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The Natural Traveller
Susan Curtis suggests homeopathic and herbal remedies to take on your travels
A good first aid kit is essential when travelling with children. Being prepared is the key, because then you can act quickly and prevent just about every minor accident or illness from becoming a major problem that can ruin a good holiday. I have been a holistic practitioner since 1985 and we have travelled with our two unvaccinated children (now teenagers) throughout Europe, North Africa and the Caribbean. Here I am going to share with you the remedies that I would not be without when travelling with a family.
For travel to places where really hardcore diseases are common, such as some African countries, I suggest you have a consultation with a homoeopath experienced in tropical disease treatment and prevention before you go, or start with my book "Homoeopathic Alternatives to Immunisation".
Bumps and bruises
Where would we be without Arnica?
Arnica Cream - A tube of this is essential for the wash bag. Plaster it on to any knocks and bruises, also to sprains, pulled muscles, etc. Reduces the bruising and seems to melt the pain away.
Arnica 30 - The homoeopathic remedy for any accidents. Relieves shock and promotes healing following any accident or injury. Take one dose and repeat as necessary, for more severe accidents or head injuries, give Arnica and get professional medical help.
Cuts and scrapes
Preventing infection is key here, and this is made simple with the antiseptic properties of hypericum (St John's wort) and calendula (marigold).
Hypericum & Calendula Tincture - A small bottle of this is invaluable. Dab it on neat to spots. To clean cuts and grazes dilute a few drops in a little cool, boiled water and use as an antiseptic and healing lotion.
Hypericum & Calendula Cream - Antiseptic and soothing cream for any kind of sore or infected skin problem.
Burns
Something to reach for to treat sunburn or accidental burns is very useful.
Lavender Oil - Cooling, pain relieving and antiseptic - ideal for sunburn and burns.
Hypericum & Calendula Tincture or Cream (as above) can also be used.
Insect bites and stings
Don't let the wee beasties spoil your enjoyment, keep them at bay with citronella and if you get bitten or stung have something up your sleeve to help.
Citronella Oil - Mosquitoes hate the smell of this essential oil. Dilute some in witch hazel and dap on to exposed areas as the sun goes down or try Neal's Yard Remedies' Citronella Formula, which is a handy spray on product, proven to be effective at the London School of Tropical Medicine.
Hypericum & Calendula Tincture or Lavender Oil (as above) - Either of these can be dabbed on to relieve itching and prevent infection.
Ledum 30 - Take this immediately for wasp or other stings and any kind of animal bite. Relieves swelling and pain. This is also the main homoeopathic prevention for tetanus so give following any punctured wound as well as bites.
Hypericum 30 - If any bite or sting (or cut, etc) begins to get infected then this will help clear it up. Take one dose 3 times a day.
Traveller's tummy
Unfamiliar or bad food can cause tummy upsets, so here are a few things to have on hand.
Chamomile Tea Bags - An infusion of chamomile will soothe indigestion and stomach cramps, and can calm diarrhoea.
Ars alb 30 - This homoeopathic remedy is the most common one for food poisoning. Symptoms include vomiting and diarrhoea accompanied with exhaustion. Burning, watery diarrhoea. Patient is anxious.
Pulsatilla 30 - Another useful diarrhoea remedy, especially for children. Diarrhoea is accompanied by pressure and heaviness in the abdomen. Patient feels miserable.
Colds & fevers
Children can develop a fever at the beginning of any illness so it's useful to have a few things to fall back on. It's also quite common to go down with a cold or flu on holiday - it could be the recycled air when flying, a new set of viruses to be exposed to, or maybe just your immune system letting you know you've been working too hard!
Aconite 30 - For that "oh no! I'm going down with something" feeling. Take at the first sign of a sore throat, cough or cold. Also useful for any fright or shock.
Belladonna 30 - A most important remedy for fevers and inflammations whatever the cause. Sudden fevers with a high temperature. Also for the early, inflammatory stage of any infection, e.g. boils, abscesses. Good for sunstroke too.
Gelsemium 30 - The classic flu remedy. Heat alternating with chill.
Homoeopathic kit
Buying a good homoeopathic remedy kit before you go travelling is a very worthwhile investment. Helios make one of the best with either 18 or 36 remedies packed into a sturdy plastic case and that comes with a handy mini repertory leaflet.
Written by Susan Curtis RSHom
Susan practices at Neal's Yard Remedies Therapy Rooms in Covent Garden. She is a prolific author. Contact her on 020 7379 7662
Books
A Handbook of Homoeopathic Alternatives to Immunisation by Susan Curtis, £6.50. Available from Neal's Yard Remedies
Resources
Neal's Yard Remedies
0845 262 3145
www.nealsyardremedies.com
Helios Homoeopathic Pharmacy
(01892) 536393 (24hr) / (01892) 537254
www.helios.co.uk
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© Juno Magazine 2007 |
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