Natural alternatives to mass meds: each month, Amber D. Ackerson, ND, informs you about complementary and alternative choices to mass-produced over-the-counter drugs - OTC - Goodnews: essential natural health news

Better Nutrition, April, 2004

Natural Alternatives to Mass Meds

Each month, Amber D. Ackerson, ND, informs you about complementary and
alternative choices to mass-produced over-the-counter (OTC) drugs.

CONDITION      OTC DRUG

Diarrhea       Pepto-Bismol, Bismatrol (bismuth
               subsalicylate), K-P, Kapectolin (kaolin
               with pectin), Imodium A-D (loperamide),
               Kaopectate Advanced Formula
               (attapulgite), CharcoCaps (charcoal)

Hemorrhoids    Topical Preparations: Anusol, Preparation
               H: Medicated Wipes: Tucks

Constipation   Laxatives Containing Senna: Ex-Lax,
               Feen-A-Mint, Fletcher's Castoria;
               Laxatives Containing Fiber: Citrucel,
               FiberCon, Metamucil

Motion         Dramamine (dimenhydrinate),
Sickness       Benadryl (diphenhydramine), Antivert,
               Dramamine II (meclizine)

CONDITION      ALTERNATIVE

Diarrhea       Carob powder added to foods and drinks will help stop
               diarrhea. For children, 15 grams of carob powder added
               to applesauce is especially helpful. Also, take
               probiotics or yogurt with live lactobacillus and
               bifidobacteria cultures to rebalance intestinal flora.
               Proflora whey will also alleviate diarrhea and normalize
               intestinal pH. And be sure to drink plenty of water to
               avoid dehydration (6-8 glasses daily).

Hemorrhoids    Witch hazel ointment applied topically with a cotton
               ball 3-4 times daily will ease hemorroids. Standardized
               horse chestnut seed extract providing 16-21% aescin
               (also known as escin), 30-50 milligrams orally, three
               times daily between meals also helps.

Constipation   Take 3-4 grams of glucomannan (derived from konjac root)
               daily. For an added fiber boost, take 1-3 teaspoons of
               psyllium seeds or 5 grams of psyllium husk in water,
               diluted juice, or tea each morning. Or try Naturlax 2 or
               Triphala Internal Cleanser taken as directed on label.

Motion         Take 2 capsules of feeeze-dried gingerroot every 3
Sickness       hours. For prevention, take 2 caps one hour prior to
               travel. For children, mix about 1/2 cap in a spoon of
               applesauce. Nux Vomica is a homeopathic remedy for
               motion sickness that works especially well for children.
               Use as directed on label.