‘Barnyard beauty aids’ help nails

Q. I read a question about fingertips cracking near the nails. For years, I’ve been using, with quick success, a product called Corona Ointment (original formula). It’s for horse and cow hooves, and cuts on large and small animals.

This product is 50 percent lanolin and is inexpensive.

A. We have written about “barnyard beauty aids” for decades. Some topical products designed for animals also are helpful (and affordable) for people. One caution: Lanolin allergy may be a problem for some.

Another reader offered this: “The person with dry skin around fingernails might benefit from Hoofmaker. Groomers use it on horses’ hooves. I rub it around my nails while I am watching the evening news. I also put a little on my feet and toenails just before I hop into bed.”

Another reader said: “The teacher who needs to heal her raw hands without making them greasy should try Udderly Smooth Udder Cream. It’s the best thing I’ve found. It really makes a difference, and the skin absorbs it so the hands are not greasy afterward.” The reader noted that it is advertised on our website. (Udderly Smooth also sponsors our syndicated radio show.)

Q. I keep reading how important it is to get a good night’s sleep. I seldom get four hours a night, and I feel tired during the day. Sleeping pills leave me too groggy to function. Please send me information on how to promote better sleep.

A. Sleep experts often suggest a hot bath an hour before bedtime. As you cool down, your body gets the message to go to sleep. A small, high-carb snack before bed also may help. Many readers report that a magnesium supplement or melatonin can be beneficial. Sedating herbs include valerian, lemon balm, passionflower, catnip and hops.

We are sending you our Guide to Getting a Good Night’s Sleep with details about these and other approaches. 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. I-70, P.O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027. It also can be downloaded for $2 from our website: www.peoplespharmacy.com.

A short-acting prescription sleeping pill, zaleplon (Sonata), may not leave you groggy. Ask your doctor if it would be appropriate.

Q. I discovered after eating dandelion greens that they act as a mild diuretic. I confirmed my experience through a Web search. I also discovered that they provide a rich source of vitamins and minerals. I am wondering if their diuretic properties would help to lower blood pressure.

A. Eating dandelion greens might seem strange to some Americans, but they are quite nutritious. They have had a reputation as a mild diuretic for decades. A small study in 2009 suggested that there is some basis for this belief (Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, August). Some sources suggest dandelion might lower blood pressure, but we found no clinical studies to support that claim.

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 “Recipes & Remedies From The People’s Pharmacy.”

2011 King Features Syndicate Inc.