Next time you have an ache or pain, try some traditional cures before rushing to the pharmacy. A home medicine cabinet can be equipped relatively cheaply, and nature’s simple remedies can treat a wide range of ailments.
Medicine cabinets must-haves
The following belong in every well-prepared home pharmacy.
- Hot-water bottle
- Thermometer
- Disposable gloves
- Tweezers, scissors
- Adhesive bandages in several sizes
- Sterile compresses
- Gauze bandages, elastic bandages
- Bandage clips, safety pins
- Triangular bandage
- Eye patch
Emergency numbers
Keep a list of the most important emergency number on speed dial, emergency services (police, fire, and ambulance), family, doctor, nearest hospital with an emergency department and local pharmacy.
Recommended commercial preparations
For ailments that require quick intervention, have the following medications at hand:
- Antihistamines in case of allergic reactions
- Antiseptic for minor injuries
- Pills to control pain and fever
- Medications for constipation and diarrhoea
- Gel for burns and cuts
- Hydrocortisone cream to soothe itchy insect bites
Natural remedies
When it comes to stocking a home medicine chest, supplement your basic equipment with these natural solutions.
- Two essential oils should have a place in every medicine cabinet: tea tree oil (healing of wounds) and eucalyptus oil (respiratory passages). Use 3-5 drops of each for wraps, as additives to bathwater or for inhaling. Essential oils are available in pharmacies or health-food stores.
- The most important tincture for a medicine cabinet comes from calendula flowers and chamomile. Chamomile soothes ailments such as stomach aches and colds. For internal application, use 10 drops three times a day in water or juice, while for external treatment of things such as skin injuries, dilute the tincture in a 1:4 ratio and use with compresses or add to bathwater (example: chamomile for insomnia or stress).
- Tinctures can be pricey but it’s easy to make your own supply. You need about 15g of herbs per 100ml surgical spirit and dark, sealable glass bottles for storage. If kept cool, they will last for about a year.
- Prepare curative teas from 1 teaspoon of dried flowers and leaves of various herbs and 1 cup (250ml) hot water.
Herbal teas
- Chamomile: Stomach and digestive ailments.
- Lime flowers: Feverish cold and illness, stomach and intestinal cramps, nervousness, headaches (particularly migraines), infections.
- Lemon balm: Sleep disturbance, queasy stomach and intestinal problems, nervousness.
- Peppermint: Nausea, vomiting, inflammation of the stomach lining, intestinal wind.
- Dandelion: Blood cleanser, liver tonic, constipation, digestion fluid retention
Proper storage
Store your essential home medicines in a dry, dark, cool places in a lockable cabinet – preferably out of the reach of small children. Check the contents regularly to ensure that the expiry dates of medicines have not passed and that there’s enough on hand should you need them.
Aside from storing medicines in your home, ensure that you’re having a regular checkup with your doctor. Consider one of Australia’s top medical services today.