Sometimes it’s the routine problems that seem to bother us the most – here are some quick fixes
PHOTOS (POSED BY MODELS): GETTY. IF YOU HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT YOUR HEALTH, SEE YOUR GP
Suffering with minor health problems that don’t warrant a trip to the GP? There are plenty of ways to treat day-to-day ailments without leaving your home. Whether you have a scratchy throat or a banging head, our expert tips will help you to feel better – faster.
SORE THROAT
AT HOME A hot drink works a treat – try mixing grated ginger or honey and lemon with hot water, says cold expert, professor emeritus Ron Eccles.
OVER THE COUNTER Gargle water with aspirin. Use Covonia Throat Spray (£6.99, Lloyds Pharmacy) or suck on Grether’s Sugar Free Blackcurrant Pastilles (£4.49 for 100g pouch, allcures.com).
ALTERNATIVE SOLUTION Gargle antibacterial sage tea – pour boiling water into a cup and add 2tsp fresh/1tsp dried sage and steep for 10 mins. Stir in 1tsp cider vinegar and honey before gargling.
SMART TIP Sip a glass of red wine. We’re not kidding – Italian scientists found that the acids in red wine are effective against the bacteria that can cause tonsillitis, laryngitis and bronchitis.
MOUTH ULCERS
AT HOME At the first sign of soreness, squeeze half a clove of garlic and apply a drop of its juice to your ulcer. This works well before bed.
OVER THE COUNTER Gengigel First Aid Forte Oral Gel (£9.25, Boots), soothes and offers a protective barrier to help healing.
ALTERNATIVE SOLUTION Rinse out your mouth with cooled chamomile tea and dab neat tea tree oil on to the ulcer.
SMART TIP Drink iced water before a meal to numb the pain and make eating more comfortable.
COLDS
AT HOME Try a powerful vindaloo or madras curry if you feel the sniffles coming on, says professor Eccles. ‘The spices make your eyes and nose run, creating extra mucus to trap the virus and clear the airways at the same time.’
OVER THE COUNTER Take Vicks First Defence (£7.85, Boots). It changes the pH (acidity) in the nose, making it a hostile environment for cold viruses.
ALTERNATIVE SOLUTION A.Vogel Echinaforce Echinacea Tablets (£5.49, avogel.co.uk) is a traditional herbal remedy to help to fight symptoms.
SMART TIP Wash your hands regularly – it’s the most effective way to stop the spread of viruses.
COLD SORE
AT HOME Apply ice at the first sign of tingling to reduce inflammation.
