Every item you should have in your medicine cabinet
Why is it that when you go to look for something in your medicine cabinet, you never seem to have it. Usually when you're rummaging through your bathroom stash it's because an accident happens suddenly or a nasty cough catches you off guard. And the last thing you want to do when said untimely incident occurs is get in your car and make the dreaded trip to your local pharmacy. But imagine a world where you have all your I.C.E. (or ice, compression, and elevation) basics at your fingertips.
Our advice: Stock up and take advantage of Vitacost.com’s sale, happening from March 25 to March 29, 2021. The online retailer sells natural, organic, and eco-friendly products with quick shipping — we were also happy to find corner store basics you need there too. Not to mention, take an extra 10% off site wide with exclusive code 10HONEY from March 22, 2021 to April 1, 2021 at 1 a.m. EST. So whether you've fallen under the weather, cut your finger, had a surprise bout of stomach issues, or whatever the case may be, you'll be all set with our foolproof top 10 essentials list.
Arguably one if the most important items you can have on hand is an all-purpose first aid kit. Whether it’s you, your kid, or a house guest, someone is inevitably going to need a bandaid (or five). This trusty 140-piece kit from Johnson & Johnson does it all. The supply includes cleansing wipes, gauze pads, antibiotic cream, a variety of band-aids in assorted sizes, full-sizes of Neosporin, and extra-strength Benadryl cream, a few packets of Tylenol, and more.
SHOP: Johnson & Johnson All Purpose First Aid Kit, $13.49, available at Vitacost.com
It feels like we reach for Ibuprofen to counteract virtually any ailment. Got a headache? Currently experiencing some gnarly period cramps? Muscles feeling sore from an intense workout? Slept on your back wrong? In a general sense, Advil tends to unanimously do the job. We’re just saying: We're never sorry for having this anti-inflammatory at the ready.
SHOP: Advil Ibuprofen Pain Reliever, $10.85, available at Vitacost.com
One thing’s for sure: Colds seem to sneak up out of nowhere and always at the most inconvenient of times. Enter: these almost-tasty medicated fruit drops that come in an assortment of orange, lemon, and cherry flavors. The brand claims that, unlike other cold remedies, if you take at the first sign of symptoms they’ll shorten your cold versus just temporarily relieving symptoms. Trust: We’ve tried them, and they do live up to the hype.
SHOP: Zicam Cold Remedy Medicated Fruit Drops Assorted Fruit, $9.99, available at Vitacost.com
The goal is always to nip symptoms in the bud, but sometimes it just doesn't play out that way. In those situations, it's time for the classic DayQuil and NyQuil combo. Maybe it’s mental, but the liquid (as opposed to capsule) medium seems to take effect quicker — exactly the kind of relief we're looking for. The daytime take is non-drowsy while the nighttime one knocks you out.
SHOP: Vicks NyQuil & DayQuil Severe Cold & Flu Nighttime Relief, $17.29, available at Vitacost.com
When it comes to the seasonal cold or allergies there are so many symptoms that can occur — one of the most temperamental of which being a runny or congested nose. No number of tissues can save you, and the only thing we’ve tried with great success is a no-drip nasal spray. This "#1 Doctor & Pharmacist Recommended" option is maximum strength and provides 12 hour relief. It kicks in fast, and we love the fact that you won’t experience any drip down from your nose to your throat.
SHOP: Afrin Nasal Spray No Drip Maximum Strength, $8.25, available at Vitacost.com
Another unseemly side effect of the common cold/flu scenario? A wickedly sore throat. If you’re somewhere between feeling a tickle coming on and it hurts to swallow, it’s time to employ some lozenges. There’s no shortage of varieties, but we won’t blame you for gravitating to these extra-strength cherry-flavored suckies. They count menthol as an ingredient, so you better believe they’re fast acting with a slightly cooling, numbing, and pain-relieving effect.
SHOP: Cepacol Extra Strength Sore Throat Lozenges, $4.09, available at Vitacost.com
Some of us fall victim to uncontrollable allergies (you know, sneezing, runny nose, itchy and watery eyes, nose, and throat) more than others. So it’s always a good idea to have these 24-hour relief tablets at the ready. Not only is this prescription-strength formula non-drowsy, it can help protect against indoor (i.e. animal hair and dander) and outdoor (i.e. tree and grass pollens) seasonal stressors.
SHOP: Claritin 24 Hour Allergy Relief, $19.89, available at Vitacost.com
When those allergies do strike one of the most prominent and pesky side effects can be red, itchy eyes. The more you touch them, the worse they get. To target these symptoms specifically, prescription-strength sterile eye drops are the answer. Use a few drops of this multi-action formula to start feeling relief. Lucky for you, a little goes a long way, and the pocket-sized bottle is easily portable.
SHOP: Visine Allergy Eye Relief Multi-Action, $6.49, available at Vitacost.com
Stomach issues are a beast of their own. When it comes to your digestive health, there are so many things that can go south, literally. The most common issues that arise include heartburn, indigestion, nausea, upset stomach, and diarrhea. To ease the pain, our 5-in-1 go-to is old-school Pepto-Bismol. Regardless of symptom, the thick-coating action can start calming your gut almost immediately. We like the effortlessness of this tablet form that you can take on-the-go whenever you’re feeling queasy.
SHOP: Pepto-Bismol Chewables, $7.99, available at Vitacost.com
On the other end of the spectrum, being stopped up is also not ideal. You can eat all your vegetables and drink all your water, but for one reason or another, you might occasionally need a little help to get things moving. When the occasion calls for it, this flavorless laxative powder is a welcome cabinet find. The grit-free formula is easily camouflaged in any beverage, and the individual packets make it hassle-free.
SHOP: Miralax Mix-In Pax Osmotic Laxative Powder, $12.87, available at Vitacost.com