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Q. When I was young, our podiatrist put cotton ball pieces soaked in castor oil on both of my plantar warts (one on each foot). I was to change them every day.
Because they weren't full cotton balls, they weren't that uncomfortable. And yes, the warts disappeared.
I have used that same treatment over the years, and it still works. You have to be diligent and consistent, but it truly does make them disappear.
A. Plantar warts (on the soles of the feet) can be painful and challenging to eradicate. There is a long tradition of applying castor oil (Ricinus communis) directly on warts to make them disappear, but this remedy can take time.
As far as we can tell, there have been no scientific studies of castor oil against skin growths. Nevertheless, readers of this column insist that it can be helpful.
Our best guess is that castor oil stimulates an immunological reaction. It also has some antiviral activity, and warts are caused by a virus.
Q. I have serious pain from arthritis, but I hate the idea of taking ibuprofen or aspirin on a daily basis. I know that too much of these NSAIDs is dangerous because of stomach bleeds.
What is a person supposed to do if they can't tolerate curcumin? It leaves me nauseated. Do you have any suggestions?
A. Intestinal bleeding is not the only adverse reaction linked to NSAIDs such as celecoxib, diclofenac, ibuprofen or naproxen. Any of these medicines and many others can cause digestive distress, including ulcers. But they can also lead to fluid retention, high blood pressure, kidney trouble, liver damage and heart attacks or strokes.
Some people find that food remedies such as tart cherries ease the pain. Others are enthusiastic about eating nine raisins soaked in gin every day.
Certo (plant pectin) and grape juice are popular with other arthritis sufferers.
You will find all of these, along with other home remedies and a number of supplements such as Boswellia or bromelain, in our "eGuide to Alternatives for Arthritis." This online resource is located under the Health eGuides tab at www.PeoplesPharmacy.com.
Q. My cholesterol used to be too high. I've been using red yeast rice, citrus bergamot, berberine and milk thistle as supplements for several years.
It took a while, but my test results are now in the "normal" range.
My doctor was very happy with my lipid panel and my other numbers at my last check-up.
A. We too are pleased but not surprised to hear that you've had such good results with these natural medicines. Red yeast rice contains lovastatin, the same compound in Mevacor, not because manufacturers add it but because red yeast (Monascus purpureus) makes it.
Berberine is found in Oregon grape holly, goldenseal and barberry. A randomized placebo-controlled trial of berberine demonstrated its ability to lower total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides (JACC Asia, July 11, 2026).
In addition, this natural plant compound was found to lower lipoprotein(a) in women. Lp(a) is notoriously hard to control with standard lipid-lowering medications. There is also evidence to support the benefits of berberine and bergamot for lipid metabolism (Nutrients, Aug. 12, 2026).
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."