Vicks, with other interesting applications for this old-fashioned ointment. Anyone who would like a copy, please send $1 in check or money order with a long (no. 10) stamped, self-addressed envelope: Graedons' People's Pharmacy, No. Vi-76, P. O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027.

Treating your allergies with an antihistamine like Claritin or Benadryl may also ease your symptoms. A nasal spray called Nasalcrom (originally developed from the herb bishop?s weed) can control allergy-related problems.

Q. Sometimes I get up two or three times a night to go to the bathroom. Other times it can be as much as seven or eight times. Needless to say, this interferes with my sleep. Are there any herbs that can be helpful?

A. Problems with urination should be checked by a physician to rule out prostate cancer or some other problem such as prostatitis. If you are suffering from benign prostate enlargement, your doctor could prescribe medicine to ease your symptoms.

You could ask your doctor about the herbs saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) or stinging nettle (Urtica dioica). Both have been tested in double-blind trials and found to help relieve symptoms of frequent urination in mild prostate enlargement.

Q. I?ve heard that walnuts are supposed to lower cholesterol and are good for the heart. But I am allergic to them. Are there any other nuts that would help lower high cholesterol?