The Natural Method of Foiling Mosquitoes
Question: I enjoy listening to your excellent show on public radio. Recently you mentioned a new mosquito repellent that worked almost as well as DEET.
After seeing a leaked bottle of DEET melt the plastic handle of my Swiss Army knife, I am more than ready to try something natural. I think you said the new product is made of coconut oil and geraniums, among other things, but I was not able to stop and write down the name. How would I find it?
Answer: The product in question is called Bite Blocker from Consep Inc. in Bend, Ore. It contains soybean oil, geranium oil and coconut oil. If it is not available from your local pharmacy, you might check Kmart, Walgreen’s, CVS or True Value Hardware, or you could call the company ([800] 367-8727) for information on a local outlet.
According to dermatologist Mark Fradin, Bite Blocker offers 97% protection against mosquitoes for more than three hours.
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Q: I take Coumadin for a heart irregularity. This blood thinner is supposed to protect me from blood clots that could cause a heart attack or stroke.
I am not much for taking pills and prefer natural remedies whenever possible. In addition to garlic and ginseng, I take ginkgo. I have read that this herb can improve the memory, and I think I could use a little help in that department.
Is it true that ginkgo is good for memory? Are there any harmful side effects, and is it compatible with Coumadin?
A: Research shows that both old and young rats retain learning better when given ginkgo biloba extract (GBE). It is a long jump to humans, but studies suggest that we too may benefit from this herbal medicine. One trial published last year in the Journal of the American Medical Assn. showed that Alzheimer’s patients on GBE declined more slowly than those on a placebo.
Ginkgo might cause side effects such as headache, digestive upset, dizziness, heart palpitations and rash. We are more concerned, however, about the potential for interaction with your Coumadin. Ginkgo may delay clotting, and in combination with your blood thinner, this could lead to dangerous bleeding. Garlic also might have a potential for interaction with Coumadin.
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Q: I was a little shocked to read that “farmers and their wives” use Bag Balm as a skin moisturizer. I’m a third-generation farming female and also a doctor. How about “farmers” or “farmers and spouses”?
The gardener having trouble with dirty, broken nails might try putting a rich moisturizer, petroleum-based gel or soap under the nails before gardening or other dirty jobs. This makes it much easier to scrub the nails clean afterward.
As a physician and gardener, I feel it’s important for my hands to be impeccably clean. I’m sure my patients think so too!
A: Thanks for setting us straight on farmers’ spouses. The recommendation on protecting fingernails before yardwork is also appreciated. A thick moisturizer such as Bag Balm or Udder Cream should protect skin when digging in the dirt, and scraping the nails across a bar of moisturizing soap such as Dove can help keep them clean.
* Joe Graedon is a pharmacologist. Teresa Graedon holds a doctorate in medical anthropology and is a nutrition expert. Send questions to them at People’s Pharmacy, c/o King Features Syndicate, 235 E. 45th St., New York, NY 10017, or e-mail them via their Web site: https://www.peoplespharmacy.com.
