Page 191 - (DK) Home Doctor: Providing practical advice on home treatments

A–Z OF DRUG AND NATURAL REMEDIES 189

Method of use Extracts available as pills Side effects May cause allergic skin
or capsules. Take as directed. May be several reactions in some people; if affected, stop using.
months before you notice an improvement. Precautions Keep away from eyes, mouth,
Side effects Can cause stomach upsets. and sensitive skin.
Precautions Discuss with a doctor first if
you have symptoms of prostate enlargement. Vitamin B 6 (pyridoxine)
Supplements of vitamin B , or boosting the diet
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St. John’s wort with foods rich in the vitamin, may help prevent
Preparations made from St. John’s wort (Hypericum PMS, and also cyclical breast pain and/or lumpiness.
perforatum) are used as a remedy for mild depression. Method of use Available as capsules.
Some studies suggest they are as effective for mild May need to be taken for 2–3 months to benefit.
depression as some prescription medicines but have Foods containing B include poultry, fish, eggs, soy,
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fewer side effects. oats, whole-grain products, bananas, and nuts.
Method of use Usually available as pills Side effects Usually none.
or capsules. It is advisable to consult a doctor first Precautions Don’t take more than
before treating yourself. 150mg per day of vitamin B ; high doses may
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Side effects Headaches, anxiety, and skin cause nerve damage.
sensitivity to sunlight.
Zinc lozenges
Precautions Consult a doctor or pharmacist
before use if you are taking any daily medication May shorten the duration of a cold if taken when
since St. John’s wort can interact with many drugs. symptoms first develop.
Don’t use with antidepressants or birth control pills. Method of use Take the lozenges
See also GENERAL CAUTIONS, p.176. at the start of a cold. Stop when it has gone.
Side effects May cause nausea and
Sunscreens and sunblocks
produce a bad taste in mouth.
Products designed to protect skin from harmful
Precautions None.
ultraviolet (UV) rays in sunlight. Total sunblocks
(containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) prevent Zinc oxide cream
all UV light from reaching your skin. Sunscreens
Commonly used to treat diaper rash. Forms a
are graded by sun protection factor (SPF); the higher
moisture-repellent barrier that protects the baby’s
the SPF, the greater the protection given.
skin from contact with urine.
Method of use A sunscreen with an SPF
Method of use Apply to clean, dry skin
of at least 15 that protects against both UVA and
at each diaper change.
UVB rays is recommended.
Side effects Usually none.
Side effects Some preparations may
irritate the skin. Precautions None.
Precautions Don’t use sunscreens or
sunblocks on a baby under 6 months old.
Tea tree oil
Oil from the tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)
traditionally used as an antiseptic. Tea tree products
may be used to treat mild skin irritations, acne, and
infections, such as cold sores.
Method of use Available as liquid that is
applied to the skin.