DEAR DR. GOTT: I used the search function at your website but couldn't find the answer, so I am hoping that you can help me. A while ago, someone wrote about an herb that changes the body chemistry so that mosquitoes stop biting. What is the name of that herb?

DEAR READER: I am sorry to hear that the search results failed to help you. Just to double-check, I looked for the article and didn't find it. This means that the article has not been entered into my archived database yet because of its age. Putting several years of past columns onto the site is a time-consuming project. However, this does not mean I don't know the answer.

I believe the product you are looking for is not an herb but rather yeast — brewer's yeast, to be exact. In the original article to which you are likely referring, a gentleman wrote in about his success using brewer's yeast to ward off mosquito bites. He went on to say that his child was in veterinary school and was told by a friend that it worked in repelling biting fleas in both pets and humans.

The recommendation was to take one 7.5-grain (about 486 milligrams) tablet daily. Brewer's yeast is also a good source of several B vitamins, so there is no harm in taking it year-round. Speak to your physician prior to starting the regimen, especially if you are on medication (prescription or over-the-counter), herbals or have a medical condition that may prevent you from safely consuming the product.

Other readers have had success consuming garlic or garlic pills (not the odorless type) daily. If you don't want to ingest something but want to be outside, try putting a plate of lemon-scented dish detergent in the area where you will be. The mosquitoes should be more attracted to the detergent than to you. If these recommendations don't work, there is always the standby of topical bug sprays, which should be reapplied often whenever you are outside.

To provide related information, I am sending you copies of my Health Reports "Dr. Gott's Compelling Home Remedies" and "More Compelling Remedies." Other readers who would like copies should send a self-addressed stamped No. 10 envelope and a $2 check or money order for each report to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title(s) or print an order form off my Web site at www.AskDrGottMD.com.

DEAR DR. GOTT: I am a seven-year survivor of ovarian cancer. I now have pain in one of my hips. I recently read an article about a lady who was a cancer survivor who developed bone cancer 10 years later. How do they test for bone cancer?

DEAR READER: Before jumping to the conclusion of bone cancer, you should consider the more common occurrence of arthritis of the hip, a condition that leads to pain in one or both hips as the cartilage begins to wear down.

If you underwent radiation, this could have sped up the deterioration of the connective tissues. The pain could also simply be age related, but because you did not provide any history, such as age, health status, medications, etc., I can't determine whether this is likely.

I urge you to speak to your physician, who can order an X-ray that will show whether there are any abnormalities within the hip or bone suggesting arthritis, cancer or other causes, such as osteoporosis. If anything is abnormal, further testing will be necessary to determine the cause.

Dr. Peter Gott is a retired physician and the author of the book "Dr. Gott's No Flour, No Sugar Diet," available at most chain and independent bookstores, and the recently published "Dr. Gott's No Flour, No Sugar Cookbook."