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Q. I am prone to depression and irritability. When I heard about St. John's wort (SJW) some years ago, I started taking it in capsules. I've tried to stop it a few times, but I notice a definite uptick in anxiety and impatience. So, I value this supplement, but I use less than the full dose.
Reading that it might affect the eyes made me nervous. I have begun to notice dry eye symptoms in the morning. I didn't think they were related to SJW, but now I worry that they might be. Do you have any advice?
A. St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) has been used for centuries to treat wounds and burns (Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Dec. 6, 2026). In addition, it appears to be more effective than a placebo and comparable to SSRI medications in treating depression.
Key components called hypericin and hyperforin are activated by light. Researchers have found that hypericin can damage cells in the lens and in the retina in the presence of light (Free Radical Biology & Medicine, July 2013; Photochemistry and Photobiology, May-June 2007).
We are disappointed that there has been so little research on this problem. You should certainly see an ophthalmologist who could monitor your vision.
Q. When I learned about the side effects of strong acid-suppressing drugs, I knew I didn't want to take them anymore. I researched nutritional means of controlling heartburn.
I was surprised to learn that eating almonds is highly effective against indigestion. As a bonus, these nuts are a health food with no undesirable side effects.
As soon as I stopped taking omeprazole, I had horrible rebound acidity. I ate seven almonds and, within a couple of minutes, the discomfort was eliminated.
I no longer take a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). Instead, when I get heartburn, I just eat almonds. It works every time. Are there any other natural approaches for this problem?
A. We have heard from others that almonds can be helpful for heartburn. In our book, "Recipes & Remedies From The People's Pharmacy," we describe several other nutritional approaches. They include persimmon punch, mustard and vinegar salad dressing, broccoli and garlic stir-fry, ginger pickles, ginger tea and a low-carb diet.
To learn more about these recipes, you can visit the book section of the store at www.PeoplesPharmacy.com. This book also contains instructions for managing blood pressure, high cholesterol, blood glucose and arthritic joint pain with food.
Q. I play golf here in South Carolina, and there are fire ants throughout our golf course. That's why I always carry a small spray bottle of apple cider vinegar in my golf bag to treat any bites. This works great for taking the sting out!
A. Other readers agree with you that this remedy can be helpful. C.M. reported, "Organic apple cider vinegar works for me. I live in Florida, and I usually apply it once with a cotton ball. It takes away the itch."
Another person used a more exotic treatment: "Fire ants covered my feet and lower legs within seconds after I stepped into a nest. I was wearing Crocs with holes and no socks. I developed welts within minutes, but I remembered I had a pack of clay from a visit to the Dead Sea in Israel many years ago.
"I quickly mixed the clay into a paste with water and slathered it on my legs. The burning stopped right away! Bentonite clay might have a similar effect."
In their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them in care of King Features, 300 W. 57th Street, 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."