Natural alternatives to mass meds.(Goodnews: essential natural health news)(Illustration)

 
Each month, Amber D. Ackerson, ND, informs you about complementary 
and alternative choices to mass-produced over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. 
 
  CONDITION           OTC DRUG                   ALTERNATIVE 
 
Menstrual       Advil, Motrin, Nuprin   Throughout the month, take 
cramps          (ibuprofen); Aleve      niacin (vitamin [B.sub.3]): 
(primary dys-   (naproxen); Tylenol     200mg/day; calcium: 1,000 
menorrhea)      (acetaminophen)         mg/day; magnesium: 500 mg/day; 
                                        vitamin C with bioflavonoids: 
                                        1-3 grams/day. When 
                                        experiencing menstrual cramps, 
                                        take niacin: 100 mg every 2-3 
                                        hours; corydalis (rhizome): 
                                        10-20 ml of a 1:2 tincture 
                                        (alcohol extract) or the 
                                        equivalent, daily; cramp bark 
                                        (Viburnum opulus): 4-8 ml 
                                        tincture three times daily. 
 
Migraine        Bayer, Ecotrin,         Magnesium: 500mg/day. Ribo- 
headaches       Bufferin (aspirin);     flavin (vitamin [B.sub.2]): 
                Advil, Motrin, Nuprin   400mg/day. Feverfew leaf 
                (ibuprofen); Aleve      (Tanacetum parthenium): in 
                (naproxen); Tylenol     capsules or tablets providing 
                (acetaminophen);        at least 250 mcg of 
                Excedrin, Excedrin      parthenolide/day. Four to six 
                Migraine                weeks of continued usage of 
                (acetaminophen with     the above alternatives is 
                aspirin and caffeine)   necessary to reduce the 
                                        frequency and severity of 
                                        migraines. The following 
                                        nutrients may also reduce the 
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