People's Pharmacy

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Turmeric Interaction Could Be Hazardous

Posting Date: 06/13/2005

One recipe that has been popular for decades calls for one tablespoon of Certo (liquid fruit pectin for canning) in eight ounces of grape juice a day.

We discuss anti-inflammatory medicines and herbs such as ginger and boswellia

as well as other remedies in our Guide to Alternatives for Arthritis. Anyone who would like a copy should 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. My friend uses vinegar with water under her arms and says it keeps her dry and odor-free all day long, better than deodorant.

I want to try it, but first I want to know if it is safe to use under your arms. Is vinegar all right for this use?

A. Some people soak their feet in a dilute vinegar (one part water to two parts vinegar) solution to deter foot fungus. Perhaps the acid environment also discourages the bacteria that contribute to body odor.

As long as skin is unbroken (do NOT try this after shaving), we doubt that diluted vinegar would cause trouble. Nevertheless, test a small patch of skin first to make sure you will not react badly.

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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).