The thoroughly modern medicine cabinet

Can you tell the difference between cold and flu?
Seven great healing foods for colds and flu

Conjunctivitis
A doctor says: it depends on what's caused this eye condition. If it's infective - caused by bacteria, viruses or chlamydia - then fucidic acid drops should soothe it. If it's allergic - caused by a reaction to an allergen - an antihistamine tablet will reduce any swelling. If it's caused by an irritant such as chlorine then the only way to treat it is to wash the eyes out with warm salt water. This treatment can be used to soothe any immediate infection, but if it continues for more than a few days you should see your doctor.
A homeopath says: the appropriately named eyebright herb can be made into a tincture and applied to the eye, or it can be used to bathe the eye. Pulsatilla should be applied if the infection comes with a yellow stickiness, while euphrasia eases stinging.

Sight for sore eyes

Bruising
A doctor says: ice cubes in a plastic bag or a bag of frozen peas should be placed over the bruise to help take away the swelling and minimise the damage to blood vessels. If bruising is particularly bad a painkiller should be taken.
A homeopath says: cream containing arnica montana (also known as mountain tobacco, leopard's bane or wolf's bane) should be applied to the bruise, but never on an open wound. Arnica, taken as a tablet before an operation, helps to minimise internal bruising and the affect of emotional shock.

Arnica, say goodbye to bruises?