YOUR FIRST AID FOR SOME TROUBLES
Laxatives
Taking Boots Cream of Magnesia Liquid by mouth is an effective mild laxative. Use Epsom Salts if you need a stronger laxative. Dissolve one teaspoonful in a glass of water and drink.
Mouthwash
You can use sodium bicarbonate (one teaspoonful in a glass of water) as a mouthwash. It kills smells very effectively.
Painkillers
For painkillers (analgesics), use paracetamol. Paracetamol is a powerful pain-reliever and will be adequate for home medication.
Piles
External piles can be relieved by sitting on, or applying an ice pack. You can also apply a solution of Witch Hazel but it stings mightily. Piles can be a symptom of food intolerance or allergy.
Rashes and Itchy Skin
If you have eczema, or dermatitis, take your doctor’s advice about emollients and moisturizers. The National Eczema Society is an invaluable source of counselling and advice.
For nettle rashes, other fleering rashes, sunburn, insect bite swellings, chicken pox and itchy skin, dab the affected area with Boots Cream of Magnesia Liquid and allow to dry. It is wonderfully soothing.
Urtica Urens, a homeopathic tincture or ointment, can also relieve nettle rash and other rashes. Some allergies tolerate it well, but use with care.
A steam inhalation will soothe sore throats and ease coughs; see Blocked Nose. Leaving a just-boiled kettle to steam gently in a room can ease severe coughing, especially at night.
If you tolerate lemons and a sweetener such as honey or sugar, squeeze fresh lemon juice, dilute with hot water and add honey or sugar to taste.
Unless you are chemically sensitive, a spoonful of Glycerin (from your pharmacy) will soothe coughs. If you are chemically sensitive, do not use it.
Spots and Pimples
Maintain scrupulous cleanliness to keep spots, blackheads and pimples at bay. Wash with a soap that you tolerate and plenty of water. Dab dry with a towel. You can use Rosewater and Witch Hazel as a cleanser, or Witch
Hazel solution on its own as an astringent. Your pharmacist will make these up for you. You can be sensitive to these; sniff both before using to see whether they affect you, and use with care. Witch Hazel may sting a little on use. Do not use it on skin with any deep cuts, where it will sting badly.
Sunburn
Apply Boots Cream of Magnesia Liquid liberally on skin and allow to dry. Very soothing! Apply an ice pack to very hot, angry areas.
Toothache
Apply oil of cloves directly to the tooth. Sniff it first, or take care, as you can be sensitive to the natural oils in cloves.
Wind
Take a few drops of peppermint oil in a glass of water to relieve severe wind. Again the oil can cause sensitivity, so take care to sniff and use prudently.
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