Dear Friend,

The recent Health Dispatch on natural alternatives to Ritalin has generated a large response from readers. Thank you all for your feedback on this important health issue. In this Dispatch I wanted to offer a clarification on dosages for the alternatives to Ritalin I recommended; and then I'll take this opportunity to respond to some reader emails as well.

More Information on Alternatives to Ritalin

In the Dispatch about Ritalin and previous issues of Alternatives, I've suggested that attention deficit disorder (ADD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can be treated by eating low-fat, high-fiber, and high-protein foods, and by eliminating sugar and other refined carbohydrates from the child's diet.

Most of the time with ADD and ADHD, I believe directly treating weakened adrenals will also take care of ninety to ninety-five percent of the cases. Supplementing the child's diet with Drenamin is one way to strengthen the adrenals.
The children's dose is normally about 1/2 the adult dosage: three or four half tablets spread out throughout the day for kids 6 to 12 years old. In more severe cases, use three or four full tablets throughout the day. Regardless of the dosage, the best result is achieved when the tablets are chewed without other water or food.

In some children, however, a thyroid imbalance may also be contributing to ADD and/or ADHD. If that's the case, the child can be given the thyroid glandular supplement Thytrophin and a liquid iodine supplement. A good dosage of Thytrophin for children between the ages of 6 and 12 is 1/2 to 1 tablet a day. Liquid iodine for kids should probably be a maximum of one drop every other day for someone 6 to say about 12. Kids' doses would be different depending on size too, and not just age.

Q: Remedies for Rosacea

Currently, I am experiencing a skin condition that has been diagnosed by a dermatologist as being rosacea. To date, I have been experiencing some broken blood vessels and many small bumps, or pimple-like outbreaks on my forehead, nose and cheeks. I would appreciate any suggestions on how to treat rosacea.
   IHR
   Bloomington, Indiana

A: Rosacea (also called acne rosacea) is a skin condition in which the capillaries on the surface of the face dilate, causing blood to flush the area. As the condition progresses, it may be accompanied by a rash of acne-like bumps.

While there's no cure for rosacea, here are some commonly used remedies. Avoid food or substances containing irritants that may cause your face to become flush (such as alcohol, spicy foods, hot beverages, etc.). Supplement your diet with a multivitamin containing antioxidants, B complex vitamins, vitamin E, and minerals such as zinc that contribute to the health of your skin.

Also, make sure you get adequate amounts of essential fatty acids (EFAs), which help promote skin health. Good sources of omega-3 EFAs include salmon or other cold-water fish, fish oil capsules, or freshly ground flax seed.

To learn more about the flax seed I use and recommend or my multivitamin formula, click here.

Lastly, an Alternatives "Health Hints" provider recommends taking niacinamide and using neosporin to help treat rosacea. If you have a Health Hint for rosacea (or any health concern), please visit the Message Boards at my website and go to the Your Health Hints folder after signing in here.

Q: Another Onion Cough Remedy

The onion cough syrup recipe from the Dispatch on the health benefits of onions is interesting but seems to be counterproductive. I have read from various sources that cooked honey is toxic. Could you comment on this?
   Marie via e-mail

A: Although Ayurvedic and Chinese medical traditions do warn against heating honey, I'm not opposed to it. In fact, cooking with honey can be a healthy alternative to using white sugar. Just don't overdo it. To learn more about substituting honey click here.

However, if you are concerned with using honey in the homemade onion cough remedy, you might want to try this honey-free recipe contributed by another reader:

"Chop up a large yellow onion. Put chopped onion (along with skins) into a pot with two cups of water or chicken stock. Cook for five to seven minutes and then remove the skins. Scoop out and puree onion pieces in a blender and return to liquid. Add some sea salt and pepper. Bye-bye cold." VH via e-mail

Until next time,

Dr. David Williams