The summer is finally here, which means BBQs and jetting off to sunny destinations for that well deserved R&R. Unfortunately though, hot weather can be difficult for the body to adjust to. It’s important to take measures before sun exposure to avoid dehydration, sunburn, bites and even sunstroke.
Below I have listed some essential homeopathic remedies and other natural aids to use when the days are long and temperatures are high. Stay safe in the sun but most of all, enjoy!
(All the remedies listed can be ordered in store, online or by telephone from Nelsons, Helios or Ainsworths homeopathic pharmacies, which are all located in central London).
Sunburn
Ouch! So, you’ve overdone the sun exposure a bit and are looking more bright red than bronzed. Don’t panic, help is at hand in the form of natural remedies.
Cantharis 30c is the first remedy to turn to for sunburn. It’s useful for all sorts of burns including scalds and chemical burns. Repeat every half hour when the sunburn is acute.
Urtica urens 30c is the remedy of choice if the pain after sun exposure has a prickly, stingy or itchy sensation.
Sol 6c for when all else fails, use Sol. The person who needs this remedy burns in the sun easily (think of the red heads and milk bottle legs). Ideal for symptoms from severe sunburn.
Topical ointments or tinctures can also be soothing for sun over-exposure. Try Coconut oil, natural yoghurt, Aloe Vera gel or Calendula tincture.
Preventing and treating bites
If there are mosquitos around, from dusk onwards dab citronella oil on the cuffs and collars (change into long sleeve tops and trousers at this time to minimise skin exposure). You can also mix citronella oil 1 part to 10 of almond oil into an empty spray bottle and spray directly onto the skin for additional protection. Use mozzy nets and have a fan on in your room at night.
Dab or spray bites with Pyrethrum spray (which you can buy from a homeopathic pharmacy) or vinegar, or neat tea tree oil. Take internally a homeopathic combination remedy to help with bites made up from Apis Mel / Urticarea and Ledum 30c 4 times a day when the bites are itchy.
Sunstroke
A potentially dangerous condition where the body’s cooling mechanisms become overwhelmed, then fail. You must seek medical assistance immediately.
Move the sufferer to a cool area. Increase ventilation by opening windows or using a fan. Encourage them to drink water and try one of the homeopathic medicines listed below. Gently massage the skin to encourage circulation. If convulsions start, move nearby objects to prevent injury. Move them into the recovery position (lying on their left side with airways clear).
Belladonna 30c is used in more extreme sunburn with throbbing headache and photo-sensitivity. Also useful in cases of sunstroke.
Glonoine 30c is for sunstroke with mental confusion, violent bursting headache, palpitations, nausea and vomiting.
Arsenicum 30c is for sunstroke with nausea, vomiting and restlessness.
Jet lag
Jet lag happens because rapid travel throws off our circadian rhythm which is the biological clock that helps control when we wake and fall asleep. “Cues such as light exposure, mealtimes and social activities regulate our circadian rhythm,” says Allison T. Siebern, PhD. Other aspects of air travel can aggravate the problem. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2007 found that air cabins pressurised to 8,000 feet lower oxygen in the blood making passengers feel uncomfortable and dehydrated.
I recommend taking the following combination homeopathic remedy made up from the following 4 remedies:
Arnica / Cocculus / Nux Vomica / Melatonin 30c.
Alongside the above combination remedy for jet lag take 1 antioxidant (I recommend Biocare Nutri guard plus or Co Q10 if you’re pregnant) every 4 hours; for short haul flights take 1 of the combo remedy and 1 of the antioxidant supplement before and after each flight.
Dehydration
China 30c is the number one remedy for dehydration, weakness and listlessness caused by loss of fluids after sweating (also great following diarrhoea and vomiting or failure to drink enough).
Coconut water is great for hydrating after lots of sweating. A 2012 study in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition found that compared to a commercial sports drink, coconut water—a natural source of electrolytes—was equally as effective in hydrating participants after an intense workout.
Do you feel sensitive to the sun?
It really feels like everyone feels better when the sun is out but unfortunately not everyone does, some people get headaches and even coldsores after sun exposure.
Nat mur 30c is a great remedy for those who always feel worse for the sun ie: coldsore on or near their lips and or a headache that comes on after exposure to strong sun.
Cassie Everett: www.absolutehomeopathy.co.uk
