People's Pharmacy

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Seniors Sneak Gin For Arthritis Relief

Posting Date: 10/03/2005

Q. Is it safe to take St. John's wort if I am not on any prescription medications?

A. You have identified one of the biggest problems with St. John?s wort. This plant extract is used to treat mild to moderate depression, but it can interact negatively with a wide range of medications.

A recent study (Journal of Psychopharmacology, Oct. 2005) found that St. John?s wort worked better than Prozac for major depression. The investigators concluded that ?St. John?s wort appeared to be safe and well tolerated.?

Reactions reported included headache, dry mouth, digestive upset and sleepiness. There is concern that this herb might increase the risk of cataracts if the eyes are exposed to bright sunlight.

Q. My doctor had me take Prelief because he thought I had interstitial cystitis. It turns out I don?t, but I was plagued with canker sores in my mouth every time I ate something acid, like salsa or barbecue sauce.

Since I started using Prelief I have hardly had any. I take it before I eat an acid food and it really has helped me. I hope you will pass this information on to other canker sore sufferers.

A. Prelief is calcium glycerophosphate. It is sold as a supplement to take the acid out of food, which can be helpful for people who suffer heartburn or bladder problems. We?re glad to hear it worked for your canker sores.

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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).

2005 King Features Syndicate, Inc.