People's Pharmacy

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Common Weed Eases Alcohol Cravings

Posting Date: 06/06/2005

Then I put my socks on to keep it acting a while longer and protect the bed sheets at night. The fungus took about three months to clear up. It is slow growing, but is also slow to cure. I hope this helps someone else.

A. You combined a couple of favorite remedies. Many people have reported success soaking infected nails in one part vinegar to two parts water. Others got good results soaking their toes in Listerine. Such remedies won?t work for everyone and take several months to produce results.

For anyone who would like to learn more about a variety of simple approaches for nail fungus and other common problems, we offer our Guides to Home Remedies and Nail Care. Please send $3 in check or money order with a long (no. 10) stamped (60 cents), self-addressed envelope: Graedons' People's Pharmacy, No. HR-311, P. O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027.

Q. Ever since I read that too much vitamin A could be bad for bones I have been arguing with the makers of Centrum and other vitamin manufacturers. They all say that 5,000 IUs is just fine. Help!

A. Several studies have indicated that even recommended amounts of vitamin A might weaken bones and lead to fractures. But new research (Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, June 2005) suggests that normal doses of beta carotene and vitamin A (like those in multivitamins) are not related to fracture risk.

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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).