Other articles by Andrew Weil:

Ask Dr. Weil : Growing method doesn't determine nutrition value Ask Dr. Weil : Monitor toxins that body burden tests measure Ask Dr. Weil : Nasal-spray flu vaccine is safe for kids over 2 Supersweet, natural stevia appears to be safe Olive oil adulteration is a tough problem to solve Registered dietitians and certified nutritionists No reason to buy supplemental bovine colostrum No clear evidence on cell phone's long-term risks Soy eaten in whole, unrefined forms is preferable Chemical used for sterilizing almonds a concern

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Q Is silicone cookware safe?

A Silicone is a synthetic rubber that contains bonded silicon — a natural element, abundant in sand and rock — and oxygen.

Although I still prefer stainless cookware, silicone kitchen products seem to be everywhere these days. You can now get cheery, brightly colored cake pans, muffin tins, colanders, potholders, baking mats, ice cube trays, pastry brushes, spoons, cake pans and even roasting pans made out of silicone. Sales of these products have mushroomed into the millions.

The advantages of silicone include heat resistance, flexibility, the fact that it can go directly from the oven or microwave into the refrigerator or freezer, and that it is generally easy to clean. Silicone containers are also environmentally friendly: The snap-on lids can eliminate the need for plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

Silicone appears to be safe. It is an inert material — nothing used in its manufacture will leach into foods. So far, no safety problems have been reported, but if you're concerned, stick to silicone kitchen tools (such as spatulas) and avoid bakeware.

You might be interested in an assessment by New York Times food writer Marian Burros about the usefulness of silicone cookware. After testing a variety of products, Burros reported that the baking pans are not as nonstick as you might think: She found that you do have to grease them if you want your cakes and muffins to slide out unscathed. She had the most trouble with loaf pans, cake tins, brownie pans and Bundt pans. But she gave a rave review to potholders that double as trivets, mitt-type potholders, and a spatter screen that she found actually did prevent grease from speckling the stove top. Some of the products tested by the Times proved impractical, among them silicone garlic peelers, lemon squeezers and measuring cups.

When you buy silicone products, make sure that you get good-quality ones that don't contain any filler. Burros recommended pinching and twisting a flat surface to see if white shows through — if so, filler has been used, and the product may not be uniformly heat-resistant and may impart an odor to food.

Since silicone cookware is relatively new, we don't know much about how long it will last. But since it is comparable to other types of cookware, replacement should not be too much of a hardship.

Q I have burning mouth syndrome. Is there anything you can recommend? No one seems to know much about this disorder.

A Burning mouth syndrome is characterized by intense burning pain in the mouth, often affecting the tongue and lips. Patients say it feels as if they've scalded their mouths by drinking something too hot.

No one knows the cause, but the syndrome has been associated with menopause, oral thrush, dry mouth (xerostomia), nutritional deficiencies and psychological problems including anxiety and depression (burning mouth may cause emotional upset or result from it).

It most commonly occurs among postmenopausal women, perhaps because of the effects of hormonal changes on the composition of saliva.

Burning mouth can be a side effect of such medications as tricyclic antidepressants, lithium, diuretics and drugs to treat high blood pressure.

It can also result from the autoimmune disorder Sjögren's syndrome and from the aging process. Oral thrush is a yeast infection that can be associated with depressed immunity, denture use, diabetes and some medications.

Deficiencies of iron, zinc and B vitamins have been linked to burning mouth syndrome, as have such physical problems as nerve damage, allergies, gastroesophageal reflux, teeth grinding, hypothyroidism and irritation of oral tissues from overuse of mouthwash. Drinking too many acidic drinks or brushing the tongue too often or too hard can also cause it.

If any of the disorders linked to burning mouth syndrome turn out to be the cause, dealing with the underlying problem is the best treatment. I also recommend trying DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice), available as chewable tablets, wafers, capsules, tea and powder. Follow the dosing instructions on the product.

Another natural remedy that helps heal irritated oral tissues is slippery elm (Ulmus rubra) in the form of lozenges, which you can take as needed to soothe pain. You will find them in most drugstores.