Dear Dr. Robertson,

Could you please clarify the use ofaloe vera, cerassee and garlic in children, specifying recommended ages?

Dear Reader,

Aloe vera should not be given to children under 12 years old. The recommended dose for adults in The Physician Desk Reference Herbals (PDR) is as follows; soft gel 1000mg; capsules 250 mg to 470mg. This is why our elders use the forefinger as a measure to administer the aloe gel in juice to use as a remedy.

Cerassee (Bitter Melon) - This could be administered in extract or tincture form, dispensing five to 10 drops on the tongue followed by juice or water to children from seven to 12 years old. This is available from practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine.

Garlic (Allium sativum) - Garlic oil resulting from steam distillation is available on the market. The recommended form by our elders is one medium clove of garlic macerated into four ounces of honey (allow to stand for six to eight hours). Children six to nine years old can take slowly (sip), one teaspoon two times daily for incessant cough, and two teaspoonful for children 12 years and older.

The PDR average daily dose is 4gm of fresh garlic or one (peg garlic clove). There are several strengths of garlic on the market for varying conditions ranging from 300mg-5000mg daily. It is best to check with a practitioner when using these herbs for various conditions.

- Diane Robertson

What can exercise do for my heart?

Dear Mr. Gardner,

Great presentation on a topic that is so vitally important to all.

- M. Clare

Bad mind,bad mouth

Dear Dr. Abel,

I absolutely loved this article. The saddest part is that in spite of articles like this, the behaviour will continue. Black is so often associated with negativity that people don't even give a second thought to remarks like 'that's why you black so'. I'm dark-skinned and I hate to hear, 'you are pretty for a dark girl' as if dark girls are rarely pretty.

As for when persons 'diss' Jamaica, it angers me especially when the criticism is not constructive and they don't give credit where due. It is said that hope springs eternal in the human breast and my hope for Jamaica is ever springing. I am not naive, I see the problems, I just believe that they are conquerable with the right tactic. Our politicians should read Sun Tzu's The Art of War and apply it to our issues, it can't hurt.

- Malikah Peart

Send questions and comments to our health specialists at Your Health, c/o The Gleaner, 7 North Street, Kingston; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com. Unless otherwise indicated, letters and the specialists' responses are usually published.