Summer in New Zealand is officially here, beautiful blue skies, a little breeze and lots of sunshine – is there anyone out there that does not enjoy summer? Alas, even in this nicest time of the year, health problems can occur. Avoid those nasty summer issues and enjoy this wonderful time of year – with some helpful homeopathy hints.
It’s important to remember to always seek professional advice from your local fully qualified homeopath to ensure the correct remedies are selected based on the totality of symptoms.
Gentle help for Sun Allergies
One’s skin can be very sensitive to the sun’s ultraviolet rays, with symptoms often beginning within hours or a few days after sunbathing and expressing itself as itching or burning blisters on the skin, redness, scales or nodules.
To help support your body from reactions such as these some helpful homeopathic remedies are Natrum muriaticum for rashes with fever blisters, Clematis Erecta for red, burning skin with small blisters that break quickly and crust over, or Hypericum for extreme sensitivity to light with a rash consisting of small nodules.
Sunburn
Homeopathic remedies to consider are Belladonna for sunburn with a feeling of heat (not so much burning) and throbbing sensations, Cantharis if the skin burns a lot and there are large, light water blisters, Rhus Toxicodendron for crimson red skin with small, water-filled blisters and a feeling of a shattered body.
Blisters on the lips
These “fever blisters” on the lips caused by herpes viruses are often a reaction to intensive exposure to the sun. They can be really upsetting to have during your holidays! Consult with your doctor or homeopath if herpes manifests in the area of the eyes.
Homeopathic remedies to consider for herpes labialis are Natrum Muriaticum for sore, infected blisters, Rhus Toxicodendron for burning, red blisters, or Hypericum for blisters which are especially painful, like in neuralgic complaints. There are also many other remedies available. Your homeopath will choose the remedy best suited to you.
What to do for an Upset Stomach or Acid Reflux?
Those with sensitive digestive systems can react with an upset stomach, acid reflux, nausea, a feeling of fullness or loss of appetite. If the complaints are simple, you can try some natural remedies, otherwise, seek advice from your local doctor or fully qualified homeopath.
The first step is to ensure you drink plenty of fluids such as water, diluted fruit juices or vegetable juices, vegetable broth or herbal tea (chamomile, fennel, caraway) would all be suitable. Then, a light diet consisting of fresh vegetables including steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes and porridge are recommended to be followed.
Acidic foods and drinks are recommended to be avoided, including alcohol and coffee, cabbage, foods causing flatulence, tobacco, marinades, smoked foods, sausages, meats, mayonnaise, legumes, home fries, French fries, baked goods, sweets and rich meals.
Some remedies which your homeopath may recommend are Nux vomica for bitter or sour belching with nausea and tendency to vomit, Carbo vegetabilis for belching of air, burning stomach pains, flatulence, feeling of fullness and extreme weakness, and Iris versicolor for nausea, sour belching, vomiting and headaches.
Insect bites and stings
For bites in the mouth or throat, consult your health care practitioner immediately. The lips, eyes and ears are also very sensitive. Some people get severe allergic reactions and can end up collapsing.
If it is an acute insect bite you are dealing with, then there are several possibilities to get relief from burning, swelling, itching and pain. First, if possible, the stinger needs to be removed carefully. Then, the puncture wound and the area around it could be rubbed with an onion half, which is a very effective relief of complaints. The itching skin should not under any circumstances be scratched open, as that would only invite infection.
Homeopathic remedies also give relief, for example, Apis for bee and wasp stings with stitching and burning pain and slightly red swelling, Urtica for the formation of hives around the puncture wound and burning as from stinging nettles, or Ledum if blood is oozing out of the puncture wound and this is followed by redness and swelling.
Adapted from source:
K-W Homeopathic Medicine and Wellness Clinic
Irene Schwens, Clinic Director/Homeopath
