Warfarin and cranberry juice
Recently, I had to increase my dose of warfarin by 1 milligram. The label said to avoid cranberry juice, but I’ve not seen this on previous warfarin prescriptions. I have atrial fibrillation, and that is why I take the anticoagulant.
Warfarin (Coumadin) is a blood thinner that prevents blood clots that may lead to a stroke. The dose is critical, as too little medicine may permit a blood clot to form, while too much could lead to hemorrhaging.
Many foods and drugs interact with warfarin. Several years ago, there was a warning that cranberry juice might be among them. Anecdotal reports suggested that cranberry juice might increase the effectiveness of warfarin and cause bleeding.
A review in the American Journal of Medicine (May 2010) analyzed data from randomized clinical trials and concluded that cranberry juice does not pose a threat when consumed in moderation. Cranberry capsules or concentrate may be another matter. Periodic monitoring is advised for anyone on warfarin.
Last summer I learned that antiseptic mouth rinse kills ticks immediately. When I found a tick, I used to remove it and put it into rubbing alcohol, where it died after a minute or so. Once I had no alcohol, but my mouthwash was handy. I wet some toilet paper with it, laid it on the tick for a few seconds, and shazam! The tick released its nasty grip.
Dermatologists advise using tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull steadily (no jerking or twisting) until it lets go. Putting alcohol or petroleum jelly on the tick is not recommended.
A tick should not be handled with bare fingers, to prevent picking up the germs it might carry. Dropping it into rubbing alcohol or a mouthwash like Listerine that contains alcohol should kill it quickly. If you don’t have anything like that available, you can entomb the tick in transparent adhesive tape and dispose of it.
Joe Graedon is a pharmacologist, and Teresa Graedon is an expert in medical anthropology and nutrition. https://www.peoplespharmacy.com