Joe Graedon - Best Choices from the Peoples Pharmacy: What You Need to Know Before Your Next Visit to the Doctor or Drugstore

The Peoples Pharmacy-2 (Avon, 1980)

Joe Graedons The New Peoples Pharmacy: Drug Breakthroughs of the 80s (Bantam, 1985)

The Peoples Pharmacy, Totally New and Revised (St. Martins Press, 1985)

50+: The Graedons Peoples Pharmacy for Older Adults (Bantam, 1988)

Graedons Best Medicine: From Herbal Remedies to High-Tech Rx Breakthroughs (Bantam, 1991)

The Aspirin Handbook: A Users Guide to the Breakthrough Drug of the 90s(Bantam, 1993) with Tom Ferguson, MD

The Peoples Guide to Deadly Drug Interactions: How to Protect Yourself from Life-Threatening Drug/ Drug, Drug/Food, Drug/ Vitamin Combinations (St. Martins Press, 1995)

The Peoples Pharmacy, Completely New and Revised (St. Martins Press, 1996, 1998)

Dangerous Drug Interactions: How to Protect Yourself from Harmful Drug/Drug, Drug/Food, Drug/ Vitamin Combinations (St. Martins Press, 1999)

The Peoples Pharmacy Guide to Home and Herbal Remedies (St. Martins Press, 1999)

The Peoples Pharmacy: A Guide to Prescription Drugs, Home Remedies, and Over-the-Counter Medications (St. Martins Press, 1976)

No Deadly Drug (Pocket Books, 1992) a novel by Joe Graedon and Tom Ferguson, MD

Notice

This book is intended as a reference volume only, not as a medical manual. The information given here is designed to help you make informed decisions about your health. It is not intended as a substitute for any treatment that may have been prescribed by your doctor. If you suspect that you have a medical problem, we urge you to seek competent medical help.

Mention of specific companies, organizations, or authorities in this book does not imply endorsement by the publisher, nor does mention of specific companies, organizations, or authorities imply that they endorse this book. Internet addresses and telephone numbers given in this book were accurate at the time it went to press.

2006 by Graedon Enterprises, Inc.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any other information storage and retrieval system, without the written permission of the publisher.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Graedon, Joe.

Best choices from the peoples pharmacy : what you need to know before your next visit to the doctor or drugstore / Joe Graedon and Teresa Graedon.

p. cm.

Includes index.

ISBN-13 9781594864070 hardcover

eISBN-9781605295992

ISBN-10 1594864071 hardcover

1. PharmacologyPopular works. 2. DrugsPopular works. 3. Dietary supplementsPopular works.4. Consumer educationPopular works. I. Graedon, Teresa, date II. Title.

RM301.15.G69 2006

615.1dc22 2006028994

We insprie and enable people to improve their lives and the world around them

For more of our products visit rodalestore.com or call 800-848-4735

TO THE MEMORY OF:

TOM FERGUSON, MD

A dear friend, colleague, and coauthor. He shared our goal of providing people with the tools they need to make informed health decisions. Tom had an unshakeable belief in asking people what health information they wanted to know instead of assuming that he knew what they needed. He had a vision of a new paradigm of health care where patients and professionals would collaborate as equals.

His curiosity was limitless and he generated ideas effortlessly. He was never condescending, always caring and compassionate. Tom had a brilliant mind and a gentle soul. We miss his passion, creativity, enthusiasm, and childlike delight in life.

T his book is not a substitute for the medical advice or care of a physician or other health-care professional. The reader must consult a physician in matters relating to his or her health, especially with regard to any signs or symptoms that may require diagnosis or medical attention. Any health problems that do not get better promptly or that get worse should be evaluated by an appropriate clinician and treated properly.

Home remedies are rarely tested in a scientific manner. They should never be used in lieu of suitable medical care. Information about adverse reactions or interactions with herbs, over-the-counter drugs, dietary supplements, or prescription medications is often lacking. The reader should not assume that the herbs, dietary supplements, home remedies, or drugs that are discussed in this book are safe. Every treatment has the potential to cause some side effects for some people.

The summary descriptions of adverse reactions, contraindications, and interactions that are provided with herbs, drugs, dietary supplements, and home remedies are abbreviated and do not represent the entire spectrum of potential problems that could occur. The reader should not assume that because a side effect or interaction is not mentioned in this book, the combination is therefore safe.

If you suspect that you or someone you care for is experiencing an adverse reaction from an herb, drug, dietary supplement, or home remedy, please consult a knowledgeable health professional immediately.

S usan Berg, a patient editor who has helped introduce us to the powerful world of Rodale Books

Andy Eisan, a skilled library researcher who offered invaluable support during the deadline crunch

Alena Graedon, an amazing and creative daughter who helped us organize the sad statin letters for this book

Dave Graedon, a wonderful, kind son who offers steadfast support and comes through no matter what the challenge or the deadline pressure

Kit Gruelle, a loving friend who never fails to cheer us on with chocolate and hugs

Heather Jackson, a magnificent editor and innovator who came up with the idea for this book

Karen Moseley, a sparkling, supportive and superb assistant who has seen us through an interesting series of challenges and keeps us organized

Imogene Poplin, an optimistic assistant with a can-do attitude who has helped handle all our mail efficiently for more years than any of us can believe

Ralph Scallion, MD, a friend and colleague with a brilliant mind and a wonderful sense of humor who tries hard to keep us on the straight and narrow, even if we do like mood rings

Charlotte Sheedy, simply the best literary agent on the planet. We are forever grateful that Tom Ferguson brought us together and that we have worked on so many wonderful projects.

Lyn Siegel, an organized, caring, and creative producer, director, and office manager who successfully handles all the challenges we throw at her

Sybil Sternberg, a joyful and caring helper who has lit up our lives with her smile and her hugs