Homely Remedies

Many minor illnesses and minor injuries will get better on their own and can be managed safely at home. It is advisable to keep a supply of common treatments in your medicine cabinet for these situations. These are all available over the counter at a pharmacy (often at less than the cost of a prescription), or from a supermarket shelf. We recommend that you keep a supply of the following:

Children:

Paracetamol mixture and/or ibuprofen syrup for fever or pain.

Antihistamine mixture (e.g. Piriton) for itchy skin conditions

General:

Plasters

Antiseptic solution or cream

White soft paraffin (e.g. Vaseline) for dry skin

Hydrocortisone cream for mild eczema and insect stings

Paracetamol tablets 500mg – 2 four hourly for fever or pain

Aspirin soluble tablets 300mg 0 2 four hourly for fever or pain OR 2 dissolved in water as a gargle for sore throats (caution in children, asthmatics, indigestion sufferers)

Ibuprofen 400mg – 1 after meals up to three times a day for aches and pains, sprains, bad backs etc (caution in asthmatics and those with indigestion or history of peptic ulcer)

NB: Paracetamol may be combined with aspirin OR ibuprofen if a stronger painkiller is required.

Decongestant nose drops (eg xylometazoline) for blocked nose associated with a cold (do not use continuously for more than 1 week)

Antacid tablets or liquid for indigestion or heartburn

Antihistamine tablets for itchy rashes or insect stings (may be sedating)