Her eye doctor saw “floaters” in her eye and sent her to a specialist because he thought she had a detached retina. After testing, it was discovered her “floaters” were flecks of blood.

She read in one of your previous columns that rutin could help with bruising. Since starting it, her eyes have improved, but bruises still appear on her body. Her physician does not take her seriously. Do you have idea or suggestions about what could be going on?

DEAR READER: Your mother needs to undergo thorough testing and examination. Is she on any over-the-counter medications, supplements or herbals other than the rutin? Does she have any other health concerns or conditions, such as high blood pressure or diabetes?

If her doctor is unwilling to look into this, it is time to find a new one. You might begin with a referral to a hematologist (blood specialist), who can test her for possible underlying causes, such as a clotting disorder.

To provide related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Blood — Donations and Disorders.” Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed stamped No. 10 envelope and a $2 check or money order made payable to Newsletter and sent to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092-0167. Be sure to mention the title or print an order form off my website at www.AskDrGottMD.com.

DEAR READER:
In most instances I agree with you. However, based on my reader responses, suggestions and those of the many pharmacists, physicians and scientists that read my column, Rutin is a highly beneficial product. While it is over-the-counter and may be over-hyped, I believe it is rightfully so. It does in fact relieve symptoms from hemorrhoids, vein fragility (which can cause bruising or stroke if the veins burst) and more. While the product may have many properties, it appears to work best for blood vessel health which is far from a cure-all. Thanks for writing.

Can you tell me where I can get rutin?

DEAR READER:
As I’ve said in the past, rutin is a bioflavonoid found in many fruits, vegetables and plants such as black tea, apple peels, citrus fruits and buckwheat. This supplement is used to treat hemorrhoids, Meniere’s disease, poor circulation, skin bruising, and more.

If your pharmacy doesn’t have a section for supplements, you will probably have better luck finding rutin at a health food store, so I suggest you begin there. You might tap into the internet for a source that might ship directly to your door. As a third option, I am told Nutraceutical Corporation in North Babylon, New York manufactures a 500 mg capsule for Thompson, a medical company.

Be sure to take the product according to the packaging instructions, as it does have side effects to include muscle stiffness, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, and more.

I also have a solution for skin that bruises easily or appears blotchy. I simply chop or grind a naval orange, peel and all and then eat it with a spoon. I usually mix in some crush pineapple and artificial sweetener to make it taste a bit better. I generally eat one crushed orange over several servings rather than all at once. It generally takes a few days before the bruises and blotches start to clear up.

The orange thickens the capillary walls. When these walls “leak” it shows as blotches or bruises. I’ve noticed that most people with these spots are on aspirin or other blood thinners. The orange doesn’t thicken the blood. I believe it would be good for people with a family history of aneurysms.

DEAR READER:
You are one of many that have touted Rutin (also known as bioflavonoids) for hemorrhoids. Bioflavonoids also help with tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and symptoms of Meniere’s disease and is one of the main ingredients in Lipo-Flavonoid which I have mentioned in previous columns for inner ear abnormalities. I am passing this information on to my readers for their use and input.

As for the orange for bruising, I believe this works because of the vitamin C. I am unsure that your therapy actually thickens and strengthens the capillary walls but if it works for you stick with it. You may find, however, that simply taking a multivitamin or vitamin C supplement may due the trick and will be far less time consuming than grinding, mixing, eating, and storing the orange “pudding” for later use.

I should mention that easy bruising is often associated with aspirin and other anti-coagulant therapy only if the dosage is too high. With proper monitoring this should not happen. Other individuals who often have difficulty with bruising are those with anemia. This is usually caused by a lack of iron. Iron supplements are available over-the-counter and may also solve the problem. As I always say, if you suddenly develop symptoms, see your doctor who can order appropriate testing. It is always best to be on the safe side and find that the problem is minor and easily corrected than to go undiagnosed and later find (after symptoms worsen) that the condition is caused by something serious, such as cancer.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Blood — Donations and Disorders”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.