Can mustard cure leg cramps?

Q. I’ve read about people using yellow mustard to get rid of leg cramps, and my theory is that the cure is walking to the kitchen. Stretching the cramp out relieves it within a minute or two.

To test yellow mustard, try it without getting out of bed. Keep a small jar at bedside and see if a spoonful taken lying down does the trick.

A. We understand your skepticism, since we do not know how yellow mustard might alleviate muscle cramps. Some have suggested it is the vinegar in the mustard, since people also have reported benefit from pickle juice. Others believe that the turmeric that makes mustard yellow is responsible, since it has anti-inflammatory activity.

One reader took up your challenge: “Although I do need to stand up when the worst cramps hit, walking to the kitchen to get the mustard is not what relieves the cramps for me. I keep little packets of mustard next to my bed. If I’m bothered in the middle of the night with a cramp in my calf, I open three packets of mustard and swallow them down. Within minutes, the cramps ease off.”

Q. I develop muscle soreness on prescription statins, so my cardiologist recommended red yeast rice. He said it works like lovastatin and advised me to avoid grapefruit. Why?

A. Grapefruit affects many medications, including statins such as lovastatin, simvastatin and atorvastatin (Lipitor). It raises blood levels and increases the risk of side effects. Since red yeast rice contains statinlike compounds, your doctor is being prudent.

Our ‘Guide to Grapefruit Interactions’ will answer questions and a list drugs affected by grapefruit. Anyone who would like a copy may send $2 in check or money order with a long (No. 10), stamped (65 cents), self-addressed envelope to: Graedons’ People’s Pharmacy, No. J-91, P.O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027.

Q. Celery seeds work to prevent gout! I am 43 and have been fighting high uric acid since my first attack eight years ago. All the things I’ve tried (from apple-cider vinegar to tart cherries and green tea) are for acute attacks. Nothing worked for daily maintenance.

I drink a minimum of 100 ounces of high pH water a day and still have issues. I had a small attack this week on my right ankle.

I searched the Web and read about celery seeds on your site. Within 90 minutes of chewing celery seeds, the pain was almost gone. I have noticed the trips to the bathroom have increased, as celery seed is a diuretic, but I am impressed. From now on, celery-seed extract capsules will be a regular daily supplement.

A. Celery seed (Apium graveolens) has a long folk history. It has been used to treat joint pain (including gout), as well as headache, anxiety and gas. It has even been tried as an aphrodisiac. There is little scientific evidence that it would stimulate sexuality or relieve any other ailments.

Nonetheless, an expert in botanical medicine, James Duke, Ph.D., recommends celery-seed extract for gout in his book “Dr. Duke’s Essential Herbs.” He has identified compounds in this natural product that have anti-inflammatory properties. If you continue consuming celery seeds, be aware that they may interact with drugs like levothyroxine for thyroid or lithium for bipolar disorder.

2012 King Features Syndicate, Inc.