Sauerkraut juice heals canker sores

Q. I have had a painful canker sore for a week. I had been using saltwater rinses, to no avail. Yesterday, when I heard The People’s Pharmacy radio program, I was prompted to search your website for a home remedy for canker sores. I found sauerkraut mentioned, and I purchased a bag last night. This morning, I awoke to find the sore has not yet healed, but the pain is much, much better. I’m a believer! Now I just have to buy some hot dogs to eat with the sauerkraut.

A. Canker sores (aphthous ulcers) are mysterious mouth lesions that can come and go for no apparent reason. Accidentally biting the cheek, tongue or lip can trigger an outbreak.

The sauerkraut-juice remedy dates back at least to the 1930s. More than a decade ago, a caller to our radio show told us about this remedy his mother learned as a dental assistant. Swish sauerkraut juice around in the mouth several times a day, swallowing about a tablespoon each time. The sores usually start improving within a day or so.

Here’s another testimonial: “My physician prescribed triamcinolone to treat a few canker sores in my mouth. It worked, but three weeks later another swarm got started, some of which could only be reached with difficulty. I tried the sauerkraut juice, and it started working within a few hours on all the sores.”

Q. Several months ago, I heard about a remedy for heartburn that involved a tea made with persimmons. That’s the only ingredient I can remember.

I suffer from acid reflux, and I am looking for a natural remedy rather than continuing on heartburn medicine. Could you please send me the recipe for the persimmon tea? I am desperate.

A. We first heard about this remedy from another person struggling to get off acid-suppressing drugs. She took some colleagues out to a Korean restaurant, and they had a cinnamon-ginger-persimmon drink after dinner.

We suspect that the ginger is the most relevant ingredient, although the persimmon (fresh or dried) gives it a unique flavor. The tea contains fresh ginger root, cinnamon sticks and persimmon, and is sweetened to taste. You’ll find more details in our book “The People’s Pharmacy Quick and Handy Home Remedies,” available in libraries, bookstores and online at www.peoplespharmacy.com.

Q. Some time ago, you offered a good solution to the problem of nosebleeds. My husband threw the paper out before I could save it. I wanted to tell a friend with a nosebleed about it the other day, but could not remember what the article said.

A. Home remedies can be surprisingly effective for minor nosebleeds. Applying something cold to the back of the neck, whether keys, a spoon or an ice pack, seems to help many people. We also have heard that taking bilberry extract can be helpful: “I had frequent nosebleeds for about 15 years. Then I started taking lutein and bilberry for my eyes. I’ve had no nosebleeds since. I believe bilberry keeps the capillary walls strong and flexible.”

Commercial products that can stop bleeding include WoundSeal and NasalCEASE. These products contain polymers that can seal a nosebleed quickly.

2012 King Features Syndicate Inc.