Q: A few years ago, I began taking turmeric as a supplement. Within weeks, I began experiencing violent nosebleeds more and more frequently. The only thing I could attribute it to was turmeric, so I stopped taking it. The nosebleeds stopped almost immediately. I have always been susceptible to nosebleeds in heat and dry weather but nothing like these.

A: Thank you for sharing your story. We have heard from other readers that turmeric can interact with the anticoagulant warfarin to increase the risk of bleeding. Only a few people have reported bleeding with turmeric alone.

Turmeric partially blocks the action of platelets that are essential for helping blood clot (Frontiers in Pharmacology, Sept. 15, 2020). That may explain why you experienced such an unpleasant reaction.

You can learn more about the pros and cons of turmeric and other spices in our book “Spice Up Your Health: How Everyday Kitchen Herbs & Spices Can Lengthen & Strengthen Your Life.” You will find it in the books section of our store at www.PeoplesPharmacy.com.

Q: I have a colleague whose family uses fig tea for coughs. Her mother told her to put dried figs in warm water for a few hours, then drink the tea either warm or cold.

I find no research on this in PubMed, although the Natural Medicines database does address fig leaf tea, rather than the fruits. Do you have any information on this at all? I’m not sure where else to look but would love to understand more about the effectiveness, safety, and mechanisms.

A: We followed your footsteps to the National Medical Library (PubMed) and found nothing about figs for coughs. Fig leaf tea has been used to treat eczema (Nutrients, Oct. 25, 2022). Other potential advantages of fig leaves in tea or other preparations include their ability to fight microbes, control blood sugar, reduce inflammation and protect the kidneys and liver (Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, May 2021). Studies suggest that fig leaves are safe at normal doses. We found nothing related to fig leaf tea for cough, though.

Because dried figs are a food, we would expect tea prepared as you describe to be safe. Some sources suggest cooking the liquid down to a syrupy consistency and taking it like cough medicine.

Q: After reading about the various uses for yellow mustard in this column, I tried it for indigestion. I have found that swallowing 1 tablespoon of yellow mustard eases my heartburn after an occasional small slice of pizza. Others may want to try this.

A: You are not the only one to find that plain yellow mustard can help ease indigestion. Another reader noted, “After years of reliance on omeprazole for serious heartburn, I’ve been able to cut my medication by half with the help of mustard. Amazing.”

There don’t appear to have been studies of this remedy. Readers have used different doses. In comparison to your tablespoon, someone else lowered the dose by one-third: “I take 1 teaspoon of prepared mustard for heartburn. It works for me instantly every time. Luckily, I don’t mind the taste of mustard! This remedy is safe and found in most households.”

One other use for mustard as a home remedy is to stop nocturnal leg cramps. Hundreds of readers have sent testimonials about their success with this approach.

In their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them in care of King Features, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803, or email them via their website: www.PeoplesPharmacy.com.