GRAEDONS | People's Herbal Pharmacy Got diarrhea? Have a cookie

Q. While my friends yak about constipation, I've been suffering the reverse for the past several months. I don't know why it is happening, but it is ruining my life. I'm supposed to go to England in June, and I am dreading it.
Imodium A-D is now my best friend. I don't like to take it, but I must if I'm going out at all.
I've had an ultrasound and an upper GI scan, and my doctor can find nothing wrong. Is there anything you can suggest? I am desperate for relief.
A. If your doctor had found the underlying cause of your trouble, it would make sense to address that. Otherwise, we can only suggest symptomatic treatment like Imodium A-D.
There are two natural products that might help this problem. One reader of this column has found that pomegranate juice can control chronic diarrhea. Many others have had success with coconut.
We recently received this extraordinary testimonial: "I want to thank you for the remedy that has changed my life! I have severe ulcerative colitis. For 14 years, I had 30 loose, bloody bowel movements a day along with unbearable cramps.
"Six months ago I started eating two Archway Coconut Macaroon cookies with breakfast. I now have just three bowel movements a day. The stools are solid with no bleeding, and I have virtually no cramps at all.
"As a 43-year-old fitness nut engaged in weight training, I am in great shape and feel better than I did 20 years ago. I still take maintenance medicine to be safe, but the cookies made all the difference."
Q. When I took niacin for cholesterol control, I developed liver damage and had to be hospitalized. I have recovered, but it could have been disastrous. Others should be warned.
A. Niacin lowers cholesterol, but this is not a do-it-yourself project. It can have potentially serious side effects and calls for medical supervision.
Q. Some years ago I was diagnosed with a fungal infection on one toenail. The intense throbbing pain made it difficult to wear a shoe.
My podiatrist said the toenail had to come off; there was no other way to treat it safely. My toenail was removed, and I had several more months of pain while the toe healed.
After this surgery, I was alarmed when another toe showed signs of fungus. I asked about a natural treatment at the health food store and was told to try tea tree oil.
I applied it liberally several times that day. Within 10 hours, the pain had diminished. I continued using tea tree oil daily for a couple of months. The base of the nail grew in pink and healthy.
I am angry that my podiatrist chose to operate on my toenails rather than steer me to a natural, less-costly, pain-free method.
A. Tea tree oil (derived from the Australian melaleuca tree) has anti-fungal activity. It has long been used to combat skin and nail problems.
An alternative to nail surgery is a 40 percent urea cream (Carmol 40, Gordon's Urea 40, Vanamide). This prescription product dissolves away the infected part of the nail, leaving the healthy tissue intact.
We are sending you our Guides to Hair and Nail Care and Unique Uses for Vicks for more details and other natural approaches to fighting nail fungus.
Anyone who would like copies, please send $3 in check or money order with a long (No. 10), stamped (60 cents), self-addressed envelope to: Graedons' People's Pharmacy, No. HV-376, P.O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027.
XIn their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them in care of King Features Syndicate, 888 Seventh Ave., New York, N.Y. 10019, or e-mail them at pharmacy@mindspring.com or via their Web site: www.peoplespharmacy.org.
& copy; 2004, King Features Syndicate Inc.