Our medicine cabinet favourites: The old-fashioned remedies still going strong

TAKE a peek into any modern household medicine cabinet and you are likely to be greeted by an array of allergy pills, travel sickness remedies, high-factor sun creams and even do-it-yourself testing kits. It's all a far cry from many of the familiar remedies we took as children such as castor oil for constipation and liver salts for indigestion.
But many of these medicine cabinet staples were not only unpalatable - their active ingredients are now deemed downright dangerous. 
Earlier this year, Milk of Magnesia, used for generations to combat indigestion, ulcers and upset tums, fell foul of EU rules for containing too much sulphate. 
Within weeks, hard-to-come-by bottles of the white stuff were selling for up to 10 times their normal price on eBay and the manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline is understood to be changing the recipe.
Some items however have stayed the course and their popularity today is in part due to their longevity. "Historically, it has always been important that products stood out in some way and brands which have a long heritage can be extremely effective in persuading consumers of their efficacy," says medical historian James Stark.
"Essentially, the mere fact they have been trusted for generations makes them a natural part of the home as much as other household products such as washing up liquid." Here, we take a closer look at some popular remedies which have stood the test of time.
gripe water, colic, GRIPE: For more than 150 years, gripe water has been the remedy to settle babies with colic [GETTY]
Ibuprofen
This British invention was developed by Dr Stewart Adams, a pharmacologist at Boots in Nottingham. It was a major breakthrough in the treatment of pain, inflammation and fever. It remains one of the leading treatments today, partly because it has few side effects.
Gripe water
For more than 150 years, gripe water has been the remedy mums use to settle babies troubled by colic, wind and tummy pains. The original Woodward's Gripe Water contained around 3.6 per cent alcohol, equivalent to a weak lager.
In the Nineties the formula was revamped to get rid of the alcohol. Woodward's Gripe Water can still be bought today without the alcohol and costs around Ј2.35 for a 150ml bottle. Yet there remains no scientific evidence to prove that it actually works.
Cod liver oil
Synonymous with the Second World War when it was given to children to supplement their poor diets, cod liver oil is still widely thought to have major health benefits. It is rich in omega-3 fatty acids which some studies suggest can be good for the brain, reduce the risk of heart attacks and stroke and even combat depression.
Thankfully you no longer have to hold your nose to hide the smell as you gulp the oil down as most people these days take it in capsule form.
cod liver oil, brain, COD LIVER OIL: Some studies suggest it is good for the brain due to rich omega-3 fatty acids [GETTY]
Historically, it has always been important that products stood out in some way and brands which have a long heritage can be extremely effective in persuading consumers of their efficacy
James Stark, medical historian
TCP

Used for sore throats, mouth ulcers, cuts and bee stings, TCP is the nation's favourite first aid antiseptic. Trichlorophenylmethyliodosalicyl to give it its full name has been around since 1918.

It has a distinctive antiseptic odour and taste that etched itself on the memory of every child gargled with it or had it dabbed on their skin. The solution which costs Ј3.08 for 100ml can be mixed with an equal quantity of water and applied to cuts and grazes. Dab it undiluted on spots, boils or mouth ulcers. 
Calamine lotion
Long before sun creams became popular, calamine lotion was a must for every home as it was one of the few effective ways of soothing burned skin.
It worked by evaporating shortly after it was applied to the skin, producing a cooling effect that provided temporary distraction from itching and pain.
Today calamine lotion (Ј1.09 for 200ml) is still readily available but the emphasis is on preventing sun damage in the first place rather than trying to soothe it afterwards.
Liver salts 
First developed in Newcastle in the early 20th century, Andrews Liver Salts were once marketed as the secret to "inner cleanliness".
Now sold under the name of Andrews Salts (Ј5.15 for 250g) rather than liver salts, it contains both a laxative and an antacid action to helps relieve the symptoms of stomach upsets, indigestion, and over production of bile. 
vicks, vaprorub, coughs and colds, COUGHS & COLDS: Vicks products were acquired by Procter & Gamble and it is still popular today
Metatone tonic
For over three decades mums have turned to Metatone tonic (Ј5.87 for 300ml) to help restore wellbeing after illness. Containing vitamin B1, calcium and potassium, a spoonful can support immunity for at-risk groups such as the elderly who can take longer to recover from colds and flu.
Buttercup cough syrup
Containing squill liquid extract and capiscum tincture, Buttercup cough syrup (Ј3.08 for 75ml) is a traditional herbal mixture that is still going strong after 30 years. Used to relieve coughs, colds and sore throats, it can be taken by adults and children over the age of 12. 
Vicks VapoRub 
With its distinctive aroma of camphor, menthol and eucalyptus and familiar blue bottle, Vicks VapoRub (Ј2.39 for 50g) evokes for many of us nostalgic memories of being treated for childhood coughs and sniffles.Developed by US pharmacist Lunsford Richardson in the 19th century, it became a household name after the 1918 flu epidemic. In 1985 the entire line of Vicks products were acquired by Procter & Gamble and it is still popular today. Can be used as a home remedy for fungal toenail infections. .express