Holistic First Aid Remedies

In this busy travel season I have been asked many times over the past few weeks what to pack as a first aid kit while travelling this winter. I personally tend to lean toward Homeopathic and other holistic remedies.

My first aid travel kit contains the following homeopathic remedies:

ARNICA MONTANA (200CH)

This is the “go to” remedy for sprains, bruising, swelling, muscle aches (those allergic to ragweed and outdoor plants should use caution with this remedy). An alternative to Arnica is BRYONIA (30CH).

APIS MELLIFICA (30CH)

Used to relieve bug bites that cause redness, swelling and/or stinging. Apis is also a remedy that can be used to treat swelling from injury.

ARSENICUM ALBUM (200CH)

This remedy is for food poisoning, and the proverbial “Montezuma’s Revenge” often experienced when travelling. Notably for cases where vomiting and diarrhea are the main symptoms.

LEDUM (200CH)

Commonly referred to as the “homeopathic tetanus” – used for puncture wounds to avoid contracting tetanus.

RHUS TOX (30CH)

Used for ligament damage that is worse with first motion but gets better with movement, is also effective against Poison Ivy stings.

GLONOINUM or BELLADONNA (30CH)

These are the top remedies for sunstroke. CANTHARIS (30CH) for severe sunburn. APIS – already on hand for insect bites, could be used for mild sunburn also.

OSCILLOCOCCINUM or HOMEOCOKSINUM

Both products are a combination of homeopathic remedies and are for flu symptoms. Taken several times daily this will stop the symptoms before they catch hold. HOMEOCOKSINUM is a Canadian made product.

Non-Homeopathic but an essential part of a first aid kit:

OIL OF OREGANO

2-3 drops under your tongue or diluted in water – this remedy is effective for stomach upset, parasites, diarrhea, or when you are feeling a cold coming on (sore throats, etc). I actually take this once a day starting a few days prior to travel and every day during the trip. Germs & viruses like to travel too, and what better place to catch something than on an airplane! Oil of Oregano is very strong tasting but it works! *Note that Oregano kills both good & bad bacteria so be sure to take your probiotic at a different time of day than Oregano!

PROBIOTICS

We hear this buzz word all the time now, it is an essential tool to keep our immune system healthy. If you are not taking probiotics as a daily part of your health regimen it would be wise to start taking them 1-2 weeks prior to travel and daily while you are away. Probiotics are the friendly bacteria we need to keep the bad bacteria from invading our intestinal tract. Once the “bad guys” invade this leaves us susceptible to viruses. Don’t give the bad guys a free trip, there is nothing worse than being sick away from home. Probiotics ideally are refrigerated, however, there are now probiotic formulas that have been manufactured for non-refrigeration and are ideal for travel. If the aforementioned Montezuma’s strikes, increase dosage to 3 times a day, along with the Arsenicum Album and plenty of water should get you back on track in a short time.

VITAMIN C

2000 mg daily is best (preferably 1000 mg divided doses taken a.m./p.m. with food)– essential to stave off colds, inflammation of the respiratory tract, and maintain general well being; smokers should be taking Vitamin C as a part of their daily health regimen every day as smoking depletes Vitamin C.

CALENDULA CREAM

Good for burns or skin rashes. Along with the usual first aid items such as bandages, these remedies always get a free trip in my suitcase!

What are Homeopathics?

These are remedies made from plants, minerals or animals (ie: snake venom in the case of Lachesis) and sometimes even from chemicals such as penicillin. The substances are extracted from the medium and diluted until minute amounts of the original substance remains. They are then processed into tiny white pellets which are dissolved under the tongue. They do not have any flavor and take very little time to dissolve. Certain remedies also come in liquid form. Homeopathics should be taken 20 minutes away (before/after) any strong tastes in the mouth ie: coffee, toothpaste, cigarettes, etc. Remedies do not interfere with medications and are generally safe to take. They are inexpensive and compact to carry. Follow the dosage instructions on the container. Remedies can serve many purposes, treating more than one ailment, which makes them great for travel. Be safe, and don’t let illness stand in your way of a well deserved vacation!