People’s Pharmacy: A Cold-Sock Trick for Nighttime Cough

Q. I recently read your article about putting Vicks VapoRub on the feet at night to calm a cough. You described a plausible explanation for why it works.

I saw a social media post describing the cold-sock remedy for coughs. You dampen cotton socks in cold water. Wring them out well and, after you put them on, layer on dry wool socks over the top. Then you can sleep without a cough waking you up. How would that work?

A. Thanks for sharing a fascinating remedy that we had not heard about previously. We suspect it works through a similar pathway as Vicks VapoRub.

The explanation you read in our previous article involved transient receptor potential (TRP) channels on nerve cells. Such nerves are found in the skin, including the soles of the feet.

The TRP channels are activated by certain stimuli. TRPM8 is especially relevant because it responds to both cold and menthol, a key ingredient in Vicks VapoRub (Respiratory Research).

Researchers have not studied the short-term cough that keeps you awake when you have a cold. But they have linked TRP channels, including TRPM8, to chronic cough (Pulmonary Pharmacology & Therapeutics).

Consequently, we suspect that activating TRPM8, whether with cold socks or with menthol, can calm down the reflex causing the cough. We'd love to see a study that addresses that hypothesis.

You can learn more about a variety of home remedies in our eGuide to Colds, Coughs & the Flu. This online resource is located under the Health eGuides tab at www.PeoplesPharmacy.com.

Q. Not long ago, I noticed that my urine had an odor. As the days went on, it became stronger. After a few weeks, it became almost intolerable, and my body odor began to smell too.

I became concerned and tried to think of the cause. It was not diet-driven, as I had not changed my diet. I also reviewed my list of prescription medications. None had changed.

Then I decided to review my supplements. I realized that shortly before the odor began, I had started taking 400 milligrams of magnesium glycinate, so I eliminated that supplement. Within a few days, I noticed a significant reduction of the odor in my urine. About a week later, the odor had completely disappeared.

I'd like to keep taking magnesium glycinate for the benefits. However, I don't want this side effect. Do you have any ideas why it would cause an odor? Are there other side effects?

I do not know if this is brand-specific or general, and I do not know if the dose is relevant. The recommended daily allowance for men my age is 420 mg.

A. This is a very unusual side effect that has not been reported for magnesium glycinate. Your experiment is quite convincing, though. Consequently, we suspect that it may be brand-specific.

With regard to the dose, the RDA of 420 mg. applies to all sources of magnesium, including food. For supplements, the tolerable upper intake of elemental magnesium is 350 mg. per day. Too much magnesium from supplements could lead to diarrhea, nausea or stomachache. It could also put a strain on the kidneys for people with compromised kidney function.

Please check in with your physician to evaluate magnesium status or other factors that may have contributed to your disturbing odor problem.

Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers in their column. Write to them in care of King Features, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803, or email them via their website: www.PeoplesPharmacy.com. Their newest book is “Top Screwups Doctors Make and How to Avoid Them.”