Here is a list of useful medicines and dressings with a description of their uses. All are quite cheap and worth stocking at home in readiness for minor illnesses. Keep them in a box or cupboard with a lock - or store them well out of the reach of children.

Soluble Paracetamol Tablets

For adults and older children. Good for headaches, colds, sore throats and painful bruises.

Ibuprofen Tablets/Syrup

Good general painkiller, and useful for joint/muscle pains. (May cause indigestion and occasionally may aggravate asthma, therefore discontinue use if side effects occur.)

Paracetamol Mixture

For relief of pain or fever in young children.

Sedative Cough Linctus

For dry or painful coughs.

Menthol Crystals

Add to hot water to make steam inhalations for treating catarrh and dry coughs.

Vapour Rub

Again, for steam inhalations. Also useful for children with stuffy noses or dry coughs. Rub on the chest and nose.

DioralytelRehidrat Sachets

For use in cases of vomiting and diarrhoea.

Antiseptic Solution

One teaspoon diluted in warm water for cleaning cuts and grazes.

Calamine Lotion

For dabbing (not rubbing) on insect bites, stings and sunburn.

Dressing Strips

For minor cuts.