Oddball remedy works for nosebleeds

Q. You have mentioned the idea that dropping car keys down the back can stop a nosebleed. You said that this was the most bizarre nosebleed remedy you had ever received, and that it makes no sense. Instead of making a judgment like that, you should try it to see if it is true. No one should jump to conclusions about a remedy before it is tested. I am writing to tell you that shortly after I read your article, I got a nosebleed. I tried the car-key trick, and in no time at all, the nosebleed stopped.

A. You are not the only one who has had success with this remedy. Anyone who would like to see a video of this remedy should search “How to stop a nosebleed” at www. peoplespharmacy.com.

Q. I read in a women’s magazine that natural licorice candy can help in lowering blood glucose levels. I am 37 and considered pre-diabetic. I am not overweight. Have you heard of this use of licorice? How much licorice is safe to consume? Can it interfere with any medications?

A. We were surprised to discover that licorice extract can indeed help control blood sugar in diabetic rats (Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, February 2011). Licorice candy, with its added sugar, would presumably be counterproductive.

Long-term use of licorice can lead to fluid retention, increased blood pressure, loss of potassium and lowered libido. It can interact with numerous drugs, especially heart medicine such as digoxin or diuretics such as furosemide.

We would discourage your use of licorice for treating pre-diabetes since we don’t have dosing information for humans.

Q. I’m writing to tell you about my excellent experience using gelatin for hip pain. I’ve had a chronic ache in my hip for several years. I’ve seen a chiropractor, whose ministrations were effective but temporary. My doctor took an X-ray and said she didn’t see any arthritis. The chiropractor said he did and told me to eat Jell-O. I decided to give it a try on the theory that it was harmless even if it didn’t work. For about six weeks I ate half a packet of Knox Gelatine a day (prepared, not dry). No effect. But in a fit of hunger and frustration one day, I ate the remaining half-pan, about two packets’ worth. The next morning, I awoke completely pain-free.

I went online and found that people who use it recommend one packet a day. I’ve been doing that now for about two months, with only a very occasional twinge in my hip after driving for 12 hours. I don’t know why it started working, but since my hip doesn’t hurt, and it’s easy and cheap, I’m just doing it.

A. This remedy fits our favorite criteria: won’t hurt, might help, and doesn’t cost too much.

Anyone who is interested in other nondrug approaches for joint pain may be interested in our Guide to Alternatives for Arthritis. To request 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. AA-2, P.O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027. It also can be downloaded for $2 from our website: www.peoplespharmacy.com.

2011 King Features Syndicate, Inc.