Natural Relief for Lupus
Written by Suzie Cohen, RPhDear Pharmacist,
I have Lupus, and I've been on medicine for 22 years. My symptoms are not well controlled and I have lost ability to live life due to all the daily complications. Please offer advice to help me regain quality of life, while I am still breathing on this Earth.
Dear Pharmacist,
I live in chronic pain, it’s usually my joints but now my nerves are involved. My tests are all normal, and my doctor gives me Celebrex, Vicodin and Flexeril. I feel doped up, and still live in pain. What else can I do?
Herbal Tea for Your Health
Written by Suzie Cohen, RPhDear Readers,
The most wonderful thing about our planet is that it grows good medicine. Making herbal teas is one of my secret passions. You can drink teas, and in some cases apply them to your skin. I’ve been playing with herbs for years, it’s fun and I honestly think it’s a wonderful adjunct to your other medical treatments.
Best New Health & Home Products
Written by Suzie Cohen, RPhDear Readers,
I attended the 2012 Natural Products Expo West trade show in California to scout out new healthy, delicious or unique products. The companies mentioned below did not know that I was with the media as I was sampling their goodies, and I receive nothing from this:
Dear Pharmacist,
My son takes an antibiotic for acne and I need one for urinary tract
infections. My question is not about natural alternatives, I don’t
believe in that stuff. I just want to know what the side effects are
of antibiotics and any other safety precautions. Thanks for letting
you pick your brain.
Vitamin D Helps from Head to Toe
Written by Suzie Cohen, RPhDear Pharmacist,
My friends daughter has rickets, I didn’t think that was possible in
this day and age. How do I protect my kids?
Dear Pharmacist,
On facebook, you mentioned this supplement called Citicoline for
memory, and it interests me because my mother has Alzheimer’s and my
wife had a mild stroke. Would it help?
What If No One Can See Your Pain?
Dear Pharmacist,
Have you noticed the trend of celebrities dying from medications? I can think of Michael Jackson, Amy Winehouse, and most recently Whitney Houston? Do you think they should restrict the use of painkillers to prevent this?
Dear Pharmacist,
I took your column regarding hormone replacement to my doctor. He’s never ordered progesterone, just estrogen because of the hysterectomy. For eight years, I’ve suffered with occasional hot flashes, mood swings, insomnia, and I can’t lose weight. Anyway, three days later, his nurse called to say he did some research, and wanted to add bio-identical progesterone to my compounded prescription cream. Two weeks later, I feel remarkably better.
Dear Pharmacist,
My brother is on a gluten free diet now and lost a lot of weight. He’s razzing me to join him in his gluten free diet, but I don’t see the point unless you have irritable bowel syndrome (that’s why he did it). I really like my pizza and beer too! I read you every week, are there other health benefits?
Dear Pharmacist,
My 5-year-old daughter has developed a persistent cough. Can you recommend something to help?
Vinpocetine is Brain Food
Written by Suzie Cohen, RPhDear Pharmacist,
My 88 year old mother-in-law takes an herb from a flower. It’s called Vinpocetine. She is as sharp as a tack and has the memory of a 20 year old. She credits this flower pill for it. I’m only 50 and I can’t remember certain words or events in my own life. Have you heard of this, and can it help everyone with memory loss?
Sorry to Pop Your Soda Bubble
Written by Suzie Cohen, RPhDear Pharmacist,
My teenage daughter downs several diet sodas a day. She insists they’re a healthy, weight-loss alternative to regular sodas. Should I be concerned?
Dear Pharmacist
My doctor is referring me to a psychologist because I’m having so many bad dreams. These are new for me, and while I believe that dreams are “telling” I can’t help but wonder if it’s something I’m taking. In the last 6 months, I’ve began taking three new prescriptions. Could my drugs have any bearing on my sleep or dream state?
Folk Remedies for the Fun of It
Written by Suzie Cohen, RPhDear Readers: Recently, I asked my facebook fans to share their favorite folk remedies. These homegrown tips are not intended to take the place of your physician's advice, nor does my printing them imply effectiveness. So don't email me if you wind up smelling like lasagna or a speed stick! Here is a sampling of the submissions:
Dear Pharmacist,
My husband and I would like to have a child soon. My sister’s little boy has autism, so I’m naturally concerned for my prenatal care and pregnancy. Is there any way to reduce my risk of having a child with autism?
The 24-Hour Pharmacist