Homeopathy is a perfect travel companion because a few remedies can treat a very wide variety of minor problems that can crop up on holiday.
We suggest you read our Travel Tips post in tandem with this post on homeopathy for travel. It contains a few things that we’ve found useful over the years of travelling.
I never go anywhere without my travel kit: Sydney, Cradle Mountain, Bali, Europe – I always throw in my kit – and I even have a tiny kit in my handbag.
Actually I have two travel kits now! A very battered Helios kit of single remedies and a lovely new leather kit containing some extras and some combinations.
I can always find a remedy no matter what arises. Everything from shock and fright to upset tummies, insect bites and accidents, and if you’re new to homeopathy then combination remedies can be a good way to go.
What should you take?
I’ve listed below the single remedies in our 21 Remedy Travel Kit just to give you an idea of what you can be prepared for. This kit is designed for trips to India, Thailand, South America and similar and comes in the 30c potency which is ideal for everything.
If you are new to homeopathy but want to take some remedies with you, consider one of our combination kits such as our Mini Travel Kit – 10 Combinations, which includes all you’ll need in a small zip around pouch.
For trips around Australia or to Europe a standard Home Remedy Kit is usually more appropriate and this also comes as 21 remedies in a zip around pouch.
1. Aconite This is the major shock remedy so if you’ve been involved in a car accident, had your bag stolen or similar. It is also a remedy to think of for anything with palpitations, racing pulse, severe anxiety and can be helpful following a suspected heart attack or stroke while waiting for the ambulance. With panic attack-type symptoms, Aconite will also be helpful for someone who is terrified of flying or going to the doctor for instance. Symptoms come on suddenly and are acute, intense and can be painful, often with great fear (sometimes of dying) and restlessness. Also useful for the beginning of a cold which comes on suddenly, very high fever with dry burning heat or drenching sweat with strong thirst (Belladonna usually has no thirst). Symptoms may arise after exposure to cold dry wind, heat of sun, injury, shock and the patient is usually better for open air and classically worse around midnight.
2. Apis is usually the best remedy for bites and stings and allergic reactions if they fit the picture. This patient may experience strong reactions to bites and stings, certain foods or even medicines, often presenting as hives or similar puffy swellings which are shiny, red and tight. Also useful for tonsillitis, water retention, cystitis, nettle rash and shingles where the picture fits. The symptoms come on suddenly and the patient may cry out in pain, is irritable, restless and worse for heat and touch. They and their symptoms are generally better for cool drinks or ice packs.
3. Arnica The most well-known of all homeopathics and the first remedy to think of after an accident or injury where there is both physical and mental/emotional trauma. Helps to reduce shock, bleeding of small wounds or after surgery, and bruising. The patient often won’t want to be touched or assisted. Useful for sprains, strains, over-exertion and for sore, bruised, aching pain. Good for jetlag (which is effectively a trauma) and to help prevent DVT (put 1 or 2 pilules in a water bottle and sip throughout your flight or use our Travel/Jetlag Combination).
4. Arsenicum Album The first remedy to think of for food poisoning and other forms of upset tummy. It can also be used prophylactically against “Bali Belly” and similar – please ask for instructions/potency. The patient is extremely anxious and restless and fearful of being alone. They can be very thirsty for frequent sips of water and their pains are burning, as are any discharges – mucous, diarrhoea, throat, tummy pain, etc. They can be totally prostrate (that’s laid out and weak!!!) and this often seems out of proportion to the condition. Typically they are worse from midnight to 2am and for cold food and drink. They often feel better for warmth, hot drinks and food, company and for fresh air (with their headaches).
5. Belladonna This is one of those great children’s fever remedies, but it has many more uses on holiday. Symptoms may appear after being chilled or alternatively from too much sun, from bites and stings, fever or with things like a urinary tract infection. The patient is often worse for touch, light, noise and being bumped, and often with fevers we will see delirium. The pains are usually throbbing and there may be burning heat, rapid pulse, bright redness of the skin, restlessness and usually no thirst with any fever (Aconite is usually very thirsty). The eyes are frequently glassy with dilated pupils and the patient may be floppy and lethargic or hyper. Make sure you keep an eye on fever in small children and babies and the current advice in Australia is to always take a baby under six months with a fever to your GP or ED.
6. Cantharis This is one of the best remedies for burns and cystitis. Classic cystitis – painful urination with cutting, burning and great urgency. Burns and sunburn with blistering and insect bites which look blistery and sting. The pains are burning and there is often burning, intense thirst but they feel worse for drinking and worse for urination, movement and touch.
7. Carbo Veg This is frequently called the ‘corpse reviver’ and could be thought of as a resuscitation remedy. Obviously if someone is in this state they are going to be on their way to the hospital, but it’s worth remembering this remedy if you have no other options. Symptoms at their most extreme include collapse due to oxygen starvation (eg drowning, suffocation, stillbirth). The body is cold, lifeless, limp and blue. It can be very useful in asthma where there is a sense of suffocation, the patient wants to be fanned and there may be blueness around the mouth. It is particularly good for digestive disorders especially wind and bloating, as well as diarrhea and wind after bad food or over indulgence. Often feels better for cool air, being fanned, belching and worse for warmth, dehydration and tight clothing.
8. China Is indicated for complaints after loss of fluids, eg dehydration, fever, diarrhea, the result of which is weakness and faintness, so it’s a recovery remedy and important for the aftermath of travellers’ diarrhea where the picture fits. There may be a bloated abdomen which is not better for belching. The diarrhea is usually painless but exhausting and the patient may feel better for hard pressure, lying down, fasting and wearing loose clothes.
9. Cocculus There are a number of travel sickness/morning sickness remedies but Cocculus is useful when there is nausea accompanied by a weak, empty feeling and trembling. It’s that feeling that lack of sleep can bring, causing everything to slow down, and dizziness is often part of the picture. It is therefore not just useful for morning/motion sickness, but good for jetlag with that classic feeling of dizziness, swaying and nausea. Patients are often worse for the sight/smell of food and for open air.
10. Gelsemium Paralysis and heaviness are key words with Gelsemium, so things like flu, anticipation/anxiety or similar states with trembling and chills and heat up and down the spine. There may be weakness and drowsiness with drooping eyelids and achy muscles. Nervous excitement can lead to frequent urination or diarrhea. Symptoms may come on after shock, fright, bad news and before events such as public speaking and exams. The patient is literally paralysed with emotion in these cases! They are worse from anticipation (fear of flying, change, new places), worse from emotions and worse from humid weather, but better for urination and sweating.
11. Hepar Sulph Is a good remedy for inflammation which is slow to resolve, where pus is present and the condition is ‘exquisitely’ painful – so ear infections, wounds, abscesses, etc. Often presents as a sore throat with pain spreading to the ear or a nasty chesty cough and pains anywhere are described as splinter-like or like a bone in the throat. These patients are over-sensitive on all levels and can be very irritable to the point of anger. They are very chilly and will complain if the covers are moved even slightly, being better for warmth and wrapping up.
12. Hypericum is often called ‘Arnica for the Nerves’ because of its affinity for the nervous system, presenting as shooting pain, nerve pain and numbness or tingling as part of most conditions. It is useful for injuries to the coccyx, surgical pain, forceps delivery, dental work and for cuts and injuries to fingers and toes (slammed in doors etc), and bites or stings – really anything which presents with shooting pain.
13. Ipecac Is useful for persistent nausea and/or vomiting, alone or with other conditions, but vomiting does not make them feel any better. It is indicated for morning or motion sickness, asthma or coughs (which are classically rattly, choking and/or gagging) and for excessive bleeding – all of which are often accompanied by persistent nausea. The patient may be thirstless with constant salivation and a clean tongue. They are worse for food and better for warmth and for lying with the eyes closed. Just on the rattly cough – Ipecac and Ant Tart are useful remedies for those rattly coughs that small babies and children often get which sound like they are drowning in mucous!
14. Ledum is useful following a puncture wound, eg rusty nails, insect stings, animal bites and for bruises or eye injuries, and may reduce local reaction to insect bites where the picture fits. I would recommend always using this remedy even if you have had a recent tetanus shot or are using homeoprophylaxis on your trip. The patient may feel cold, as may the injured part, but interestingly (and this is a keynote) the part is better for cold applications. The remedy has an affinity for capillaries, so is helpful for bloodshot, bruised or black eyes after Arnica has been given. Classically the wounds become blue, purple and puffy. There may be weakness, numbness or twitching of the part and they are worse for warmth.
15. Merc Sol Offensiveness and ulceration are keynotes of the Mercurius family. The breath, sweat and other discharges are usually very offensive, burning and slimy. Dirty yellowish-green is a common color for these discharges! The patient may complain of a metallic taste, profuse saliva and have bleeding gums or bleeding elsewhere. They are both easily overheated and chilled and can experience drenching sweats. Symptoms may include earaches with offensive discharge, sinusitis, tonsillitis. It is an important remedy for dysentery which presents with slimy diarrhea and is sometimes bloody. They are like a barometer – changeable on all levels. The patient is often worse at night, from temperature changes and sweating, and is better for rest.
16. Nux Vomica This is a big hangover, insomnia and indigestion remedy! There may be a constant urge to vomit or empty the bowels, but it doesn’t happen – think travellers’ constipation. Sleep problems are often an issue, even without overindulgence, and the patient may wake at 4am and can’t get back to sleep. When they do wake they may be excitable, impatient, angry, critical – which are actually common states for them! They may be worn out from overwork or travel, or ill from excess stimulation (eg coffee, alcohol, rich food, drugs, emotions). It’s a great remedy for travel constipation and for insomnia. For hangovers I recommend a dose before bed and a dose on waking in the night and this can work for insomnia too. They are worse in the morning, from loss of sleep, from noise and stimulants and better from resting, hot drinks and milk.
17. Podophyllum Is another important remedy for diarrhea, which may alternate with constipation, liver complaints or headaches. Thirst is strong for large quantities of cold water and there may be vomiting of hot, frothy mucus. The stool may be profuse, gushing, jelly-like and highly offensive with colicky pains. It is one of the remedies indicated in cholera and similar conditions. This can be a remedy to consider in teething with these symptoms. There may be a sensation of everything being too relaxed – abdomen, pelvis, rectum. The patient is better lying on the abdomen and worse in summer/hot weather and early morning.
18. Rhus Tox is one of the best remedies for sprains and strains. The patient stiffens up with rest, is worse for first movement and better once they get going. It is also useful for boils, urticaria and similar rashes, shingles and allergic reactions. It has an affinity for hot, painful swelling of joints, and sprains and strains to fibrous tissue, ligaments and joints. This is another remedy for dysentery-like symptoms with tearing pain down the back of the legs. It can be helpful for colds, flu and coughs with bright red tip to tongue. Typically worse for cold, wet weather, for getting chilled or wet after being hot and for over exertion. They are usually better for heat, movement and alcohol!
19. Silica Can be helpful for people who catch cold easily and then have trouble recovering, ending up with thick mucous in the sinuses or lingering mucousy coughs. Energy is often low, as is stamina and there may be problems with hair, nails, teeth and bones. It’s good for encouraging splinters or other foreign bodies to discharge, including hard plugs of wax (especially after swimming). Use for blocked tear ducts and other types of infections, for beginning of colds, coughs, fever. These patients perspire easily but are generally cold. Always better for heat and worse for cold in any form and for damp, wet weather.
20. Veratrum Album This is another of those gastro-type remedies presenting with profuse cold sweat and watery diarrhea. Patients may also have simultaneous vomiting and diarrhea. They may want sour fruit and salty things. They are usually very thirsty for cold drinks but this can aggravate the condition. Another important cholera remedy so you can understand the severity of the diarrhea. They are going to be worse for exertion and drinking but better for hot drinks or food, for covering up and for walking.
21. S.O.S. (our version of Rescue Remedy) is a valuable addition to any kit for times of stress or after a shock or fright. This can be tucked into a handbag, wash bag, etc.
Additional Suggestions for a Travel Kit
There are several other combination remedies which are useful for travel and can be easier to use if you are new to homeopathy or see our Mini Travel Kit – 10 combinations, which contains ten remedies for most eventualities, leaving you space to add two more remedies if required.
Travel/Jet Lag contains remedies (including SOS our version of Rescue Remedy.) to combat stress, jet lag and change in environment. It can also help protect against radiation which is present on the aircraft and can be helpful in preventing DVT (it includes Arnica), along with appropriate exercise as recommended by the airlines. It includes Cocculus so if your jetlag lingers, try taking it regularly for a few extra days after arrival to reduce that wobbly, “at sea” sensation or sleep issues. This is also going to be useful if you’re cruising and maybe in this case Cocculus as a single remedy is going to be most helpful when you step back onto dry land.
Travel Prep – I always recommend travellers use either Anas Barb or Get Prepped/Travel Prep (Get Prepped and Travel Prep are the same combination) to help promote a stronger immune response to the bugs which frequently float around at airports and when changing environment. They can be taken once a week through your trip and if symptoms of cold, flu or similar appear, can be increased to three times a day and used alongside the indicated remedies for the situation. I recommend Travel Prep as the most robust of these remedies. Start three days before travel and take once a day until three days after arrival at both ends of a trip (6 days in total).
You will find guidelines for using the remedy for travel both in the product details and also in the FAQs on how to use the Get Prepped & Travel Prep products.
CRUX Exposure – see notes below and also in the Travel Tips post – our suggestion is to take the remedy before you walk through any full body scanners if you remember, but certainly take a dose afterwards.
What has this to do with travel you might wonder?
If you’ve travelled by plane recently – domestically or overseas – you will be familiar with the total body scanner machines. If you’d done a few sectors, you will know how many times you go through these machines and are subjected to low level, apparently safe, levels of radiation. The science we have read is not so confident on the safety of these, so we suggest (and have used ourselves) CRUX Exposure each time you gone through a scanner.
Kalm Kids is great for travel with small children! It contains those remedies known to calm and soothe and we get great feedback on this combination. I’ve also recommended it for dogs and cats, as well as anxious adults.
Gastro is my “don’t leave home without it” remedy for any trip but especially for people travelling to Bali, Thailand, India and the like. While some people have cast iron stomachs, any new environment can be a challenge even for the strongest of digestive systems and you don’t want to be without this remedy when Bali Belly or similar strikes. If you take nothing else on holiday, take this!!
Ouchy is made up of the most commonly indicated and most frequently required remedies for first aid situations to assist in the soothing and healing of bumps, bruises, scratches, bites and other minor wounds and injuries. It’s useful in cases where you feel you need to give 3 or 4 remedies to cover all eventualities and you’re not quite sure what to give and in what order! And of course it saves on space. Designed originally for small children you can use for the whole family!
Anticipation & Anxiety I’ve made up this combination many times in my year’s in practice for people with fear of flying, claustrophobia, going to a new place or similar. It includes remedies for fear, anticipation, anxiety with paralysis, palpitations, nausea and so on and all those situations where you are frozen with emotion or fear. You can take this remedy as soon as you feel the symptoms come on, even if it’s a month or more before the anticipated event. Put the drops or pilules in a water bottle and sip as required!
AAA for anxiety This is similar to Anticipation & Anxiety but a slightly different combination and a higher potency to match the intensity of some states of anxiety. This might include fear of flying or going to the dentist, anxiety about a job interview or panicked about giving a talk or taking an exam. Not so much frozen with fear, but that active, freaking-out type, panicky anxiety. Or it could just be causeless anxiety, such as waking in the middle of the night or in the morning with fear and anxiety.
Mosquito-borne Disease; Dengue, etc
Due to the impact of climate change, mosquito-borne disease is on the increase. It’s quite an issue in Bali, for example, but because we all book online we often are unaware. Other strains are prominent in many parts of Asia, as well as in more tropical parts of Australia at particular times of the year. Travellers to South and Central America will also be aware of this issue.
You also need to be aware of the risks of Yellow Fever and which countries will require you to have a vaccination certificate if you have entered or exited from an area where YF is a risk.
Mossie Mix
We’ve been dispensing our Mossie Mix combo for nearly 20 years and it proves to be a great support. Nothing is 100% of course so if you are very susceptible to bites you do need to be mindful of covering up and also using a good spray. See below for a Deet-free spray we recently trialled in Bali with excellent results.
This is not available in the store due to TGA regulations, but drop us a line and we can send you information on travel generally, plus a link to purchase from the store if that’s all you need.
Bugg Off is a combination of traditional homeopathic remedies to help you avoid bites from and build resistance to mosquitoes and other critters.
This product came about because the mossies love Dean so much and after putting up with him chasing them around the bedroom with a shoe, I decided we needed a solution. We created and trialled Bugg Off on Dean and some similarly afflicted clients around 20 years ago and the rest is travel history.
Dean was determined not to suffer the crazy itching he has in the past so set himself up with a protocol before our most recent trip (along with priming our systems with Mossie Mix). He also diligently took a vitamin B complex prior to travelling as vitamin B1 is widely touted to help prevent mosquito bites. As always I looked at the science and it is pretty negative on this claim, but Dean definitely had the most mossie-free trip ever.
And if he did get the odd bite it certainly didn’t flare up and cause endless itching agony.
See my comments on mosquito spray below.
Please note: Bugg Off is not a suitable support product if you are travelling overseas to an area at risk of mosquito-borne disease such as Dengue Fever, Malaria, Japanese Encephalitis and similar. It may help stop you being attractive to the mosquitoes, but it does not provide additional support.
Bites & Stings is another of those useful remedies that may assist with symptoms of itching, swelling, burning, stinging and rashes from a variety of animals and insects. It may also help symptoms of cystitis as the picture can be similar. If you are particularly prone to being bitten by mossies vitamin B1 can be helpful in changing the reaction of the mosquitoes to your particular scent, but Caladium 6c has been really helpful for some travelers, when taken daily, in reducing bites.
Mosquito Spray – after a natural mosquito spray for an overseas trip? Me, I hate the stuff, but then I don’t get bitten. Dean had declared that nothing without Deet worked, much to my dismay. For our most recent trip I bought this product locally and we’ve declared it a roaring success. Safe for kids and pregnant mums and apparently all natural, this will be Dean’s go to for future holidays and I can see us having a stock of it! It smells great too.
Travellers’ Constipation
People frequently tell me that they get quite constipated when they travel. Whether this is due to dehydration or anxiety or just change of environment, Nux Vomica is the star of the show for this uncomfortable issue.
If you think about it you could take a couple of doses the day before you travel or on the morning of your trip and then if required. If you still find yourself struggling to go at your destination another single dose often does the trick. I tend to find this is not one of those remedies that requires many doses to get things going comfortably.
Travellers’ Diarrhoea
You’ll have heard me talk about our Gastro combo often enough if you’ve been following us for a while! What if you are one of those people who just has a weak tummy and you’re worried about travelling to India for instance? Arsenicum album 6c daily may well be your friend. I do find the potency is important in this one instance, but certainly it can be a great support for an anxious traveller with an anxious tummy in supporting the whole system.
Finally…
If you want more information and tips on travel both homeopathic and just general, hop over to the Travel Tips post for some useful additional extras.
Source:
Helios Homeopathic Pharmacy Travel Kit Flyer Nature’s Materia Medica; Robin Murphy
The World Travellers Manual of Homoeopathy; Dr Colin Lessell
This information does not constitute medical advice and does not replace advice from your GP or Travel Doctor. Always consider whether this information is appropriate for your individual needs.
Homeopathy is a traditional medicine. It may be used in conjunction with other medicines. For any ongoing chronic condition, it is important to be assessed or examined by your healthcare professional or specialist. Always seek medical advice in emergencies.
It is referenced from the texts approved by Therapeutic Goods Administration and is for information only. If in doubt as to the appropriateness of a treatment seek advice from your homeopath.