PEOPLE’S PHARMACY

Q:How effective is Tamiflu against the H1N1 influenza bug? Are there any risks to taking this drug preventively?

I am thinking of asking my doctor for a prescription since I will soon have to take a couple of airplane trips.

Answer: It is highly unlikely that your doctor would be willing to write a prescription for Tamiflu for a healthy person. That's because public-health authorities are discouraging widespread use except for people at high risk of complications. That said, Tamiflu remains quite effective for preventing as well as treating the type of flu circulating this year.

Q:I was adjusting my sprinkler timer and did not realize my arm was bumping against a wasp nest. That's how I got stung on the elbow by four or five wasps.

I rushed into the house and emptied one of those little soy packs you get with takeout Chinese food. It wasn't very much, but it reduced the pain by about 90 percent.

Answer: Thank you for sharing your innovation. We have suggested several other home remedies for wasp stings, ranging from a cut onion to meat tenderizer or baking soda. But we had not imagined using soy sauce on a sting.

Soy sauce is quite helpful in reducing the pain and redness from a burn. A really serious burn requires prompt medical attention, of course, and so would an allergic reaction to an insect sting.

Q:I have read in your column that Pycnogenol may be helpful for hot flashes. Now a major warehouse club is selling it as a powerful antioxidant that is supposed to have beneficial effects on cardiovascular health, osteoarthritis, skin care, asthma and allergy relief and diabetes. Has any of this been proven? Are there any health risks associated with its use?

Answer: To our surprise, there are studies suggesting that Pycnogenol, extracted from French maritime pine bark, is better than placebo in making blood vessels more flexible (Hypertension Research, September 2007), improving blood-sugar control and reducing cardiovascular risk factors (Nutrition Research, May 2008) and reducing knee pain from osteoarthritis (Phytotherapy Research, August 2008). Any uses it may have for skin care or asthma and allergy relief still seem fairly speculative. Side effects are uncommon.

In their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. You can e-mail them via their Web site: http://www.PeoplesPharmacy.com.