Recovering alcoholic should seek different remedy

September 20, 2007 at 2:00a.m.

Q. I am a recovering alcoholic and do not want to do anything to jeopardize my sobriety (since 2001). Is there any way you can find out the alcoholic content of the raisins after they’re soaked for a week? I know the alcohol evaporates, but is there any left in the raisins?

A. Gin-soaked raisins are a popular remedy for arthritis, but we recommend you look for another approach. We had the alcohol content of the raisins analyzed, and it is low — about one drop in nine raisins.

Preparing them, however, might pose too great a temptation, especially if there were gin left over. Sticking to just nine a day might also be a challenge. Plant pectin (Certo) dissolved in grape juice might be a safer bet for you. Anyone who would like to read more about such home remedies for arthritis will find them at www.peoplespharmacy.com.

Q. A freak razor-blade accident sliced the edges of my nose. The bleeding wouldn’t stop.

Before going to the emergency room, I checked “Stop Bleeding” on the computer. I read that one can make a paste of cayenne pepper — enough to amply cover the wound. The bleeding should stop in 10 seconds, it said. Mine took 15 seconds.

A. We have heard from many people who have used ground black pepper to stop bleeding. Although we also have heard that cayenne pepper works, your story is the first to describe success. We assume you made the paste by mixing it with water.

High-tech solutions for minor cuts can be bought in pharmacies. Look for products such as QR Powder, QuikClot Sport or BloodSTOP.

Q. Do you know of any remedy other than drugs for helping control cholesterol? I have high cholesterol and high triglycerides. In my last lab report, I had a total cholesterol of 165. My LDL was 93, HDL 36 and triglycerides were 276.

I have been on Lipitor, Zocor and Pravachol. I cannot tolerate any of them because I develop muscle aches and weakness.

A. Your cholesterol is actually surprisingly good. Your triglycerides, however, should be reduced, and your HDL cholesterol should be raised.

One way to accomplish this is to cut back on refined carbohydrates. That means less bread, pasta, cereal, rice and sugar.

Fish oil can help lower triglycerides. Niacin can also be helpful for lowering triglycerides and cholesterol and for raising good HDL cholesterol. Your doctor should monitor your progress.

If such approaches are not adequate, your doctor could prescribe a nonstatin medication. There are several to choose from. We are sending you our Guide to Cholesterol and Heart Health for more details about fish oil, niacin and other medications.

Q. I have a plantar wart on the bottom of my foot. I’ve heard that you can use duct tape to get rid of it. Is this possible?

A. The research is equivocal on duct tape for warts. Nevertheless, readers have shared success stories: “I had a painful plantar wart on the bottom of my foot and tried the duct-tape method. I was pleasantly surprised to see it coming off bit by bit as I replaced the tape daily. In about three weeks, the wart was completely gone.”

XIn their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them in care of The Vindicator or e-mail them via their Web site: www.PeoplesPharmacy.com.