Summer is now well and truly here, whatever your plans are this summer, there will always be someone who needs a little extra care and support. The summer breeze and long, hazy days feel so soothing and much needed! Sometimes though, when we change our usual routines, things don’t always go to plan. At home in the garden a bee sting or sunburn may dampen our summer vibes, whilst losing hours in another timezone and eating new cuisine can all take its toll on our wellbeing. Having a little homeopathy by your side can work wonders in these scenarios. Allowing you to enjoy summer, yet be prepared for all eventualities as an at home prescriber.
If you are an avid first aid kit carrier on your adventures and are looking for an easier way to transport your homeopathic remedies, look no further than Helios, who have wonderful kits with the most useful remedies. I highly recommend them! https://www.helios.co.uk/en/shop/travel-kit
Alternatively, small vials of single or combination remedies fit in most pockets and bags, therefore not adding much bulk to your luggage. Luckily they do transport easily, however they are always best protected from extreme heat, sunlight and even the X-ray machines at the airport or any electronic devices ideally, as they can alter the efficiency of the remedies. This can be done by keeping them in a pouch or wrapped inside something such as a scarf or even your toiletry bag when carried. Again, Helios sells small pouches specifically for protecting remedies, as well as a card in multiple languages to explain what the pills are – they really thought of everything! (NB: I do not have any association with Helios, I just recommend them as I use and prescribe their remedies myself and find their staff to be extremely helpful and knowledgeable.)
Here are some of summers most useful remedies, which you may already have at hand. You will see how similar conditions may be supported with various remedies, therefore looking out for the specifics is the key to the closest matching prescription. Naturally, an insect bite will present differently in every individual, as would the result of too much sun. However for some general suggestions, here are some of summers most useful remedies.
Arnica
A must have remedy whatever the season! Useful in so many scenarios from injuries, bruises, trauma, shock and pain. Arnica is also handy after long haul flights – when jet lag kicks in!
Apis
Helps stings, bites, allergic reactions and hot, angry red swellings.
Arsenicum
This remedy is known for helping cases of food poisoning, vomiting, nausea, diarrhoea, flu.
Belladonna
Useful for burns, and sunstroke or simply absorbing too much heat.
Calendula
When used in topical creams and lotion, this can be very soothing for sunburnt skin and wounds. As well as conditions such as eczema or dermatitis, which can often flare up in the heat or when the skin is in contact with suncreams/ insect repellants etc. Calendula is a soother, therefore great for anything from heat rash to razor burn. This can also be taken in potency form too.
Cantharis
Another excellent sunburn remedy!
Gelsemium
Gelsemium is known for its healing support when faced with flu and lethargy, yet its also a remedy suited to nervous flyers. Excellent in cases of heatstroke too.
Ferrum Phosphoricum
Another remedy helpful in cases of sunburn and becoming overheated, as well as for injuries and inflammation.
Ledum
Ideal for strains and sprains which can have a purple and blue appearance, with swelling and cold sensations. This is another useful remedy in cases of bites and puncture wounds. Ledum is particularly useful for those very itchy mosquito bites!
Natrum Mur
Again, another remedy ideal for ailments from too much sun, including symptoms such as dehydration and headaches.
Nux Vomica
Always a remedy to have close at hand, for various conditions such as headaches, to hangovers. Whilst this is also a remedy which is useful from overindulgence of any kind and indigestion.
Rhus Tox
The infamous remedy for all sprains and strains, especially for those who feel better with some gentle movement. Also the remedy to lean on when flu symptoms arise, with complaints of achy bones and muscles.
Silicea
Silicea is a remedy that is helpful in cases of splinters or to encourage the expulsion of foreign objects and even swimmers ear.
As with all prescribing, carefully select based on the symptoms and keep the potency low to medium, with repetition until improvement occurs. Look out for my next blog post for more warmer weather advice.
Have a happy and healthy summer!
