As Scotland's headlines are a frenzy with accounts of the flu season, we've taken a look back to see how the 18th Century Housekeepers at George Heriot's Hospital would have soothed their symptoms.  

Thankfully, some of these remedies have been shelved and we can re-assure you that the 'Matrons' of 2026 are taking a very different approach. 

Here's a transcript of the Housekeepers Shopping List from July 1794:

- Bottle of salt water for a sick boy.
- Bottle of port wine for a sick boy.
- Butter & sulphur (used as a remedy for skin and
 parasites).
- Leeches for a sick boy.
- Callenderring table clothes (the process of 
 finishing cloth by passing it through heated 
 rollers to press and glaze the cloth to give it a
 smooth finish.
- Oate meal to wash my hands with.
- Black ball (shoe polish)

I'm off to find some porridge anti-bac for the office. Hope you are all looking after yourselves this festive season. Sending well wishes to all.