Homeopathic Hacks for Summer Ailments

Essential homeopathic remedies for summer travel

Jet lag

Jet lag can leave you feeling disoriented and fatigued, but homeopathy offers effective remedies to ease these symptoms. Arnica 30c, normally a common remedy for bruising, can be used prior to a flight, in preparation, or if you normally suffer jet lag. Homeopathic Cocculus Indicus 30C is known for its effectiveness in overcoming jet lag, particularly when there is sleep disturbance accompanied by feelings of weakness and dizziness. Arg Nit can help with anticipatory anxiety that affects the stomach, leading to belching and/or flatulence. You can take Cocculus 30c before, during and after your flight. Use Arg Nit 30c as needed to address any apprehensive anxiety about flying.

Helios homeopathic pharmacy offers a jet lag formula that includes Arnica, Electricitas, and Rad Brom 30c. For this formula, take one dose before flying, one every 4 hours during the flight, and one at bedtime for the next three nights to help your body adjust to the new time zone and alleviate the effects of jet lag.

Sunburn

Sunburn can quickly turn a fun day in the sun into a painful experience. Homeopathic remedies can provide relief and promote healing, for example, Calendula is excellent for soothing and healing sunburned skin. It comes in a cream, as well as pilule form, so can be applied externally to the affected area. Aloe vera also cools scorched skin. Homeopaths take a different approach to treating sunburn by recommending a warm application to the skin instead of the traditional cooling methods. This means taking a warm shower for sunburnt skin rather than applying cold water. This practice is based on the homeopathic principle of “like cures like” where applying warmth is believed to help heal something that is burnt.

Heat rash

Heat rash, characterised by red, itchy skin, is common in hot, humid climates. Belladonna 30c is useful for treating heat rash, especially when accompanied by redness and radiating heat. Rhus Tox 30c is a remedy taken from the plant poison ivy and not surprisingly is another effective remedy for rashes, particularly with small blisters. Take Belladonna 30c or Rhus Tox 30c three times daily for 1 – 2 days to alleviate symptoms.

Heat exhaustion

Heat exhaustion can manifest as dizziness, weakness and dehydration, often after prolonged exposure to high temperatures. Gelsemium 30C is ideal for treating exhaustion with fatigue, overwhelming weakness, and sometimes trembling. China 30c is beneficial for replenishing fluids lost through sweating. For heat exhaustion, take Gelsemium 30c three times a day. For dehydration, China 30c can be taken three times daily for 1 – 2 days.

Traveller’s diarrhoea

Digestive issues can put a damper on any trip. Arsenicum 30C is the top remedy for upset stomachs, whether at home or while travelling. Homeopathy works best when the remedy matches the individual’s specific symptoms. Typically, someone who benefits from Arsenicum would feel chilly, weak, restless, anxious and experience burning sensations with diarrhoea and vomiting. This makes it an excellent remedy for treating traveller’s o when these symptoms are present. Nux Vomica 30C is also helpful for diarrhoea, particularly when it is due to overindulgence. People who benefit from Nux Vomica enjoy the luxuries of life, such as good wine and food, and often overindulge, leading to stomach issues. Unlike Arsenicum, which is associated with anxiety, those needing Nux Vomica tend to be irritable and snappy, experiencing stomach cramps and gripping pains along with diarrhoea. Take Arsenicum 30c or Nux Vomica (whichever fits you best) hourly for a max of 3 – 4 hours or until symptoms subside.

China 30c can be a helpful boost for a patient suffering from the exhaustion from the fluid loss, after a bout of diarrhoea and vomiting. Take it three times over 24 hours to help recover from fluid loss.

Travel sickness

Travel sickness can be a significant barrier to enjoying your journey. As with diarrhoea, we need to find the best matching remedy. Here are a few options to consider. Nux Vomica 30C is excellent for the nausea associated with motion sickness. Those who benefit from Nux Vomica typically feel impatient and irritable, but find relief by lying down. Another great remedy for motion sickness is Cocculus 30C. Individuals needing Cocculus often feel faint, anxious and experience vertigo with nausea, which improves with fresh air. Conversely, Petroleum 30C is suitable for travel sickness that includes dizziness but worsens with exposure to fresh air. Determining which remedy fits best is called differentiation, a concept taught in CNM’s diploma course. The closer the match, the more effective the homeopathic remedy will be. For travel sickness, take your chosen remedy as needed during your journey.

Insect bites and bee stings

Nothing ruins a beautiful evening outdoors faster than an insect bite or bee sting. Apis 30c is a go-to remedy for bites and stings that are red, swollen and hot. For bites that itch intensely, Ledum 30 is highly effective. Apply Apis 30c directly to the sting or bite area, or take it internally if the reaction is more severe. For Ledum, taking 30c three times a day for a day or two can help reduce itching and swelling.

Protecting homeopathic remedies from radiation

When it comes to travelling with homeopathic remedies, ensuring their effectiveness is essential. Radiation from airport security scanners and high-altitude flights can potentially impact the potency of these remedies.

Here are some simple protective measures.

• Wrap remedies in silver foil to shield them from radiation and maintain their potency and effectiveness.
• Pack unneeded remedies in your suitcase, also wrapped in silver foil, to protect them from radiation exposure in the cabin.
• Carry Helios Homeopathy’s multilingual travelcard which can be helpful in communicating your needs regarding homeopathic remedies, especially in multilingual situations.
• Avoid the scanning machine at security. If possible, request a manual inspection instead of passing through the scanner yourself. This reduces your overall radiation exposure and can help protect your remedies too.

Written by Zoe Scanlan (SDS Hom), CNM’s Homeopathy Director