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Dr Hilary explains why many every-day pills and potions can have a secondary use that you might not have thought of...
ASPIRIN
Benefits:
Millions of people regularly take aspirin, which recent studies have suggested could help prevent heart attacks, bowel cancer, cataracts, arthritis and strokes in addition to its pain-killing properties. It's also got blood thinning properties and is recommended for those prone to blood clots before they take flights.
Breast Cancer research based on 21 studies over 27 years and involving 37,000 women showed new hope for the prevention and even treatment of the disease. More than 100 women a day are diagnosed with breast cancer in Britain.
Negatives:
It can cause internal bleeding and stomach ulcers if taken in large amounts.
ANTI-HYSTAMINE
Benefits:
People have them in their cupboard for allergies and things like hayfever because they bring down swelling. But because of that anti-inflammatory quality, they're good for catarrh and nasal congestion.
They also contain a mild non-addictive sedative, but because of that, they're great for helping children with ear and nose infections as they help get them to sleep.
DIORALYTE
Benefits: Sachets given to kids who've suffered from sickness and diarrhoea and gastric bugs. They're a quick way to get essential salts and minerals back into their bodies.
In the same way they're an excellent hangover cure for adults, who dehydrate themselves through alcohol, or could be taken if you've been exercising on a hot day, rather than just having a drink of water.
Also great if you've suffered from heat stroke! Other brands include Rehydrate.
HYDROCORTISONE CREAMS
Benefits: Creams like E-45 and and Canisten are designed respectively to treat Eczema and Thrush, but because of the active ingredient in all of them, they're brilliant if you get sunburnt and have no After-Sun creams.
They're even better than After-Sun because rather than just soothe they treat the burnt skin as well.
Negatives:
Cannot be used if there's any infection with the burn!
IBUPROFEN
Benefits: Very strong pain killers that contain IBUPROFEN are usually targeted at severe migraines. However, they're brilliant for period pain and cramps and any sort of muscular pain. If taken after a run they can stop all the aches the next day.
Negatives:
Like aspirin over-use of painkillers can lead to internal bleeding
