By Curtis Alexander, Pharm.D.
America’s Natural Pharmacist
Summary: Aloe vera shampoo has risen in popularity because it is perceived as a very natural product and is also capitalizing on aloe’s long and safe reputation. Most aloe vera shampoos appear to safe and relatively inexpensive and might be worth a try. A lot of reviews report satisfaction as [...]
Archive for January, 2010
Aloe Vera Shampoo
January 28th, 2010Benefits of Garlic
January 27th, 2010By Curtis Alexander, Pharm.D.
Summary: The benefits of garlic include antibiotic and possible antiviral activity, no resistance shown from bacteria like traditional prescription antibiotics and some antioxidant activity. Using garlic as a way to lower cholesterol appears to be more controversial.
Dear Curtis: People always point out the health benefits of garlic. But, in your opinion, is [...]
Green Tea Tablets for Weight Loss?
January 27th, 2010By Curtis Alexander, Pharm.D.
America’s Natural Pharmacist
Summary: Green tea tablets appear to be a safe alternative to drinking brewed green tea for weight loss and contain all the beneficial compounds found in the brewed tea. I wouldn’t recommend taking the green tea extract tablets every day – instead alternate every other day. You may want to [...]
Codeine Allergy
January 26th, 2010By Curtis Alexander, Pharm.D.
Summary: A true codeine allergy is actually rare. Most patients have what could be called a intolerance to codeine – meaning they get an upset stomach. If you have a true allergy to codeine than your chance for having allergy to other pain killers rises. The actual rate at which your risk [...]
Opiate Withdrawal
January 14th, 2010By Curtis Alexander, Pharm.D.
America’s Natural Pharmacist
Summary: Opiate withdrawal is a very real possibility when you have been taking opiates long term, especially one year or longer. While, the drug itself may no longer be in your system the receptors in your body will still be responding to the changes that the drug caused in them.
Dear [...]
Peripheral Neuropathy Treatment
January 13th, 2010By Curtis Alexander, Pharm.D.
America’s Natural Pharmacist
Summary: Amitriptyline can be used as a peripheral neuropathy treatment and has about a 50% success rate. Amitriptyline is actually an old antidepressant. It’s very seldom used for that purpose anymore. But it is used frequently for ‘off-label’ uses. This is partially due to it’s side effect of causing drowsiness [...]
Caffeine Side Effects
January 12th, 2010By Curtis Alexander, Pharm.D.
America’s Natural Pharmacist
Summary: The evidence surrounding caffeine side effects can be confusing. In my opinion, many studies as well as case studies and anecdotal evidence show moderate caffeine consumption is OK, maybe even beneficial. You should focus more on where your getting your caffeine.
Dear Curtis: I drink a cup or two of [...]
Darvocet N100 Isn’t Working
January 11th, 2010By Curtis Alexander, Pharm.D.
America’s Natural Pharmacist
Summary: Darvocet N100 is generally one of the less popular drugs for pain relief. It is historically ineffective as well as having concerns over dangerous metabolites that may lead to heart problems or severe confusion. However, some doctors debate this evidence and are comfortable with it’s use.
Dear Curtis: My doctor [...]
Wheatgrass Benefits Varicose Veins?
January 8th, 2010By Curtis Alexander, Pharm.D.
America’s Natural Pharmacist
Summary: Claimed Wheatgrass benefits range from improving digestion, helping diabetes to detoxification. The evidence for the benefits of Wheatgrass in treating varicose veins is weak and is based on a link with chlorophyll.
Dear Curtis: I’ve had varicose veins for a while and they are starting to get worse. I’ve heard [...]
Antarctic Krill Oil
January 7th, 2010By Curtis Alexander, Pharm.D.
America’s Natural Pharmacist
Summary: Antarctic Krill Oil has shown many possible benefits including helping women with painful menstruation and controlling cholesterol levels. There may be some questions on if the current studies are biased. If the popularity of Krill Oil takes off it could have a huge impact on not only the Krill [...]
