April 2009 Homeopathic Newsletter

Healthy Travels With Homeopathy

Contents:
Preparing for healthy travels with Homeopathy
Two remedies you shouldn’t leave home without
Traveling with Homeopathic remedies

Preparing for healthy travels with Homeopathy

If you are like me, by now there has been quite enough snow, sleet and icy rain and any little breath of spring is welcome indeed. While some lucky ones may have gotten a warm weather break recently, for me it’s been just one long winter! And while each season has its rewards and pleasures, my fantasies are turning more and more towards getting out of town – especially somewhere warm and sunny!

Whether your destination is a tropical beach, a trek through the jungle, a visit to Disney World, or a European tour, one of the fastest ways to ruin any trip is to get sick. While Travel Clinics suggest a full range of vaccinations and advice for exotic destinations, not everyone is comfortable with getting an armful of shots or may suffer from allergies or side effects to pharmaceutical drugs. As well, there are plenty of illnesses in other parts of the world that are not covered by available medications and pose a risk to travelers who have no previous exposure. Homeopathic remedies offer a safe and low-cost adjunct to health care preparations ahead of your trip as well as effective treatments for health issues which may arise during travels.

Over the years I’ve developed a small selection of homeopathic remedies that I never leave home without and invariably they have come in handy. For trips to places where the food and water is considered safe, my selection of remedies is smaller while when going to third world or off-the-beaten-track locations, I include remedies to cover possible exposure to anything from Malaria to Dengue Fever to Hepatitis A, B or C. Researching the potential health hazards in any specific location and tailoring a remedy protocol to both prevent specific illnesses and treat any contracted diseases is a service I offer my clients preparing for a trip. For people who “always get sick” when traveling, this is a great way to strengthen your system ahead of time against new exposures as well as having safe, effective and gentle ways of recovering from anything you do contract. Obviously if you do become seriously ill, finding a good doctor is the first thing to do but for lesser, more common illnesses, homeopathic remedies often provide complete and fast relief and recovery.

To schedule a pre-trip travel consultation, call me at 604-671-7863.

Two remedies you shouldn’t leave home without

For all travelers, taking a small kit of homeopathic remedies along can be a godsend in lessening any downtime from commonplace occurrences such as digestive disturbances, sunburn, injuries, or insect bites/stings. Two homeopathic remedies I never leave home without are Arsenicum Album and Ledum Palustre.

Arsenicum album is an excellent remedy for cases of stomach upset, vomiting and/or diarrhea. Whether one has a digestive disturbance from drinking strange water or gotten actual food poisoning, this remedy can often gently and quickly assist the body to recovery. Sometimes just taking a dose at the first twinge of nausea or loose stool can avert a full-blown attack and help you return to balance without further symptoms. For those who do come down with “Traveler’s Tummy” (nausea, cramps, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, chills), then taking anywhere from 3 to 6 doses of Arsenicum 30C over the course of 24-36 hours may help ease the discomfort and support a faster and more complete recovery.

Ledum Palustre is a remedy for any kind of puncture wound, which can include bites and stings. Also helpful for injuries with deep bruising, it is well-known in first aid situations. For those who are susceptible to insect bites, this remedy may help minimize the symptoms. Its primary value for travelers, however, is in promoting the healing any kind of puncture wound and preventing infection from developing. In the event of a cut, wound or bite, practice good wound hygiene and take 2 doses of Ledum 30C about an hour apart as soon as possible after the injury. Over the next 24 – 48 hours, depending on the severity of the injury another 3-4 doses can be administered, especially if the wound is deep, painful, or red.

As always, if you do become seriously ill or sustain a critical injury, get medical help as soon as possible.

Both Arsenicum album and Ledum palustre are homeopathic remedies made from plants. Because remedies have gone through a specialized process of dilution and have no other substances mixed with them, they are safe and gentle for all ages, including infants and elderly people.

Traveling with Homeopathic remedies

When traveling through airports, wrap your remedies in 2 layers of aluminum foil and carry in your hand luggage to protect them from radiation devices and ensure their viability. In all my travels, I have never been stopped at security or customs and questioned about carrying remedies, so you can feel comfortable traveling anywhere with them. Keep remedies away from direct sunlight and avoid temperature extremes if possible.

Have a safe and healthy trip!

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Susan Drury, RSHom (NA), CCH, RSCHom is a registered member of the North American Society of Homeopaths, the Canadian Society of Homeopaths and the Council for Homeopathic Certification. She regularly publishes homeopathic articles and newsletters and through her private practice and educational outreach, is dedicated to supporting people in their journey to improved health and well-being. Susan provides homeopathic services to North Vancouver, West Vancouver, and the rest of the Lower Mainland, BC. She can be reached at 604-671-7863 or druryperry@shaw.ca.