Tails’ Blography

I’ve been thinking of doing various posts on products available in South Africa that I personally favour. I think, given that I’m currently at home with a cold today, that I will start with various medicines I swear by.

Firstly, I grew up being a bronchial ashmatic. This meant that the average cold could, and often did, progress into something worse, like bronchitus or pneumonia. Coupled with that, was my asthma. Having a cough meant the asthma became worse, and often left me using a nebuliser every few hours, just to provide the ability to breath properly.

In my adult years, I am now fortunate enough to not suffer too much from asthma, and it now also is a way for me to tell, fairly easily, when I’m going to get sick. If I find I wake up with a tight chest/asthma attack, I know something’s amiss. I will use my enhaler, but if its not just a regular attack but rather the onset of an illness, my body is affected differently by the enhaler, often resulting in the shakes. My hands become unsteady and my heart rate increases (sounds healthy, eh :P). I also will require another dose within an hour or two. This is how I tell I’m getting ill. Its my super power! Just call me “Asthma Girl” haha!

Ok, so when I was ill, I was treated only with homeopathic medicine, and I acredit that to my lessened asthma and stronger immune system today. I continue to use homeopathic medicine to this day, and most surely will treat my kids with the same.

First up, Weleda’s Cold & Flu Remedy drops. (the image says “For Flu” but the new bottle says “Cold & Flu Remedy”).

This tastes a little nasty at first, but it is a taste one can get used to quickly. Its able to be taken neat, or with a little water (the latter being the more favoured). Basically, you take 15 drops at the first sign of the cold/flu. Then repeat two hourly with 8-10 drops. I find with a few days of this, I’m feeling a lot better. Weleda also make a great cough remedy, and post nasal treatment!

Price range: R100-R150 for 50ml

Next up, HerbaForce Tonzolyt.

This medicine tastes great! Its in tablet form, and melts under the tongue into a sugary powder. I know it says “For Tonsillitis” but it works for a sore throat too. I find that if by the evening I have a sore throat, two of these dissolved in my mouth before bed allows me to wake up with no sore throat the next day! This one I find works (for me) within a few hours. Seriously. After the initial two, its one every two-four hours.

Price range: R50-R100 for 100 tabs.

Next up, the tried and trusted Med-Lemon.

Not that this really needs introducing, but empty sachet into a mug, top up with boiled water, stir, and drink as hot as possible. Or make your own with one/two disprins, hot water, a squirt or few of lemon juice, and a teaspoon or two of honey. Guaranteed to make you feel better shortly, and best drunk at night before bed. Its also available in different flavours, but the original still remains my preferred choice.

Price range: R15-R30 for a box of 8 sachets.

Lastly, I recommend Natura’s Hay-F if you’re a sufferer of hay fever or just have a sniffly nose.

This (for me) works within half an hour, and works like a charm! Not much more can be said, except that last time I bought it, it was fairly pricey, but most certainly is worth it. I’m a huge allergy sufferer, from pollen to pet fur (except rats!), to dust…you name it. This works. Like. A. Charm!

Price range: R50-R100

Of course, with all medication, be sure to read the labels and precautions before using. And if you’re already on something, rather ask your doctor before adding anything to your medicine schedule. Most homeopathic medicines wont interfere with antibiotics, but its better to be safe than sorry.

Also, the prices are a rough estimate between what I remember them being the last time I bought them (usually one of any of these bottles last me around a year, if not longer!) and the prices I could find on the internet. Obviously prices may differ, hopefully to the better!