Pharmacy Industry News: Home remedies for stings, warts and arthritis
People’s Pharmacy: home remedies for stings, warts and arthritis
Q: Last week, a red wasp stung my finger. It had gotten in one of the drawers in my bathroom and nailed me when I reached for my hairbrush. Within minutes, my whole finger was twice its size, and I could not do anything for the excruciating pain as my entire hand started to swell.
In desperation, I went online looking for something to help and found your website. I cut an onion and started rubbing the cut end on the sting. Within seven minutes the pain began to ease, and within 30 the pain was almost gone. The swelling had subsided by almost half, and I was able to get ready for work.
I taped the onion on my finger, and within a couple of hours all of the swelling was gone.
A: We have been writing about raw onion for stings for more than 20 years. Eric Block, an expert on onion chemistry, told us that onions contain an enzyme that can break down the inflammatory compounds that cause pain and swelling in response to a sting.
Although this therapy can help many, those who are allergic to insect stings must be alert for a life-threatening reaction called anaphylactic shock. This requires an epinephrine injection and emergency medical attention.
Q: I had a wart on my right ring finger for years. Although the dermatologist had frozen it and cut it off several times, the wart still was there.
I needed nerve surgery on that finger, but the wart was in the way. My hand surgeon told me to put nail polish or instant glue directly on the wart and keep it on for three weeks. That would cut off the air supply a wart needs to survive and grow.
When I returned for my pre-op visit, the wart had died and popped out when hard pressure was applied, and the nerve surgery proceeded.
A: You are not the first person to tell us that instant glue can be successful against warts. We’re glad this remedy worked for you.
Q: I’ve been eating gin-soaked raisins for more than a year, and it helps me tremendously with my joint pain.
I put the raisins in a casserole dish, and, after pouring in the gin, I cover the dish with a dish towel. This allows more of the alcohol to evaporate. I let it sit for nine days, stirring every day or so. Then I place the raisins in a jar with a lid and eat nine daily.
They taste delicious — no alcohol taste whatsoever! If you taste the alcohol, you may not be allowing enough of the gin to evaporate.
A: We appreciate your detailed description for preparing gin-soaked raisins. Many people have reported success with this remedy. But it’s not for everyone. Here is a cautionary tale:
“I am an alcoholic. Up until a few weeks ago, I had several years of sobriety. I also have arthritis in my hands and thought about using your raisin and gin recipe. I mistakenly thought the gin would be transformed by the raisins and would be safe for me to use.
“I’m now back in the nightmarish hell of drinking again. Please warn people that if they have a problem with alcohol, they should avoid this medicine.”
Navarro brings business online
Navarro Discount Pharmacy, a Hispanic-owned pharmacy chain and an MBF Healthcare portfolio company, has added e-commerce capabilities to its existing website. The retailer also plans to add in the fall an interactive social media retail forum, video, content on family and health-related topics, and reviews.
“The e-commerce capability allows us to better serve our loyal customers already familiar with the Navarro brand and its discount pricing, and, in addition, [allows us to] reach out to the growing Hispanic population in the [United States], Central/South America, the Caribbean and internationally,” stated Juan Ortiz, CFO of Navarro Discount Pharmacy, which operates 28 stores.
Compare Prescription Drug Prices on the NJ Registry
The State Division of Consumer Affairs reminds consumers of an important online resource, the prescription drug price registry.
According to state officials, prescription drug prices can vary as much as $60 per unit from one New Jersey pharmacy to the next, depending on the specific drug and other factors.
The registry is maintained by the Division of Consumer Affairs. It lets consumers compare the prices offered at different pharmacies for the 150 most frequently prescribed drugs. The website allows consumers to input the prescribed medication and dosage type, and their town name or ZIP code, for a list of the prices offered by specific pharmacies in their area.
“New Jersey’s Prescription Drug Price Registry is an easy-to-use resource in English and Spanish, that can put hundreds of dollars back into consumers’ pockets,” Thomas R. Calcagni, Acting Director of the State Division of Consumer Affairs. “Medication is expensive, but the Division of Consumer Affairs is doing what it can to help consumers take care of their health and their bank accounts.”
Consumers buying prescription medications – especially if they are buying from more than one pharmacy – should always communicate with the pharmacist about their medical condition and the full list of drugs they are taking. Failure to communicate with the pharmacist may result in purchasing drugs that are not compatible with each other or with the patient’s health.
The Division of Consumer Affairs updates the Prescription Drug Price Registry each week, from claims that licensed New Jersey pharmacies submit to the State Department of Human Services, Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services regarding their “usual and customary” prices.
Actual prices charged may vary from those listed on the registry website. While using the registry to make informed shopping decisions, consumers should call or visit their pharmacy to learn the current price before buying.