By Joe Graedon, M.S., and Teresa Graedon, Ph.D.
King Features Syndicate
Q. I have been treated for breast cancer. The hormone-blocking medication has caused terrible vaginal dryness, making intercourse very painful! Because of the breast cancer, I cannot use any estrogen.
I understand some women have been using olive oil. Can you use it daily to improve the vaginal tissue? Any advice will be greatly appreciated.
A. Women have indeed been using olive oil as a sexual lubricant to overcome vaginal dryness. Unfortunately, researchers have not devoted a lot of attention to this topic. We found one study that looked at a combination of pelvic floor muscle relaxation training, olive oil as a lubricant during intercourse, and a polycarbophil vaginal moisturizer three times a week (Journal of Sexual Medicine, October 2013). This combination was helpful for women who had painful intercourse following breast cancer treatment.
Q. My first aid kit contains mustard to stop muscle spasms and soy sauce in case I burn myself. Both work wonderfully well. I don’t ever purchase antacids. If a bit of heartburn comes up, I take about 5 or 6 almonds. 100% effective. I learned about all of these from your column.
A. Thanks so much for the vote of confidence! We really like the way that swallowing a spoonful of yellow mustard can ease a muscle cramp within minutes. We also appreciate the power of soy sauce for a kitchen burn (after cold tap water, of course).
Anyone who would like to learn more about these and other easy, inexpensive healing options can learn about them in our “eGuide to Favorite Home Remedies.” This online resource may be found under the Health eGuides tab at www.PeoplesPharmacy.com.
Q. I have been diagnosed as pre-diabetic since having COVID-19. It turns out that COVID-19-induced insulin resistance is actually a thing that scientists are studying. You can find reports about it online, and I believe I have it.
When discussing it with my doctor, he didn’t disagree. Also, my weight has crept up in tandem with my morning blood sugar rising despite maintaining a low-carb diet. Maybe the SARS-CoV-2 virus inhibits the beta cells in the pancreas from working efficiently.
My doctor wanted me to start taking metformin, but I recently began using berberine as an alternative. My morning sugars have dropped about 10 to 15 points to just above or just below 100. I am again beginning to lose weight now that I’ve got the sugar down. With more weight lost, hopefully my blood sugar will get back into a normal range soon. Have you seen any information on berberine?
A. You are correct that some people experience abnormal blood sugar metabolism following a COVID-19 infection (Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, July 7, 2026).
Berberine, a compound derived from plants such as barberry, Oregon grape holly and goldenseal, has a reputation for blood sugar control. A systematic review and meta-analysis found that berberine treatment can improve triglycerides, fasting blood sugar and waist circumference (Frontiers in Pharmacology, July 16, 2025). The authors suggest, “It may serve as a beneficial supplement.”
Some visitors to our website have reported digestive distress (nausea, stomachache, diarrhea and cramping) after taking berberine.
In their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them in care of King Features, 300 W. 57th Street, 41st Floor, New York, NY 10019, or email them via their website: www.PeoplesPharmacy.com. Their newest book is “Top Screwups Doctors Make and How to Avoid Them.”
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