Health & comfort

Kitchen-table comforts for coughs, throats and everyday complaints.

11 prepared entries

A familiar warm drink, with limits worth knowing.

Evidence: Limited evidenceHealth & comfortProfessional review pending

A simple gargle mentioned in NHS self-care advice.

Evidence: Included in clinical self-care guidanceHealth & comfortProfessional review pending

The NHS lists ginger tea or ginger biscuits among things to try.

Evidence: Included in clinical self-care guidanceHealth & comfortProfessional review pending

A comforting ritual; the milk itself probably isn’t enough to cause sleep.

Evidence: Limited evidenceHealth & comfortProfessional review pending

A persistent tale with no evidence behind it.

Evidence: No supporting evidenceHealth & comfortProfessional review pending

First-aid advice is cool running water, not butter.

Evidence: Contradicted by first-aid guidanceAvoid this useHealth & comfortProfessional review pending

The NHS and British Burn Association urge people not to do this.

Evidence: NHS public safety warning againstAvoid this useHealth & comfortProfessional review pending

Sodium bicarbonate is an antacid, but ask a pharmacist rather than guessing a dose.

Evidence: Used as an antacid medicine; dosing needs professional adviceImportant limitationHealth & comfortProfessional review pending

Evidence supports prevention in some groups, not treatment.

Evidence: Systematic review: may help prevent recurrence in some groupsHealth & comfortProfessional review pending

Licensed peppermint oil capsules ease cramps and bloating, particularly with IBS.

Evidence: Licensed medicine for IBS symptomsImportant limitationHealth & comfortProfessional review pending

The NHS advises cooling the skin and an unperfumed moisturiser.

Evidence: Included in clinical self-care guidanceHealth & comfortProfessional review pending