Look for water-soluble extract in cinnamon capsules

Q. I have type 2 diabetes, and I have recently started taking cinnamon capsules to help control my blood sugar. I have been extremely pleased with the results so far.

The metformin I was taking was never as consistent at controlling my blood sugar as the cinnamon has been. Are there any negatives to taking cinnamon?

A. Although cinnamon may work more consistently for you, there is much more research supporting the beneficial effect of metformin on blood sugar. You should make sure your doctor is aware of your regimen, so you can work together to control your type 2 diabetes.

When you buy your cinnamon capsules, look for a water-soluble extract such as Cinnulin PF. Cinnamon may contain a compound called coumarin that can be toxic to the liver. Because coumarin is not water-soluble, the water-based extract should be safe.

Q. I have had severe constipation for years, just like my mother before me. I’ve been using cascara sagrada for a daily bowel movement. If I don’t take it, I get bloated and very uncomfortable.

I read that this herb was banned in 2002 because the Food and Drug Administration wasn’t sure it was safe. Is this herb safe or not? I have been taking it daily for several years.

I have tried fiber, stool softeners, you name it. Cascara sagrada is the only thing that works for me. My doctor thinks I should take something different. She had me try Colace, but of course it did not work. I took four pills every morning and did not have a BM for several days. Please let me know what you recommend.

A. Stimulant laxatives such as cascara sagrada can lead to dependence. After daily use for years, your digestive tract doesn’t function normally.

In 2002, the FDA reclassified cascara sagrada along with aloe as not generally recognized as safe and effective. As a result, it can’t be sold as an over-the-counter laxative. There was concern about liver toxicity, colorectal cancer (Gut, August 1993) and loss of electrolytes such as potassium.

We suggest you work with your doctor to overcome this laxative addiction. It will take patience and persistence. We are sending you our Guide to Constipation to help you. It provides recipes for Power Pudding and dynamite pumpkin-bran muffins, as well as our 10 tips to combat constipation. Anyone who would like a copy, please send $2 in check or money order with a long (No. 10), stamped (61 cents), self-addressed envelope to: Graedons’ People’s Pharmacy, No. GG-30, P.O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027. It also can be downloaded for $2 from our Web site: www.peoplespharmacy.com.

Q. I have just taken up gin-soaked raisins for arthritis. So far, so good; they seem to be working.

My employer requires random urine testing for drugs and Breathalyzer testing for alcohol. Will this remedy cause a false positive? We are not given the option of a blood test to prove our compliance with their zero-tolerance policy. Several employees have been terminated because of the urine/drug test.

A. Make sure you eat your gin-soaked raisins after work, rather than in the morning. It is unlikely that you would fail a Breathalyzer test for alcohol based on nine gin-soaked raisins. Nevertheless, this might be possible if the test were done shortly after you ate them. According to our analysis, there is about a drop of alcohol in nine properly prepared raisins.

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 “Favorite Home Remedies From The People’s Pharmacy.”

2009 King Features Syndicate Inc.