With the head leaned back, the anesthetic dribbles down to numb a cluster of nerves called the sphenopalatine ganglion. Lidocaine is inexpensive to produce, and, unlike narcotics traditionally used to treat severe pain, is not habit forming. The drops are not commercially available anywhere at the moment and a larger patient study is required before they are submitted to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for approval. For those who love butter or margarine, but hate what they do to cholesterol levels, a Finnish product may be the answer. Benecol, a margarine made from pine tree oil, actually has cholesterol-busting properties.
Pine oil contains sitostanol, which inhibits the absorption of cholesterol into the bloodstream.
Benecol is available only in Finland, but the manufacturer, Raisio, is looking for a partner to market it to the rest of the dieting world. All Rights Reserved. Terms under which this service is provided to you. Read our privacy guidelines .