Travel Tips

HOMEOPATHY TIPS FOR TRAVELLERS

One part of your travel preparation that is not given much thought is how to stay healthy during your trip.  Some of you may have had some experience in getting sick when far away from home.  And many of you may not have.  Homeopathy can be a source of support for good health whether you are heading to a resort in Mexico, or a ski trip out west.

While travel clinics suggest a full range of vaccinations and advice for various destinations, not everyone is comfortable getting an armful of shots or may suffer from allergies or side effects to recommended medications. As well, there are plenty of illnesses in other parts of the world that are not covered by available medications and pose a risk to travellers who have no previous exposure. For people who always get sick when travelling or who risk exposure to serious illnesses in the countries they will be visiting, homeopathic remedies offer a safe and low-cost adjunct to health care preparations ahead of the trip as well as effective treatments for health issues which may arise during their travels.

If you are heading somewhere remote, it is a good idea to schedule an appointment with a homeopath who offers travel consultations well ahead of your trip as they can advise you on ways to improve your health and increase your immunity to possible disease exposure before you leave. For all travellers, taking a small kit of homeopathic remedies along can be a godsend to lessen any downtime from commonplace occurrences, such as jet lag, digestive disturbances, sunburn, injuries, or insect bites or stings. The following are several suggestions you may want to consider.

Some of us are more sensitive than others to digestive upsets during travels.  Following are two remedies that you should pack. 

Arsenicum album is an excellent remedy for cases of stomach upset, vomiting or diarrhoea. Whether one has a digestive disturbance from drinking strange water or come down with actual food poisoning, this remedy can often gently and quickly assist the body to recover. Sometimes just taking a dose at the first twinge of nausea or loose stool can avert a full-blown attack and help you return to balance without further symptoms. For those who do come down with a fuller case of traveller's tummy (nausea, cramps, vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness and chills), then taking anywhere from three to six doses of Arsenicum 30C over the course of 24-36 hours may help ease the discomfort and support a faster and more complete recovery.

Podophyllum is another remedy to think of, especially if you wake up at 4 or 5 a.m. with acute diarrhoea. While Arsenicum often helps conditions that have vomiting as well as diarrhoea, Podophyllum addresses more of a diarrhoea-only situation. Symptoms that Podophyllum can address may include explosive and profuse diarrhoea, either with or without abdominal cramps, lots of gurgling in the abdomen and a painful feeling over the liver area. If you experience any of these symptoms, take several doses of Podophyllum 30C over the course of 24-26 hours to facilitate a return to normal digestive functioning.

While no one ever imagines getting hurt on holiday, in fact accidents and injuries are common occurrences in new and unfamiliar surroundings. Arnica should be a standard remedy to pack, as it can help with any many injury’s that happen as a result of falls, blows, or any type of accident where your body has received some trauma.  It is invaluable for strains, sprains, and even broken limbs as it will help diminish pain and promote faster healing.  Many athletes rely on arnica.

Another favourite trauma remedy travellers may want to include is Ledum palustre which is good for any kind of puncture wound, including bites and stings. For those who are susceptible to insect bites, this remedy may help minimize the symptoms. Its primary value, however, is in promoting the healing of any kind of puncture wound and preventing infection from developing. In the event of a cut, wound or bite, practise good wound hygiene and take two doses of Ledum 30C about an hour apart as soon as possible after the injury. Over the next 24-48 hours, depending on the severity of the injury another three-four doses can be administered, especially if the wound is deep, painful or red. Of course if you are severely injured or experience worsening symptoms, take Ledum on your way to the nearest doctor or hospital!

Homeopathy is a medical system that has been extensively practised world-wide for more than 200 years.  Arsenicum album, Podophyllum and Ledum palustre are homeopathic remedies made from plants and Traumeel is a combination of plant and mineral remedies. They are all generally available you’re your Homeopath.  They are compact to carry and economically priced. Because remedies have gone through a specialized process of dilution and have no other substances mixed with them, they are safe and gentle for all ages, including infants and elderly people.

As always, if you do become seriously ill or sustain a critical injury, get medical help as soon as possible. You can take Arnica on the way to the hospital.  Have a safe and healthy trip!”