What should you keep in your medicine cabinet? Sarah Hall asked a doctor and a homeopath for advice on what to have at home
Colds
A doctor says: for a head cold, take paracetamol to get your temperature down and vitamin C-boosted Lemsip to aid recovery. If you've got a cough, Sudafed Linctus will soothe the coughing reflex and ease congestion in nose and sinuses. But read the label, as pregnant women and people with respiratory problems should consult their doctor before using this medicine. Remember that most cold and cough preparations contain paracetamol, which in large quantities can cause liver damage, so make sure you don't overdo it.
A homeopath says: at the first sign of a cold, start taking the herb echinacea - this will help boost your immune system and speed up your recovery. A few drops of eucalyptus makes a wonderful DIY decongestant. Put it in a small bowl of hot (not boiling) water and inhale, keeping in the steam by placing a towel over your head. You could add a few drops of oil to a bath to ease muscle ache or put a few drops on your pillow at night. Remember that the pure form of the oil should never be applied neat to skin.
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Yeast infection (thrush)
A doctor says: you can choose from a pessary (a method that allows medication to be taken vaginally), a cream or an oral tablet. Canestan Combi contains both a cream and a pessary that is usually inserted into the vagina at night. Diflucan One is a single dose tablet treatment but it takes time to work, so it is not good if you need immediate relief for an itchy or inflamed area.
A homeopath says: live yoghurt is a tried and trusted remedy because it contains the probiotics acidophilus and bifidus. If you don't like eating yoghurt you can apply it to the inflamed area.
How to tell thrush from cystitis
Yeast infection
Flu
A doctor says: flu is not be confused with a bad cold. Influenza is much more nasty, with aching muscles and joints, diarrhoea, headache, cough, indigestion, chills and shivering. The only real rescue from the flu virus is rest and drinking plenty of fluids. For headaches and stiffness, take either paracetamol or aspirin to relieve headaches.
A homeopath says: a syrup containing bryonia dioica or homeopathic wild hops will help relieve congestion and soothe a chesty or dry cough.
Can you tell the difference between cold and flu?
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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.
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?
Cuts and grazes
A doctor says: cuts are always best washed out with a saline solution, which is water diluted with salt. This helps clear out the wound and prevent infection. Once the wound is clean apply a waterproof plaster, replacing it twice a day until the cut has started to heal.
A homeopath says: diluted hypericum perforatum - also known as St John's Wort - will help ease injured nerves, as will calendula oil. Apply either directly to the wound. Alternatively, you could try hypercal, a pre-prepared antiseptic cream containing traces of both oils.
What's the deal with St John's Wort?
Cystitis
A doctor says: ease inflammation and stinging by drinking sachets of either Canestan Oasis, Cymalon or Cystemme dissolved in water. Take three sachets a day to alkalise the urine. Drinking cranberry juice plus plenty of water will help flush out bacteria as well as reduce acidity and so ease the burning sensation associated with urinating. If pain persists see a doctor because you might need a course of antibiotics.
A homeopath says: tablets containing xanthium spinosum will help reduce all the symptoms of cystitis, and keep drinking cranberry juice too.
Coping with cystitis
How to tell thrush from cystitis
Diarrhoea
A doctor says: an upset stomach can mean valuable nutrients as well as salts and sugars are being lost. Replace them by drinking sachets of Dioralyte (made by Rhone-Poulenc Rorer) dissolved in water. Imodium Capsules (from Janssen-Cilag) will also slow bowel activity, as will a kaolin and morphine mixture.
A homeopath says: argentum nitricum - or homeopathic silver nitrate - tablets should be taken. Avoid coffee just before and after, as this will counteract some of the effects.
Could the pain be caused by IBS
Living with IBS
Indigestion
A doctor says: soothe the stomach by taking PepcidTwo, which will reduce the acid and ease any uncomfortable bowel constrictions. Pepto-Bismol is another popular remedy for easing cramps, while Rennie or Gaviscon can help ease an acidic stomach due to overindulgence in rich food or alcohol. In more serious cases, Tagamet and Zantac can be prescribed in the short term.
A homeopath says: take nux vomica tablets before and after mealtimes, and avoid coffee. Peppermint tea is also very good for soothing your stomach.
Insect bites/stings
A doctor says: the body's reaction to the poison in the sting can be eased by taking an antihistamine cream such as Anthisan along with an oral antihistamine such as Clarityn or Piriton, but watch out for drowsiness. If the area continues to sting, apply Anthisan Plus Sting Relief Spray and calamine lotion.
A homeopath says: apis - the highly diluted venom of a bumblebee - can ease the allergic reaction and reduce stinging.
Insomnia
A doctor says: before resorting to over- the- counter remedies, it's best to treat the causes of sleeplessness. A simple change of diet - avoiding stimulants like caffeine or mood depressants like alcohol - along with mild exercise, such as yoga or walking, could ease causes of temporary insomnia triggered by worry or stress. Herbal remedies such as Kalms or Nytol may also help.
A homeopath says: there are several remedies used to deal with insomnia, including valerian root, passionflower and orange blossom. You could also try limeflower brewed as an infusion and drunk as a tea with honey before bedtime. Nocturna made by Nelsons contains a selection of remedies to treat acute insomnia.
Are there any herbal remedies that will help me sleep?
The sleepstakes
Menstrual pain
A doctor says: relieve lower back cramps and general aching by taking a painkiller such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. Applying a hot water bottle to the area will also relax muscles.
Feminax, a specific brand of painkiller that contains caffeine, helps relieve certain forms of headache and can offset tiredness. Syndol contains a combination of painkillers and a muscle relaxant to relieve cramps.
A homeopath says: try lac lionium, homeopathic lion's milk or dong qui tablets to relieve cramps.
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Period drama
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Migraine
A doctor says: at the early signs of a migraine, take aspirin or paracetamol. Those with severe migraines should speak to their pharmacist about taking cyproheptadine hydrochloride (MSD) - this is an antihistamine tablet that may help some sufferers.
A homeopath says: a form of homeopathic coffee, coffea cruda, can help clear migraines. Natrum muriaticum is good if your migraines are accompanied by flashing lights, while bryonia works on light-sensitive headaches, as does belladonna.
How to tell a headache from a migraine
Minor Burns
Homeopaths and doctors are united on this - the best treatment for most burns is on tap. Run cold water, not too cold, over the burn for up to an hour. Never put an oil-based cream on the burn, unless it has got infected, and even then you should see a doctor. Protect the burn with a light dressing of melolin, keeping it in place with micropore surgical tape. In mild cases, try and keep the burn area uncovered.
Mouth ulcers
A doctor says: gargling with warm salt water will relieve any infection, while Anbesol liquid and Bonjela act as a local anaesthetic to help ease any aches. Rinstead gel is also useful.
A homeopath says: myrrh can be used as a mouthwash. Add ten drops tincture to 240ml of water and gargle for a couple of minutes.
Rash
A doctor says: rashes can appear for several reasons. One of the most common causes is an allergy, in which case an antihistamine cream such as Anthisan should be used, along with E45 cream. Severe rashes caused by insect bites can be treated with a steroid-based cream but it should never be applied to an open wound. Calamine lotion is good for rashes caused by heat or as the result of an infection such a chickenpox.
A homeopath says: aloe vera cream will ease the sting of a heat rash. For all other rashes drink chickweed tea.
Aloe Vera soothing inside and out
Spots (not acne)
A doctor says: spots that suddenly appear can be treated with Clearasil Max 10, although most over- the- counter remedies - cosmetic and pharmaceutical - can help ease more uncomfortable hormonal-based spots.
A homeopath says: Calendula cream is a natural antiseptic and works well, as does lemon juice (very diluted), which helps to dry up spots - it's also good squeezed into hot water and drunk first thing in the morning to help clear toxins from the body.
Toothache
A doctor says: ibuprofen or, if you have a severe toothache, codeine, are good painkillers. If the gums are swollen, paracetamol or aspirin will act as anti-inflammatories.
A homeopath says: calc carb is good for sensitive teeth, but switch to calc fluor if it persists.
Tablets containing chamomilla or belladonna help with feverish toothaches associated with infection, and ferrum phosphate is a good for general pain and inflammation.
Where to keep your medicine cabinet
To keep your medicines safe and secure, your cabinet should be out of the reach of children and fitted with a lock. Avoid direct sunlight, extremes of temperature and highly humid conditions, as this all affect the potency of medicine. Putting your cabinet over a radiator or facing a window is not a good idea. With all the above remedies in your cabinet it'll be heavy - so make sure you fix it to a solid wall.
The 'use-by' date matters
Never use any medicines after their expiry date. Two types of wording are commonly used - 'Expiry (Exp) Date' or 'Use-By' date. 'Exp Nov 2001' means do not use the medicine after November 2001. 'Use by Nov 2001' means do not use this medicine after October 31 2001. If you are using homeopathic medicines, try and avoid touching the tablet or solution if you can - use a teaspoon to administer the medicine.
You can get a list of local homeopaths and a free information pack by contacting the British Homoeopathic Association on 0207 566 7800 or by logging onto the website: ww.trusthomeopathy.org.
