If I ever get a really nasty cold, or especially a flu, I always reach for Beechams. I used to buy the original lemon variety, but lately my dear other half has introduced me to the wonderful Hot Berry Fruits and these are Beechams Plus Sachets. They come in the (very) familiar cardboard box, which is strong and sturdy, and inside there are 10 individually wrapped sachets of powders, just ready and waiting for me to pour on my boiling water. Great stuff! A box of ten sachets normally costs me in the region of £3.99 so this compares favourably with the Lemsip I also purchase on occasion.

These wonderfully strong and very effective little sachets contain vitamin C, Paracetamol and Phenylephrine. I use these for a host of cold and flu symptoms including a sore throat, a stuffed nose, congestion, aching joints and muscles, headaches, temperature and general aches and pains associated with cold and flu. My dear other half also takes these and she also swears by them. These sachets are widely available and the price appears to be consistent almost everywhere I have seen stocked.

To use, I simply open a sachet, pour the contents into a mug and pour boiled water on top. I don't like to make it too hot as I find I will inevitably burn the inside of my mouth. I make sure to stir properly otherwise the contents will settle at the bottom of the mug. They work for me personally, within approximately 15 minutes of drinking and they do take away most of my symptom, or at least make me feel a whole lot better. I do take Ibuprofen with this medication (on the advice of my doctor, I hasten to add) as they already contain Paracetamol I cannot add more.

I think the taste of these sachets is great. They taste rich in natural fruits and I can detect the hint of blackberry and blackcurrant. I sometimes add a spoon of sugar to sweeten it up and I don't find these are as tart or as bitter as the lemon variety.

Overall, I cannot fault these Beechams Hot Berry Fruits at all. I find them soothing and comforting and a real help whenever I feel like I have a bad cold or a nasty flu. They really do help relieve and reduce the symptoms and they work fast and are very effective.

Great stuff.