Why Should Medication Cost More Money, or Be Less Effective?
Being ill sucks. Whether it’s a cold, headache, or (hopefully not) something worse, medication can add to your woes when feeling under the weather.
Whether its Neurofen, Beechams or Clarityn, all our go to medicines can be found in most shops and supermarkets. You may even have seen them advertised on the TV, or sponsoring your favourite soap, or weather show… Do people have a favourite weather show?! Anyway, back to the point. Would you willingly pay £4 for one of these products, if you could pay 79p? No, of course you wouldn’t – because that would be crazy!
But what if I told you that you have probably been doing this for years, without even realising it?
Branded Medicines vs Own Brands
There is no doubt that medication has improved over the years, but many of the branded medicines are identical to the 22p medicines you can buy in most shops. Thanks to the advertising departments, you have probably spent years overpaying, when you really don’t need to.
If you look carefully on each medication box, they will have a ‘PL’ code. This is a product license number that uniquely identifies the product within. This code is also the magic number that can save you money when it comes to buying your medication.
Next time you go to grab your Lemsip Max Strength sachets for £3.50, don’t forget to check out the PL code; with a little research you may be able to save a small fortune!
Herbal Medicines
When it comes to herbal medicines, many people think of crazy witch doctors from the 17th Century, or a mixture of leaves, herbs and mumbo jumbo.
However, when you really think of it, it is not as crazy as it sounds. Many modern medicines use the benefits from plants and other natural sources, including certain insects. In fact, certain cultures still practise ancient medicines, compared to their modern-day equivalents.
If you take a step further and do some research, you will find that some natural products have unbelievable health benefits, without any concerning side effects.
Essential Oils
Essential oils such as Tea Tree oils, have massive health benefits. As well as being great for your hair, nails and skin, it also has properties that can kill certain bacteria and viruses.
Manuka Honey
Manuka Honey, derived from the Manuka plant, comes in two forms. Edible manuka honey, and medical grade manuka honey. As you may have guessed, medical grade honey is antibacterial but also soft enough to use directly on the skin, so is great for being used in wounds to help keep them clean and limit infection.
Epsom Salt
Also known as magnesium sulfate, Epsom salt is a great healer for many ailments. Muscle aches, stress, removing toxins from the body – there isn’t much it can’t do! Often used in baths, the tranquil setting helps with letting you relax and unwind, leaving you with a healthier body and mind, as well as softer skin; all at a fraction of the price of a spa treatment!
