The People's Pharmacy

Q: I've read about a pill to combat "stage fright" symptoms in public speaking or similar situations. It is called propol-something and is taken before the event. Do you know what it is and if it works?

A: You are probably referring to a medication called propranolol (Inderal). This beta blocker is prescribed for problems from high blood pressure and irregular heart rhythms to angina and migraine prevention.

Propranolol and other beta blockers are used by many musicians to control stage fright, but the Food and Drug Administration has never approved these drugs for this purpose. There is little research on effectiveness and appropriate doses for performance anxiety.

The drugs work by blocking the action of adrenaline, the "fight or flight" hormone. But these prescription medicines may trigger asthma attacks in susceptible individuals and should only be used under careful medical supervision.

Q: Do sunless tanning products protect the skin from ultraviolet light? Are these products safe?

A: Sunless tanning products have evolved to produce a natural-looking tan. They are safe for the skin but provide no protection from the sun. You will need an effective sunscreen to keep from burning.

Q: What is the latest research on the benefits of blueberries?

A: Blueberries have more antioxidant activity than most other fruits and vegetables. Animal studies have shown that these compounds appear to improve learning and memory in aging lab animals. Muscle strength and coordination also benefit. No one knows, though, whether blueberries will turn out to be as helpful for humans.

Q: You recently mentioned black cohosh for treating hot flashes in menopausal women but left out some important warnings. Black cohosh can be associated with liver toxicity and therefore should not be used for more than six months. Any symptoms of liver failure should be reported to a physician immediately.

You should also warn women with a history of breast cancer to avoid using black cohosh.

A: Thank you for pointing out that there have been several cases of liver toxicity reported with black cohosh. Scientists have not yet determined whether black cohosh poses a cancer risk. A study in the International Journal of Oncology (November 2003) suggests that this herb does not have estrogenic activity. Theoretically, this should make it safer than hormone-replacement therapy, but it may interact with chemotherapy agents.

Q: I have another use for Vicks VapoRub. It keeps ants away from my hummingbird feeder.

I put Vicks on the wire hanger of the feeder and those ants turn back at least 8 to 10 inches from it. Of course, this isn't a medicinal use for Vicks, but some of your readers might have hummingbird feeders.

A: Camphor, eucalyptus and menthol, which provide the distinctive smell of Vicks VapoRub, are probably responsible for repulsing the ants. Thanks for sharing your discovery.

Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them c/o King Features Syndicate, 888 Seventh Ave., New York, NY 10019, or e-mail them at pharmacy@mindspring.com or via their Web site: www.peoplespharmacy.org