Amazonian herb helps out couple
graedons |People’s Herbal Pharmacy
Amazonian herb helps couple
Q. My husband and I are in our 70s and have been married forever. I have had a problem with vaginal dryness. My husband read about muira puama and bought some online. I take it as directed twice a day, and we make love at least five times a week.
A. This Amazonian herb has a reputation for treating sexual difficulties, including low libido and erectile dysfunction (Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy, May/June, 2003). There is very little scientific data about its safety and effectiveness, though. Side effects may include headache, digestive upset and nervousness.
We could find no research on the use of muira puama for vaginal dryness. Your experience is certainly intriguing.
Q. I hate cinnamon, whether it is in cookies, cakes or anything else. I always avoided cinnamon until I heard it was helpful for controlling blood sugar.
I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in April 2004. My doctor prescribed metformin, which has worked moderately well. I take 1,000 mg twice daily, and it has kept my blood sugar under 220.
Starting in January, I noticed my morning fasting glucose levels were completely normal again, between 73 and 92, every morning! I believe this is due to two things. First, I try not to eat ANY white flour, rice or bread at all. Second, I’ve been taking two capsules of cinnamon, a multivitamin and a B vitamin complex every morning.
I don’t have the eye-focusing problems, tingling or other symptoms I used to have. I’ve also lost 8 pounds. I think that all this together has improved my situation. Perhaps it will help others.
A. Studies have shown that cinnamon can improve insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control (Proceedings of the Nutrition Society, February 2008). We recommend taking a water-based extract rather than relying on ordinary cinnamon from the spice rack. Some cinnamon is contaminated with coumarin, which can cause liver toxicity.
We are sending you a copy of our book “Best Choices From The People’s Pharmacy” with more details on treating type 2 diabetes and the benefits of cinnamon for helping control blood sugar and cholesterol. It is available in libraries, bookstores or online at www.peoplespharmacy.com.
Q. I am a kindergarten teacher and on occasion pick up lice from my students. The best home remedy I’ve ever used to kill lice and easily remove nits is coconut oil.
I completely saturate my hair with the oil and cover my head with a shower cap. I leave it on overnight and wash it out with regular shampoo the next morning. This leaves my hair silky, without lice. If the infestation is bad, I do this again a second night. It really works!
A. There used to be a product called HairClean 1-2-3 that contained coconut oil along with anise oil and ylang ylang oil. Although people told us they found it effective, it is no longer on the market. Thanks for suggesting this substitute.
We have also heard from people who rinse their hair with original formula Listerine. The alcohol and herbal oils seem to help kill lice.
Q. I have spinal cerebellar ataxia and fibromyalgia. Tart cherry concentrate is the greatest thing for easing my discomfort. I don’t even take pain pills any more.
A. Others have told us that tart cherries, as juice or concentrate, is helpful in easing the pain of gout or arthritis. Thanks for sharing your experience.
X In 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.
© 2008 King Features Syndicate Inc.