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Three co-workers — Brian Sargent, Susan Simpson and Lindsey Goodier — and I have decided to be guinea pigs for four herbal sprays The Oklahoman received Monday.

As anyone who has read this blog knows, we receive a lot of unsolicited, random stuff — usually books, but not always. So far, the sinus cleanser was the strangest, but the herbal sprays and herbal cholesterol pills were close.

To test the effectiveness of these products, we decided to split them up. Susan took “Crave Control.” I took “Energy Shots.” Lindsey took “Immune Boost” and Brian took “Sleep Now.”

NutraMist advertises the sprays as a way to cure “pill fatigue.” Seems like a fair enough reason. But do they work?

Before I get to that, a little information about my selection: I have taken vitamin B12 supplements before, so I know they can make a person perk up. It helps maintain healthy nerve and red blood cells.  The body stores B12, mainly in the liver. Vegetarians are at risk of developing vitamin B12 deficiency because it is present in meats. Deficiencies are possible but are usually associated with too little meat/fortified food intake or poor absorption. 

The recommended daily allowance is 2.4 micrograms a day for adults. The vitamin is considered to be generally nontoxic, even at high levels.

For more information on B12 and deficiencies, check here.

So, two hours after spraying the grape-flavored mist six times in my mouth, I am more awake and energetic than before. I suppose I should be  — the spray is 25,000 times the daily value. The formula also contains ginseng and green tea.

If a person is inclined to use supplements, which I’m generally not, these are pretty handy.

Jeff Raymond, Medical Writer

2:23 p.m.

Feeling a bit of a crash from the vitamins. Sprayed another six. This should last me through the rest of the evening. Tallyho!

Jeff Raymond, Medical Writer