Dear Pharmacist, What can be done to relieve the discomfort of tinnitus? The crackling, buzzing, and popping in my friend’s ear drives her to distraction. She’s tried several commercially available products from the health food store, all without relief so far. What do you suggest? --L.J., Orlando, Florida

Dear Pharmacist, I met you at a book signing, and didn’t want to hold up the line to elaborate on my health concerns. You said I should not be taking “unopposed estrogen” and I don’t know what that means. If you recall, I’m post-menopausal, I had a hysterectomy, and my doctor prescribes estradiol tablets. --L.Y., Baltimore, Maryland

Dear Pharmacist, I see on the news that taking vitamins can be dangerous for my health. Since I read your column weekly, I know that you like vitamins, and that they help reduce side effects in some cases. Does this study change your position? --T.C., Gainesville, Florida

Dear Pharmacist, Every fall, I worry about catching cough and cold. My Jewish grandmother used to come over and cook soup with bones in it. She insisted it would keep us healthy and made us suck the marrow out of the bones. Truthfully, we never got sick. What do you think of this idea? I don’t want to torture my own kids but she may have on to something. --B.E., Hartford, Connecticut

Dear Pharmacist, I have 4 kids all in school between kindergarten and 8th grade. We are at the doctor’s office all year long. Do you have advice to help parents like me (and other students) who catch whatever is floating around? --L.Y., Long Island, New York

Dear Pharmacist, I have high blood pressure but I’m not willing to start medication yet. It’s only borderline high and I don’t have insurance. If you had to pick only one vitamin, what would you suggest? --M.G., Ocala, Florida

Dear Pharmacist, I was in a car accident. I’ve been taking medicine for my muscle aches and pain, but once the drug wears off, my pain returns. What are the best prescription muscle relaxers, and are there natural alternatives? --K.B., Los Angeles

Dear Pharmacist, I’m concerned about diabetes, I’m overweight, and it runs in my family. My sister has your diabetes book and said you recommend Holy Basil, among other herbs and nutrients. Is that the same as regular basil and would you tell me more? --.A.L., Rockwall, Texas

Dear Pharmacist, What are the best treatments for hemorrhoids, both the internal sort and the external? I ask because my wife and I suffer with these. Lucky us. --S. D., Gainesville, Florida

Dear Pharmacist, I just dealt with the ramifications of the earthquake in Virginia and now a hurricane is barreling towards us. What tips can you offer? --T.R., Richmond, Virginia