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Q. Your article on glucosamine increasing the chance of dementia progressing caught my attention. But it also made me feel smug. I stopped taking glucosamine with chondroitin when I discovered that taking dark cherry juice daily works better for my joint pain. It was an article here on People's Pharmacy that inspired me to try it.
Now I have no more knee pain and much better flexibility. It has also helped the arthritis in my fingers.
A. How wonderful that you have found a natural way to alleviate your joint pain. A double-blind randomized trial conducted more than a decade ago found that tart cherry juice offered more relief from knee pain than placebo, although the effect was modest (Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, August 2013). A review of 29 studies concluded that "consumption of sweet or tart cherries can promote health by preventing or decreasing oxidative stress and inflammation" (Nutrients, March 17, 2018).
Most of the research on cherry juice for joint pain has been focused on gout. This painful condition is associated with elevated levels of uric acid in the blood.
Tart cherry juice lowers these and may also have anti-inflammatory activity (Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition, June 2026).
Q. I am looking for ways to control my cholesterol, specifically the LDL, naturally without statins. I am interested in milk thistle and would like to know what an appropriate dosage is.
A. Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) has traditionally been used to treat liver or gallbladder problems.
There has been some recent research on its ability to reduce cardiometabolic risk factors such as cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and insulin resistance (Phytotherapy Research, December 2025).
A review of multiple studies suggested that the active compound of milk thistle, silymarin, can lower fasting glucose, insulin resistance, triglycerides, total cholesterol and LDL (Antioxidants, March 24, 2024). The doses used among the 33 studies included in the analysis varied widely, from 140 milligrams to 2,100 milligrams per day.
When we wrote "The People's Pharmacy Guide to Home and Herbal Remedies" almost 30 years ago, we reported that the usual dose of milk thistle was 420 milligrams/day, based on European practice. We also warned not to take it as tea; the active compound is not water soluble.
You will find details on other natural approaches to reducing LDL in our "eGuide to Cholesterol Control and Heart Health." This online resource is located under the Health eGuides tab at www.PeoplesPharmacy.com.
Q. I have a very hard time falling asleep at night and have been searching for a natural remedy. On a friend's recommendation, I purchased Calms Forte and have used it before bed the past two weeks. It seems to make a significant difference. Is this homeopathic remedy safe?
A. Homeopathic remedies generally contain very low concentrations of natural products. This Hyland's product contains oats, chamomile, hops and passionflower along with several minerals in phosphate salt form: calcium, iron, potassium and sodium. The herbs have a reputation for helping people with sleep. This product contains lactose as an inactive ingredient, which might cause digestive symptoms for a person who is very lactose sensitive.
We don't see any other red flags, but you should ask your pharmacist to review your record. Make sure it will not interact with any of your other medications.
In their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them in care of King Features, 300 W. 57th St., 41st Floor, New York, NY 10019, or email them via their website: www.PeoplesPharmacy.com. Their newest book is "Top Screwups Doctors Make and How to Avoid Them."