my top 10 travel remedies
As we approach summer holidays and the travel season, why not add a homeopathic remedy kit to your packing list? I think it’s a great idea for everyone to have a small homeopathic ‘first aid’ kit at home for those minor ailments that crop up. It’s especially useful to take on holiday, and can really stop any small health issues from spoiling your trip. There are excellent homeopathic kits available from Helios Pharmacy or Ainsworths Pharmacy. Here are my top 10 favourite travel remedies that I wouldn’t leave without:
ACONITE has a couple of great uses for travel. First, it’s an excellent remedy for fear of flying. You can take it before or during a flight if you’re an anxious flyer, or if fear comes on with turbulence. Second, it is fantastic if taken in the first stages of colds, and can really stop them in their tracks. This is especially true of colds brought on by anxiety, or by cold, drafty air such as the air conditioning during a flight.
APIS Insect bites or stings can often be a problem on holiday and Apis is the first remedy to turn to. It is especially useful if stings become swollen, puffy, red and hot, and feel better for a cold flannel or ice. It can be used for all allergic reactions where there is swelling.
ARNICA is the number one remedy in any homeopathic first aid kit. As a cream it works wonders on bruises, but the remedy can also be taken internally for bruising, injuries and any kind of shock or trauma, whether physical or emotional. Additionally, it can be very helpful for jet lag.
ARSENICUM ALBUM Stomach upsets can often occur when we’re eat unusual foods in unfamiliar places. This is the first remedy to turn to in cases of an upset stomach or food poisoning, especially if the symptoms are accompanied by anxiety, restlessness or burning pains.
BELLADONNA A fantastic remedy for heat and sunstroke. The person affected will have hot skin, redness and a feeling of fullness in the head. It is also an extremely useful remedy for high fevers. It can be used together with Arsenicum where there is the combination of stomach upset and too much sun.
CALENDULA Calendula cream is an antiseptic for cuts, grazes, wounds and minor burns. It can also be used as an after-sun. It can be taken internally as a remedy for these conditions too, and in both forms is fantastic for promoting healing anywhere in the body.
CANTHARIS is another remedy for burns of any kind, particularly for severe sunburn with blistering.
COCCULUS This is the number one remedy for travel or sea sickness.
LEDUM is another remedy for insect bites or stings and is good to try if Apis doesn’t work. It’s indicated if the area around the sting is blue or purple and feels cold, but is nevertheless better for cold applications.
NUX VOMICA is the greatest remedy for hangovers and over-indulgence. Not to say that anything like that is going to happen on your holiday, but it’s always best to be prepared!
For any serious illness please consult a doctor or a homeopath, but for minor conditions it is great to have these remedies on hand. If you would like help with a longer-term condition please get in touch.
Safe travels everyone!