Staycation or Vacation…

Holistic First Aid Advice for Staying Healthy This Summer

Holistic first aid? A few of us may be venturing abroad but the majority of us will be looking to holiday in the UK. Even if we are not actually going away anywhere, the Summer brings many different ailments at this time of year. Spending extra time outdoors can make us more susceptible to insect bites, stings and hot weather can lead to headaches, dehydration – and even heatstroke (as I write this it is currently 31 degrees Celsius!)
If you want some ideas of natural alternatives to traditional products which can be full of chemicals here’s a few suggestions. All the Homeopathic remedies suggested are in 30c form. This is a common form used for the general public.

Accidents and Emergencies

If you take no other Homeopathic remedy on holiday, you should pack the homeopathic remedy Arnica 30c, – it is such a cure all. Its chief use is for shock and bruising, but its brilliant for helping someone cope after anything sudden, from a bite to a fall to a knock on the head. It’s a fabulous reviver after a day that’s just been too long for everyone!

Bites & Stings

Insect bites such as mozzies can affect the whole family so handy to have Homeopathic Apis 30c for bee stings and other stings where there is much swelling, heat and redness. Feels better for a cold application. Pure Aloe Vera gel is also a great thing to have as well as it is really cooling and calming. Best kept in a fridge. Homeopathic Ledum 30c is useful for animal bites and insect stings that feel cold to the touch and are particularly itchy along with Hypericum 30c as another remedy. Urtica Urens 30c remedy is for allergic reactions to insect bites or stings such as jelly fish.

Bumps and Bruises

Good old Arnica 30c to the rescue. You can take Arnica tablets or use a cooling spray, cream or gel to apply topically.

Cuts and Wounds

Calendula either in tablet form or cream is the homeopathic antiseptic. I also like to have a bottle of Tea tree or Lavender essential oil to hand as well.

Eyes

Euphrasia 30c remedy is a marvellous all-rounder for any eye problems. It’s traditional name is eyebright. It can help with hay fever eye issues, eye strain and conjunctivitis.

I also like to have a bottle of Liz Earle Eyebright soothing eye lotion. I keep mine in the fridge. It really helps sooth the eyes and eyelids that feel itchy and sore but is only for wiping over the eyes – not for rinsing out the eyes.

Food Poisoning

We have more BBQs at this time of year and can cause a few stomach issues if the food hasn’t been properly cooked. Arsenicum Album 30c is the common homeopathic remedy for food poisoning. When nothing stays down and someone is feeling restless, anxious and shattered from the vomiting. They often will be sipping water as they feel thirsty. Can be just for vomiting or diarrhoea or a combo of both.

Hangovers!

If someone is sick after overeating or a rich meal or overindulging in alcohol, then give Nux Vom 30c homeopathic remedy.

Heat Rash

Urtica Urens 30c will calm a bumpy heat rash either in tablet form or as a cream. Also Aloe Vera gel is fabulous for this.

Heat Stroke

Prolonged exposure to the sun can lead to heat exhaustion & heat stroke which are serious conditions. If in any doubt seek medical advice especially if there is dehydration as well. Otherwise Belladonna 30c can really help especially if there is a throbbing headache. Keep fluid intake up. Avoiding the sun between 11am and 3pm is advised. Plus wear a quality high factor sunscreen.

Motion Sickness

Common and much dreaded motion sickness can strike in a car, plane boat or other forms of transport. Children are particularly susceptible. Cocculus 30c remedy is the main remedy with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and dizziness. Ipecac 30c is for constant nausea with or without vomiting. Lots of saliva production and they look pale. Ginger capsules taken before travelling can greatly reduce the level of nausea. Also, sea sickness acupressure wrist bands can be a help as well.

Sunburn

These suggestions can help with minor sunburn. Seek medical advice otherwise. Cantharis 30c is excellent for painful sunburn with possible blistering. Urtica Urens 30c is ideal for prickly heat. Good old Aloe Vera gel is always really helpful as well. Always wear a quality
sunscreen though.

Holistic First Aid Kit

A Homeopathic First Aid Kit has lots of these remedies in there so well worth investing in one. Helios do an excellent one and can be ordered at https://www.helios.co.uk/ They also have a supply of the creams suggested. Just remember if in doubt always seek medical advice. Enjoy the rest of the summer!!