Q:I want to thank you for writing about turmeric. I had psoriasis on my feet and my hands so bad that I lost all my nails on my fingers. I went to doctor after doctor to heal my psoriasis, but nothing worked.

When I saw the article, I thought I'd try it. I started to put turmeric on my food and in my coffee. Within two weeks, my psoriasis had started to heal. Within three weeks, it had cleared up.

I have been free of psoriasis for six months now. My foot is no longer scaling, and the nails on my hands have grown back. I told the doctor about turmeric. I guess he didn't believe me, but I know better.




A:Turmeric is a yellow spice that is an important ingredient in curry powder. A component of turmeric, curcumin, has anti-inflammatory as well as antioxidant activity and shows promise against psoriasis and other conditions (Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, December 2004).

We have heard from many others that turmeric can help ease psoriasis. Some people are allergic to the spice, however, and those who take the anticoagulant warfarin should avoid it.



Q: I started getting muscle movements in my legs in the mornings while lying in bed. It wasn't "restless leg syndrome" because I did not feel like I had to move my legs. I just had an unusual feeling of muscles moving under the skin.

I heard a discussion on the radio about this that suggested using magnesium. I've started taking 1,000 mg before bed, and although it doesn't stop the muscle movement completely, it does minimize the discomfort somewhat. Is 1,000 mg of magnesium a day too much?

A: Your body will let you know if you are taking too much magnesium. In excess, this mineral causes diarrhea. For most people, 300 mg a day or so is tolerable, but 1,000 mg would not be. People with kidney problems should avoid any supplemental magnesium, as it could put too much strain on the kidneys.

We are sending you our Guide to Leg Pain, which contains many other suggestions for coping with leg cramps or restless legs. Anyone who would like a copy, please send $2 in check or money order with a long (No. 10), stamped (58 cents), self-addressed envelope to: Graedons' People's Pharmacy, No. RLS-5, P.O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027. It can also be downloaded for $2 from our Web site: www.peoplespharmacy.com.



Q: I have been interested in your articles about cinnamon used by type 2 diabetics to lower blood sugar. I was concerned that the cinnamon I buy might be contaminated with coumarin, so I called the distributor. The woman I spoke to told me all cinnamon has coumarin in it naturally, just as a lot of fruit does, but that the amounts are too low to be harmful if it is used only occasionally.

I am interested in taking 1/4 teaspoon in the morning. I am on a low dose of a medicine for type 2 diabetes. Is this reasonable?

A: We always recommend that a person with diabetes work with the health-care team (doctor, nurse and/or diabetes educator) when adding natural supplements to the regimen. You can avoid any worry about coumarin by creating your own water-soluble cinnamon extract.

Just put the cinnamon in a coffee filter and pour a cup of boiling water over it.

The resulting cinnamon-flavored water provides the active compound but not the coumarin, so you get the benefit without the worry.



Q: I need information about flatulence. I am 92 years old, and usually there is no odor when I pass gas. It is loud enough to be heard, though, and I cannot hold it back. This is very embarrassing! Are there any solutions? My daughter says I need a cork!

A: There are a great many medications that can contribute to flatulence. So can many foods, and not just beans. The first thing to consider is whether your diet or drugs could be contributing to the problem.

Some ways to fight flatulence include fennel seed tea, Angostura bitters and herbs such as ginger or turmeric. We are sending you our newest book, "Best Choices From The People's Pharmacy," with a list of foods and medicines that can cause gas and more details on ways to overcome flatulence. Anyone who would like a copy may find it in the library, local bookstore or online at www.peoplespharmacy.com.



Q: I read in your column that putting petroleum jelly in the nose could cause chemical pneumonia.

I have been putting Vaseline in my nose every day for years to prevent nosebleeds.

Now I'm worried. I do have a chronic cough that I always attributed to allergies.

A: Petroleum jelly is "for external use only," according to the label. The makers of Vicks VapoRub go so far as to say, "Do not use in nostrils."

We found one case in the medical literature of "exogenous lipoid pneumonia" caused by habitually putting petroleum jelly in the nose (Chest, March 1994). Although this condition is considered rare, we would encourage you to stop this practice and discuss your chronic cough with a lung expert.



Q: I've just learned that many people over 50 are vitamin D deficient. My doctor called with my test results: I have about 7 percent of the recommended amount of vitamin D in my body.

I've got all the symptoms but attributed them to arthritis and age. For years I've taken a multivitamin and two calcium + 400 units of vitamin D daily, so my low levels came as a surprise. My doctor said he's begun testing all women over 50 for D deficiency. He prescribed 50,000 units of vitamin D to be taken once weekly. Is this much vitamin D dangerous?

A: If you were taking that much vitamin D daily, you might well get into the toxic range. Your doctor will be monitoring to make sure your vitamin D levels stabilize with treatment.

Research evidence is mounting that 400 international units of vitamin D daily, the currently recommended intake, is inadequate for many people. Vitamin D is essential not only for preventing rickets and building strong bones, but also for a healthy immune system that can fight off infections and cancer.



Q: I am a physician who treats many patients in chronic pain. I am convinced that generic oxycodone is only about half as effective as the brand name OxyContin. This is a huge problem for my patients. How can we get someone to investigate?

A: As a physician, you can report therapeutic failure to the Food and Drug Administration's MedWatch program and to the generic manufacturer. Patients taking a narcotic drug of this sort are unfortunately regarded with suspicion, so your voice on your patients' behalf is especially important.

Despite FDA reassurance about the equality of generic drugs, we have now heard from hundreds of patients who have had difficulties. For more information, go to www.peoplespharmacy.com and www.ConsumerLab.com.

In their column, the Graedons answer letters from readers. Write to them in care of this newspaper or e-mail them via their Web site: www.PeoplesPharmacy.com. Their newest book is "Best Choices From The People's Pharmacy" (Rodale Books).