Ice-cold water and soy sauce: a sure-fire cure for burns

August 30, 2007 at 2:00a.m.

Q. I was an unwitting guinea pig in an unplanned experiment involving soy sauce. Two days ago, I foolishly stuck a mug into the microwave to heat up some lukewarm coffee. I had forgotten that the mug has a metal glaze and is not intended for microwave use.

When I grabbed it, the handle was extremely hot, and I burned my fingers badly. I remembered your suggestion to get the burn under cold water immediately and then coat it with soy sauce. This worked surprisingly well, and within moments there was no discomfort and no blister.

Half an hour later, however, I realized that I had also burned the back of one finger that had touched the mug. It developed an impressive blister, even though it initially seemed much less severe. I had overlooked this area and had not treated it. I am now a believer that cold water and soy sauce can keep a burn from blistering.

A. Thanks for sharing your success. We have heard from other readers that ice-cold water followed by soy sauce can ease the pain of a kitchen burn.

Q. I have been taking St. John’s wort and black cohosh to relieve symptoms of hot flashes and night sweats associated with menopause. This combination works really well. Are there any negative effects that should concern me?

A. The combination of St. John’s wort and black cohosh is often used in Europe to treat menopausal symptoms. There are, however, a few potential pitfalls.

Black cohosh has been linked to rare cases of elevated liver enzymes. You should ask your doctor to monitor you. St. John’s wort can interact with many medications. Do not take it with any drugs unless you verify with your pharmacist that there is no interaction.

More disconcerting is the possibility of eye damage. St. John’s wort contains hypericin. When this compound is exposed to visible light, it is activated and creates dangerous chemicals called free radicals. Joan Roberts, Ph.D., of Fordham University has found that hypericin can harm lens tissue and might also damage the retina (Photochemistry and Photobiology, May/June 2007).

Anyone taking St. John’s wort for depression or menopausal symptoms should avoid sunlight and even bright indoor light. Sunglasses cannot protect the eye adequately against this possible side effect.

Q. I am desperate for nondrug ways to lower blood pressure. The medications my doctor has prescribed have way too many side effects. Do you have any information about this problem?

A. High blood pressure puts people at risk for heart disease, stroke, dementia and kidney damage. That’s why keeping blood pressure under control is essential.

You shouldn’t have to suffer intolerable side effects, however. Dizziness, depression, headache, nausea, insomnia, fatigue, erectile dysfunction or persistent cough should not be the price of normal blood pressure.

Finding the right medicine requires determination. Other approaches that can be helpful include weight loss, stress management, deep breathing, tea, grape juice, dark chocolate and minerals such as potassium and magnesium. We discuss both medications and nondrug approaches in our book “Best Choices From The People’s Pharmacy.” We are sending you a copy. Others may find it in local libraries, bookstores or online at www.peoplespharmacy.com.

XIn 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.com.