Ask Dr. Gott » home remedies

Reader offers home remedies

Dr. Gott — Sat, 11 Dec 2010 05:01:46 +0000

DEAR DR. GOTT: I read your column in the daily paper, and I would like to share some suggestions with your readers that have helped me over the years.

First, Kellogg’s All-Bran Bran Buds can help fight constipation. Second, for minor sinus congestion, facial massage can help. For serious congestion, try chiropractic massage.

DEAR READER: Thank you for the suggestions. Bran is a part of my colon cocktail and is a great way to add fiber to the diet, thus preventing constipation.

As for your massage suggestions, I assume it works similarly to acupressure, which can relieve symptoms for some patients.

Alternatives bug ‘real’ doctors

Dr. Gott — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 05:01:06 +0000

DEAR DR. GOTT: In a recent column, you recommended consulting a doctor about using bee pollen. When was the last time you consulted an MD on a non-medical treatment? I have. They ridicule you. In fact, when I wanted physical therapy rather than prescription drugs and surgery for hip replacement, my primary care doctor wrote me and indicated I should not bother coming back. You are out of touch with the stone-age drug-company bed partners that currently serve as doctors. Don’t advise people to talk to their doctors without knowing anything about the subject.

DEAR READER: I must admit that at one time I thought the only way for a patient to improve was through prescription drugs, and, when all else failed, surgery might be considered. It took years, and it certainly wasn’t easy for me to realize that patients want options.

I may not know how doctors are “supposed” to approach medical situations, but it is time for you to find another physician with an open mind. Some problems are well-handled with alternative drugs. You’re lucky to be strong enough to fight the system. Good luck.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Reports “Compelling Home Remedies” and “Herbs and Healing Fads.” Other readers who would like copies should send a self-addressed, stamped No. 10 envelope and a $2 check or money order for each report made payable to Newsletter and forwarded on to PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092-0167. Be sure to mention the title or print out an order form from my website www.AskDrGottMD.com.

Another shingles remedy

Dr. Gott — Tue, 25 May 2010 05:01:52 +0000

DEAR DR. GOTT: There have been a lot of people writing you with questions about shingles. I would like to give you a “recipe” my mother-in-law gave me. I know it worked for her, my father-in-law, my husband and me.

Simply take this combination three times per day: one 400 IU vitamin E, two 100-milligram B-complex and four 1,000-milligram slow-release vitamin C tablets. When the shingles symptoms are gone, stop the vitamin E and B-complex and taper off the vitamin C slowly. If you have diarrhea symptoms, eat cheese.

DEAR READER: I have not heard of this and have no idea why it would work. You failed to mention how long before symptoms typically start to disappear when using this “remedy.” I would also like to mention that the tolerable upper limit for those over 19 for vitamin C is 2,000 milligrams, and for vitamin E, it is 1,500 IU. While vitamin C has a relatively low toxicity, vitamin E may cause hemorrhaging and interrupt blood coagulation when taken above recommended daily doses. I suggest everyone interested in trying this remedy do so only under physician monitoring.

Mother helped by Gott column

Dr. Gott — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 05:01:07 +0000

DEAR DR. GOTT: I enjoy your column and was excited to read about the National Eczema Association. All three of my children suffer with this condition as well as with food allergies and asthma. Often, their attacks coincide.
My 5-year-old daughter suffers the worst and is often treated cruelly because of it by other children. I was so happy to find a Web site to keep current on new treatments and possibly a support group to help all of us with the emotional effects this malady causes.
Eczema may not be fatal, but it is real and bothersome. Thank you for sharing the information.
DEAR READER: Thank you for the compliment. I am glad to have helped in some way. It is the reason I first began writing a medical column and continue to do so.
Eczema (the itch that rashes) is a relatively common skin condition that, by itself, is not harmful. It can, however, be annoying and cosmetically unpleasant. Persistent scratching can lead to a rash, which may result in bleeding, cracked skin that is wide open to infection. It is important that skin be kept clean, dry and well moisturized, especially in children who often cannot help but scratch the itchy areas.
Common home remedies include taking lukewarm or cool baths or showers, using oatmeal soap or bath additives and applying moisturizing lotion while skin is still damp as often as needed throughout the day. Avoiding scratching is the best way to prevent the rash but is often difficult to accomplish. Furthermore, keeping nails trimmed may reduce skin damage. Topical prescription medication is a final option for those who cannot find relief by using self-care techniques.
To provide related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Dermatitis, Eczema and Psoriasis.” Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed stamped No. 10 envelope and a $2 check or money order to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

Home remedies ease common pains

Dr. Gott — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 05:00:03 +0000

DEAR DR. GOTT: I recently read a response from a reader about castor oil rubs and grape juice with pectin.

I, too, have had 3 cortisone shots in my hip (no recommendation from my doctor for hip surgery) and so far they only offer temporary relief.

Inasmuch as I did not read your original article about the castor oil rubs and grape juice with pectin, I am very interested in knowing your instructions for such. I realize there is no guarantee that this treatment will help me but I would like to give it a try.

DEAR READER: Castor oil is simply rubbed onto the affected joint or joints twice a day.

To eight ounces of purple grape juice, add 1-2 tablespoons liquid pectin. This mixture can be taken up to 3 times a day until pain is decreased and then reduced to 1 glass per day as a maintenance.

Because of the high reader interest, I have recently written a health report that contains the most popular and effective home remedies.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Dr. Gott’s Compelling Home Remedies”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed 4 ¼” X 9 ½” letter-sized stamped envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.