No need to splurge when you get sick – these cheap rubs and remedies could work just as well
If you’re the kind of poorly panic-buyer that ends up throwing every cough medicine on the pharmacy shelf into your basket, then listen up. When times are hard and finances tight, a few simple swaps could help save those crucial pounds. These alternative remedies cost pennies – in fact, many of them may be in your store cupboards at home already.
FOR A COLD
✣ SWAP COLD AND FLU HOT DRINK SACHETS FOR ANY HOT DRINK
SAVE AROUND £5
Don’t panic if you’ve got no ‘special’ sachets left. ‘Cold and flu sachets generally contain paracetamol, often at a lower dose than is recommended, and a decongestant, which is designed to unblock the nose,’ says pharmacist and nutritional therapist Deborah Grayson from Practice with Confidence*. But taking some paracetamol and having a hot herbal tea or even squash would provide just as much relief, ‘as there is no evidence that decongestants do anything to speed up recovery,’ explains Deborah.
FOR A SORE THROAT
✣ SWAP THROAT SPRAY FOR ASPIRIN AND WATER
SAVE AROUND £6
‘Instead of expensive sore throat sprays, which numb the throat for a very short time, try simply gargling with two soluble aspirin tablets dissolved in 150ml water and then swallowing the solution,’ says Deborah. ‘This will help with aches and pains and the sore throat at the same time.’ Check with a medical professional if aspirin is suitable for you.
‘Alternatively, gargle some salt water (1tsp salt in 150ml warm water).’
FOR A BLOCKED NOSE
✣ SWAP NASAL DECONGESTANTS FOR STEAM INHALATION
SAVE AROUND £4
‘Decongestants can make you feel a little better for an hour or two, but can also make your nasal symptoms worse as you continue to dose up with them,’ says Deborah. A cheaper and better alternative is to try steam inhalation, which will thin mucus so it can drain more easily.
FOR DRY SKIN
✣ SWAP SPECIALIST WASHES FOR COCONUT OIL
SAVE AROUND £5
‘Coconut oil won’t foam up when you use it, but this is a good thing, as the process of making foam is what strips the moisture from your skin,’ says Deborah. Warm a little oil in your hands, spread on to the skin, allow it to absorb and then wash or wipe off with a warm wet cloth. ‘Like many specialist products, coconut oil will make the surface of your bath or shower slippery, so use a non-slip mat,’ adds Deborah.
Make your own
