Herbal Diet Pill May Increase Side Effects From Other Meds

September 5, 2006

Q: I bought an herbal diet pill and checked its Web site. It is said to be safe, containing konjac glucomannan and citrus aurantium.

I take Zocor, a multivitamin, fish oil, flaxseed oil and nine golden raisins soaked in sloe gin. (They help my osteoarthritis hand pain.) Is there any interaction between the herbs and my medicine?

A: Glucomannan is an insoluble fiber that is sometimes used to fight constipation. It also slows down the absorption of carbohydrates eaten at the same time. This can keep blood sugar from spiking after a meal. It might interfere with the absorption of Zocor or vitamins and should not be taken at the same time.

We are worried by the citrus aurantium. This comes from the peel of the bitter orange. It can interact with dozens of drugs in a similar manner to grapefruit. Zocor blood levels might rise, increasing the possibility of side effects.

Q: We have been using Mennen's green Speed Stick deodorant for mosquito bites for 21 years. Our granddaughter's pediatrician recommended it when she was a baby.

Applied soon after a mosquito bite and repeated for up to three days, the deodorant gets rid of the itch as well as reduces the swelling.

A: We cannot imagine how this deodorant relieves itching. Perhaps someone else will try it and let us know whether it works for him, too.

Q: I read about the man who was looking for relief for leg cramps. My mother tried quinine and found that it harmed her hearing. Then she tried the herb valerian. It totally relieved her leg cramps, allowing her to sleep.

I, too, have used valerian for relaxation, and it works very well. I suggest the capsules rather than valerian tea, as the smell is strong.

A: Valerian has been used for centuries to help people relax and sleep. People have taken it for stomach cramps and menstrual distress, and it is promoted for easing muscle cramps. The smell you refer to, like stinky old socks, is legendary.

Q: I had a problem with sweaty, smelly feet in my late teens. My aunt told me to add tannic acid powder to warm water for soaking my feet. After several nights, the problem disappeared and has not come back since. I am now 89 years old.

A: Dermatologists have told us that soaking feet in a tannic acid solution (strong tea) can control excessive sweating and odor. Use five tea bags in a quart of water and let steep for 10 minutes. Once it cools, soak feet for half an hour.

Source: http://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?aid=/20060905/health/609050329/1242/health