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Boots Paracetamol & Codeine Caplets
by xxfoxyredxx
I suffer with terrible headaches/migraines and back pain and so I like to always have some sort of paracetamol type of product in my bathroom cupboard just in case.
I bought a large box of these which contains 32 of the caplets in it and cost me £2.49 which I didn't think was too bad a price as I was out at the time and really ... suffering with back pain and needed something to try help it immediately.
The Packaging:
The box is silver in colour and on the front of it we are clearly told what they are and who they are by and that we can only take these for 3 consecutive days and that they are Dual Action and Easy To Swallow and the amount of caplets in the box is stated then on the back of the box other information listed includes being told what they can be used for, dosage advice is given along with lots of warnings, the ingredients are listed and contact details for Boots are given then inside the box you get white plastic trays backed with silver foil on them and there is a leaflet in the box iving yet more information on the caplets.
The Caplets:
White in colour and long in shape, these are easy to take and these are suitable to take for for the short term treatment of acute moderate pains such as headaches, period pain, neuralgia, toothache and rheumatic pains. Children can take these from the age of 6 years old and clear dosage advice is given for this and for adults (like me!) you can take one or two of these every 4 hours with no more to be taken in a 24 hour period than 8 caplets and you really shouldn't use these for more than 3 days as they are addictive and if you can't get rid of a pain in 3 days yourself you should see a Doctor!
Each caplet contains Codeine Phosphate Hemihydrate 8mg and Paracetamol in a dose of 500mg so strong in medication these are and since buying them I have taken these for several issues I have suffered with. I take these for bad migraines, period pains and back aches and I have to say that I have found these pretty useful. They are quick and effective at combating headaches and migraines and although I don't find them to completely eradicate back pain they do easily and very quickly get rid of period pains and cramps and the suchlike but then I have to be fair nothing really gets rid of my acute back pain but injections into my spine from the Doctor.
These are easy enough to take with a big glug of liquid and are pretty effective for most things and for that reason I do recommend them though I do recognise that these are more pricey than alot of tablets/caplets on the market.
Only available from Boots stores.
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Valerian Root
by spiritwood
Valerian is a plant native to Europe (including Britain) and parts of Northern Asia, which is used medicinally and magically (if you are so inclined). There are two species of this plant native to the UK but the genus comprises over 150 species. It is used primarily in the UK as a natural sleep aid and muscle relaxant. When utilised for ... medical purposes, the valerian used is usually the root stock of "Valerian Officinalis", an inconspicuous little plant with delicate frond-like leaves and a pink/purple flower. The root of the plant also honks... badly. There is no mistaking the smell of valerian root. More about that later...
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Valerian is a central nervous system relaxant and is prized as a remedy for short term insomnia. Unlike the effects of Benzodiazepines (valium, temazepam, lorazepam etc), this herb is not addictive nor are there any nasty side effects of note to worry about. Such is the efficiency of valerian, it has been used as a sleep aid for over a thousand years. When taken, valerian does not have the "hang over" effect that other sleep aids give you neither is it contraindicated with alcohol. Herbalist John Gerard stated in his writings that valerian was "held in such esteem as a medicine among the poorer classes in the northern counties and the south of Scotland, that 'no broth or pottage or physicall meats be worth anything if Setewale (the old name for Valerian) be not there." I love old English....
MEDICAL USES:
Valerian has a wide range of uses in the home, the main one being for insomnia. It is also a very effective stress reducer and many people with anxious depression and nervous disorders find it useful.
Valerian also has some very physical benefits when used with conditions such as sciatica, multiple sclerosis and neuropathy where it aids the numbness, tingling and pain associated with such conditions.
I have found it very helpful for the pain that I experience in my back and pelvis and also for the nerve pain that I suffer from as part of my M.E.
Valerian seems to have a part to play in assisting with migraines, rheumatism and behavioural issues. It also affects the stomach and can be taken as a digestive aid, being helpful for cramps and digestive issues. As a general relaxant it is easy to see how it would help these issues and I have found it to be effective and non invasive in terms of feeling hungover the next day.
This plant was held in such high esteem in medieval times that it was known as "All Heal" and some products bear this name today. For a plant that effectively allays pain and promotes sleep, I am amazed that a drug company or Government has not tried to ban it...
Common names:
Valerian is also known as all-heal, set-well, English valerian, Belgian valerian, common valerian, German valerian, wild valerian, heliotrope, garden heliotrope, fragrant valerian, vandal root, phu (Galen), amantilla, and capon's tail.
Magical Uses and folklore:
Valerian is used ritually in water magic and rituals that are focused upon mercurial energy. It is also a traditional constituent of dream magic, love and harmony spells and for focus upon a wish or need. Valerian is used freshly cut in a pouch for dream magic and also for sleep protection. It can be burnt as an incense with charcoal blocks in a burner for harmony and protection of the home and family. Just a warning though, from one who has burnt it as incense, even when mixed with a nice resin like copal it still honks....
CONTRAINDICATIONS:
Valerian is contraindicated in pregnancy and technically breast feeding women, however I was given the go ahead to breastfeed and use Valerian. The herb should be used when needed but on a reasonably irregular basis, not because it is physically addictive but because it could become a prop which disguises the real issues behind sleeplessness or muscular pain etc. It is advised that you seek medical advice for any new conditions that you have just to check that it is not something that needs medical help.
For sporadic use as a sleep aid or muscle relaxant though, valerian is fine to use and safe.
EFFECTS ON ANIMALS:
Have you ever seen a cat on catnip? The roly poly intoxication is well known amongst cat lovers. Valerian has a similar effect on the nervous system of many animals, especially cats, and it is very hard to grow valerian in your garden if you have cats as I learned to my cost. I tried many ways to keep them off of my plants to no avail so I gave up and I now buy it. Valerian is fragile and does not like being jumped on and chewed by over-enthusiastic felines. Interestingly it is also very appealing to rats and folklore suggests that the Pied Piper of Hamelin secreted valerian about his person to lure rats to him. Luckily it does not seem to have this affect on humans, can you imagine the chaos down the pub if it did? Think the Lynx effect x 10.
DOSAGE:
Dosages vary according to the type of product that you use, so follow the instructions. If you buy the root dried and entire then I use a teaspoon of dried herb matter in boiling water as a tea which I steep for 5 minutes before straining and drinking. I try to disguise the taste as it is quite horrible. The dose can be altered and overdose is very unlikely, so it is advised that you try it out and find the right amount for your needs. Very high doses of valerian are not dangerous but it can give you a headache and make you feel groggy.
MY EXPERIENCES:
I have used Valerian for many years, in raw tea form, tinctures and in capsules. This is a herbal medicine that once smelled is never forgotten. To say that the herb smells of rotten socks is being complimentary, it really is that disgusting. Therefore I have become adept at disguising the smell. The taste luckily is not as offensive as the aroma and can usually be hidden by using either alcohol in a tincture (I use brandy) or in a tea with lemon juice and honey.
I use valerian for times when I cannot sleep and also as a muscle relaxant which works very well. This is a herb that has been used for centuries and there has been a lot of research conducted into the effects, safety and properties of this plant.
HOW DO I BUY IT?
Valerian is available to buy in capsules and tea form from health stores such a Holland & Barrett and from herbal suppliers. The root can be purchased in a dried form and taken as a tea or you can buy empty capsules to self fill and administer. There are also tinctures of valerian available which are made with alcohol. It is difficult to name a price here as it varies so much but as a rough guide:
Valerian capsules start at around £4.50 for 500mg x 30 caps.
A tincture is a good way to take this if you don't like swallowing pills but the cheapest way to take valerian is to buy the dried root and drink it in tea form. 250g of root powder is available on Amazon for £8.50. Tinctures start at around £8 for 100ml.
SUMMARY:
This amazing and versatile plant has been the focus of both medicinal remedies and folklore for a long time. From Chaucer to The pied piper, valerian root features and it is steeped in history. It is especially interesting to read the old botanical herbals to read what it was used for. It has plenty of modern day uses and is safe and effective. I have found it to be easy to take (once I get past the taste) and very effective for what I use it for. I have experienced no ill effects and consider it to be an important home remedy.
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