A well-stocked bathroom cupboard can help you and your family navigate the cold and flu season.
We spoke to Dr Clare Ballingall from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners and naturopath Karina Francois to discover what medicine essentials every family home needs to have on hand this winter season.
1. Pain tablets
Keep common pain relievers, such paracetamol and ibuprofen, on hand for simple aches and pains that can be a symptom of flu-like illnesses.
“We no longer recommend taking paracetamol for flu-related fevers but it’s helpful if you have muscle aches and headaches,” Dr Ballingall says.
2. Throat gargle
Gargling with over-the-counter preparations or even warm salty water can help soothe a sore throat and break down secretions.
“A saltwater rinse not only takes the sting out of a sore throat but also helps kill bacteria and clear the germs out,” Karina tells us.
3. Chest rub
When applied to the chest and throat area, an aromatic balm can help you breathe easier, relieve aches and pains and provide relief from coughing and congestion.
“Make your own chest rub using coconut oil with eucalyptus and tea-tree oil,” Karina suggests. “It’s cheaper than store-bought varieties and can be just as effective.”
4. Barrier cream
Shield your largest organ – your skin – from wintry conditions with a nourishing barrier cream.
“A greasy, paraffin-based moisturiser can be helpful to keep your skin intact. Dry skin is more likely to become infected and can trigger tinea, psoriasis and eczema,” Dr Ballingall warns.
“You could also try coconut or almond oil,” Karina adds.
5. Nasal spray
A non-medicated saltwater spray can help unblock your nose and provide temporary relief from nasal congestion due to sinusitis, hayfever and colds and flu.
“If you’re prone to sinus infections, particularly if you have asthma or chronic airway disease, clearing your nasal passages with a spray can help you breathe easier,” Dr Ballingall says.
