Duct-tape treatmentSFlbcures some warts

Q. My husband’s doctor told him to put duct tape on his foot to get rid of plantar warts. Do you just cut a small piece and place it on the wart? How long does it take?

A. The duct-tape treatment for warts is quite controversial. The few studies that have been published provide contradictory results. Nevertheless, it is cheap, easy to use, and some readers report surprising success. Here’s just one example:

“I had a cluster of plantar warts treated by a dermatologist. She used a liquid nitrogen spray, which was excruciatingly painful. My kidney stone was less painful. The warts persisted even after this treatment.

“Then I treated them with warm-water soaks and duct tape, which I kept on all day. The warts went away and stayed away after about six weeks of treatment.”

A small piece of duct tape is placed over the wart for a week. Remove the tape, soak the wart in warm water, file it down with an emery board and put on a fresh piece of duct tape the next day. Repeat this for up to two months. More wart remedies can be found at www.peoplespharmacy.com.

Q. About 40 years ago, a doctor told me to increase my potassium intake. A few years later, I found Morton Salt Substitute. I sprinkle about 1‚Ñ8 teaspoon on my food about once a week, and I haven’t had a muscle cramp since I started this routine.

A. This is a good way to boost potassium intake, which may help prevent leg cramps. Too much potassium, however, can be dangerous. Anyone who is taking ACE inhibitor blood pressure medicines such as enalapril, lisinopril or ramipril must be very cautious about extra potassium.

Q. I used the combination of apple-cider vinegar and baking soda on a wasp sting and felt instant relief. The foaming action should amuse children who have been frightened by the sting.

A. When you combine vinegar and baking soda, the impressive foam is caused by the release of carbon dioxide. We don’t know why this combination seems to ease the pain of wasp or bee stings, but it is popular. Other treatments include fresh onion juice or a paste made of meat tenderizer (papain) and water.

Q. An elderly relative was struggling with insomnia and tried Tylenol PM. She took it for several days and developed severe psychological side effects, including hallucinations. Not only was she spaced out and confused, it made her sleeping worse.

My doctor said that PM sleep aids are bad for older people. After we stopped her medication, my relative recovered. Can you suggest some natural approaches to help her get some sleep?

A. Allergy medicine such as Benadryl and nighttime pain relievers like Advil PM, Excedrin PM and Tylenol PM all contain the antihistamine diphenhydramine. This drug may cause memory problems, confusion or delirium in the elderly (Archives of Internal Medicine, Sept. 24, 2001).

Safer sleep aids may include acupressure, magnesium, melatonin or herbs such as lavender, lemon balm or passionflower.

We are sending you our new Guide to Getting a Good Night’s Sleep, with details on nondrug options and evaluations of popular sleeping pills like Ambien, Lunesta and Sonata. Anyone who would like a copy, please send $3 in check or money order with a long (No. 10), stamped (59 cents), self-addressed envelope to: Graedons’ People’s Pharmacy, No. I-70, P.O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027. It also can be downloaded for $2 from our Web site: www.peoplespharmacy.com.

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. Their newest book is “Best Choices From The People’s Pharmacy” (Rodale Books).

2008 King Features Syndicate, Inc.