Frankly, everyone should have one of these teeny (and wonderfully retro-designed) tins in their handbag, over summer.

Not sexy, perhaps – but great to have at home for blisters, burns, bites, bruises, cuts and abrasions, with strong antiseptic powers from eucalyptus, thyme and pine oil, made solid with beeswax. It is also, apparently, good for rheumatic pain and muscular cramps, thanks to its circulation-boosting action. (It’s also said to be good for chilblains, although we really hope it’s going to be quite a wait before we can check that claim.)

We discovered Zam-Buk ourselves at a recent PURE PR press open day for Victoria Health – and grabbed one to try. We’ve now put it through its paces on garden grazes, mosquito bites and a paper cut – and want it always within arm’s reach, in future.

There are brands that would KILL for a heritage like this, because Zam-Buk first made itself useful in 1903, before the widespread use of antibiotics, when an infected cut might prove fatal. One particular strange-but-true fact about the embrocation, meanwhile, is that back in the day it was endorsed by the famed escapologist Harry Houdini, who used it to soothe his wrists after his daring feats.

To which we say: there’s no escaping the fact that this medicine cupboard must-have really is a total bargain.

£3.99 for 20g – buy here

Prize Draws