DEAR DR. GOTT: I recently read a response from a reader about castor-oil rubs and grape juice with pectin. I, too, have had three cortisone shots in my hip (no recommendation from my doctor for hip surgery), and so far they offer only temporary relief.

Inasmuch as I did not read your original column about the castor-oil rubs and grape juice with pectin, I am very interested in knowing your instructions for such. I realise there is no guarantee that this treatment will help me, but I would like to give it a try.

DEAR READER: Castor oil is simply rubbed onto the affected joint or joints twice a day.

To 8 ounces of purple grape juice, add 1 to 2 tablespoons liquid pectin. This mixture can be taken up to 3 times a day until pain is decreased and then reduced to 1 glass per day as maintenance.

Because of the high reader interest, I have recently written a health report that contains the most popular and effective home remedies.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report "Dr. Gott's Compelling Home Remedies." Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed No. 10 letter-sized stamped envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

DEAR DR. GOTT: I'm interested in your no-flour, no-sugar diet. I'm 5 feet 5 inches and weigh 140 pounds, which is not a problem for me. I was a very skinny teenager and think the extra pounds look good. My husband, however, needs to lose weight, and to help him, I thought we could try the diet together.

I also have a big problem with hemorrhoids. I've checked on the Internet and can't seem to find any help except for drugs. I've been plagued for 30 years with this problem, since having my three children. It does get better but flares up often and is very painful. Is there any solution other than surgery?

DEAR READER: I cannot answer your questions without more information concerning the hemorrhoids. Are they internal or external? Do they bleed? Are you constipated? Have you tried over-the-counter remedies?

If your haemorrhoids are chronic and very prominent, you may need surgery. In contrast, small haemorrhoids often regress when treated with nonprescription medications, such as Preparation H. Some of my readers have had great success using Vicks VapoRub.

I suggest that you be examined by your primary-care physician or a general surgeon who can advise you concerning treatment.

Regarding your husband, both my diet books will give you in-depth information about appropriate food choices, recipes and helpful tips. Good luck and thank you for writing.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report "A Strategy for Losing Weight: An Introduction to the No Flour, No Sugar Diet."

Doctor 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."