The Old Medicine Cabinet
When I was a child growing up, I remember that my mother always had a medicine cabinet. She kept all kinds of medicines on hand, in case someone got sick. There was something to give to us when we had a cold or fever. Even when we had chicken pox and other childhood diseases, she was prepared.
Most people remember the bottle of castor oil and Vicks VapoRub our mothers rubbed across our chests when we had a cold. It smelled terrible but we survived. Our colds were short lived. And who can forget the castor oil. Nothing tasted worse than a tablespoon of castor oil. My mother made it worse by putting a little orange juice in the spoon. And if you needed help going to the bathroom, don’t forget the Milk of Magnesia. It tasted just as bad.
I did not know why mother put a glove of garlic in a glass of water and later drank it. I have since learned the value of garlic for your health. It is good for colds and a host of other ailments. My parents were from the south. They were both born and raised in Alabama. My mother was from Repton, Alabama and my father was from Andalusia.
Most Blacks from the south had survival skills. They had to rely on themselves because of the segregation and racism they faced. It was not always easy for many of them to a doctor nearby or to go to a close hospital, especially living in rural farm areas. I learned a lot from my parents and my grandparents. I always keep a medicine cabinet in my bathroom. I also keep various items that I might need to help with pain or just ordinary health problems. This helps to reduce trips to the drugstore. I kept a medicine cabinet when my own children were growing up.
The following are some of the items that I find helpful to have on hand:
Aspirin or Tylenol, in case of a headache or minor pain.
Hydrogen Peroxide for small cuts. It can act as an antiseptic.
Rubbing alcohol can be a surface disinfectant.
Aspercreme for minor aches and pains. You can get the odorless creme.
Bandages and cotton for minor cuts, especially if you have children. I always keep them on hand.
A Thermometer. Today it is important to have a thermometer to test temperatures.
Tiger Balm is also good for minor aches and pains.
Pepto Bismol for upset stomachs, indigestion, and diarrhea.
Lanacane for minor itching.
Calamine Lotion for itching.
Always check with your doctor or health care provider before using any of the above items listed.
You can also invest in a first aid kit. Most kits include the following: gauze of different sizes, antiseptic wipes, a first aid manual, plastic gloves, bandages and a number of other useful items.
Unfortunately, Covid is still around us. You should have a supply of masks and hand sanitizers. Keep plenty at home and in your car. With the cold weather and icy conditions that we are experiencing this information will come in handy when it is not possible to get out to purchase things to help your family stay well. Remember to always check with your health care provider to get further advice on how to stay well.