Skeptic objects to home remedies

Q. Why lower your credibility by writing about unproven remedies such as keys down the neck or soap for leg cramps?

Unless you have some idea of WHY a remedy works, don’t push it.

There are a lot of gullible people out there, but don’t prey on them.

Current research on vitamin D is really exciting. Why not cover more about the many ways it can make life better?

A. We will continue to write about vitamin D, which is indeed exciting. We also will continue to share interesting stories about home remedies. If they might help, won’t hurt and don’t cost much, we think people appreciate such approaches.

Here is a recent example: “As a young boy and into his teens, my son always had horrific nosebleeds. Even after cauterizations, the nosebleeds were still strong and would start quite unexpectedly.

“I read in your column about dropping keys down the back to stop the bleeding. Luckily, in the midst of one of the worst nosebleeds he’d ever had (gushing with clots all over us and the floor), I remembered what I had read and sent my daughter to grab my car keys.

“Of course, the kids thought I had really lost it this time, but after dropping the keys down his back twice, the bleeding immediately ceased. From that time on, whenever a nosebleed would start, we grabbed keys and immediately dropped them down his back. If I wasn’t around, he would do it himself.

I cannot begin to imagine why this works, but it has worked every time I have needed to use it. My son and I cannot thank you enough!”

Q. I have had bad headaches for years and have tried just about everything from acetaminophen and ibuprofen to prescription pain relievers. They help a little, but the headaches always return with a vengeance.

I was told to stay away from perfume and scented products, and that helps a little.

Do you have any other natural approaches to recommend?

A. Identifying headache triggers such as perfume, aspartame, MSG or secondhand smoke can sometimes help.

Frequent use of pain relievers may cause rebound headaches, and quitting can be challenging.

Natural migraine remedies include the herbs butterbur and feverfew, B vitamins such as riboflavin and the mineral magnesium. Acupuncture and biofeedback also may help.

We are sending you our new Guide to Headaches and Migraines for more details on these nondrug approaches plus pros and cons of medications.

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 website: www.PeoplesPharmacy.com. Their newest book is “Favorite Foods From The People’s Pharmacy: Mother Nature’s Medicine.”

2010 King Features Syndicate Inc.

Anyone who would like a copy, please send $3 in check or money order with a long (No. 10), stamped (61 cents), self-addressed envelope to: Graedons’ People’s Pharmacy, No. M-98, P.O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027. It also can be downloaded for $2 from our website: www.peoplespharmacy.com.

Q. For 25 years, I have suffered with acid reflux and have taken strong acid-suppressing drugs, both prescription and over the counter.

I also have suffered five fractures at different times and have osteoporosis of the spine. I had been an avid tennis player, swimmer and walker -- in short, a physically active person.

I began taking probiotics several months ago and have had only one night of heartburn. I can sleep flat instead of sitting up. I can even bend over without the acid coming up. I have been cured!

A. The Food and Drug Administration recently issued a caution that long-term use of acid-suppressing drugs may increase the risk of bone fractures. There is very little solid data on using probiotics for treating heartburn, but we are pleased you had such good results.