Originally published In RINA: OCT 2017

Homeopathic remedies can be extremely useful in allowing the smooth adaptation to change and helping to cope with jet lag, excitement and anxiety as well as other symptoms during travel There are also excellent remedies for first aid treatment of simple ailments and a compact travel kit takes up very little luggage space.

Adjustment to change

• Kali phos 6c: This is an excellent remedy for those of us who can become overstimulated with time changes, long flights/ travels and so on.

• Arsenicum 6c: This helps the body to adjust to change, physical, emotional and psychic. This includes adjusting to food, water and climate.

• When there are alterations to our usual routines, particularly affecting sleep and digestive function Nux vomica.

Backache and discomfort

• Arnica: As well as reducing jet lag Arnica may help with the associated ‘bruised and beaten’ feeling.

• Bellis perennis: It relieves the discomfort of aching buttocks and soreness in the spine from extended periods of sitting during long flights.

Ear pain/ Fullness during or after flights

• Pulsatilla: stopped-up sensation in the ears, with pain.

• Belladonna: Sudden onset of intense pain that may shoot or throb

• Kali Mur 6x: Helps when eustachian tubes are blocked. Ear pain Swelling and circulation

• Nat mur 6c taken during the flight can help balance fluid levels and reduce swollen ankles.

Constipation

• Bryonia: Commonly needed for ‘travelers constipation’.

• Nux vomica: Over-indulgence, hurry. worry ,curry are the indicators for this remedy; with ineffectual urging. Travel anxiety and fear

• Aconite 30c: Panic with fear of flying, death and accidents.

• Argentum nitricum: Anticipatory fear before flying, much fidgeting and restlessness, claustrophobia or fear of heights. Possible diarrhea.

Motion sickness

• Cocculus: Nausea, vomiting and dizziness, worse for any movement.

• Tabacum: Severe nausea and vomiting, with dizziness and cold sweats. Better for fresh air.

• Nux Vomica: Gagging and retching. Headache with queasiness

Jet lag

• Arnica: Wonderful for relieving symptoms of exhaustion and jet lag. Can give you a second wind so you are able to stay up till the local bedtime; this will help you adjust to your new time zone swiftly and painlessly.

• Cocculus: If you feel like you are still in motion and find it difficult to sleep.

• Gelsemium: Jet lag with a sense of paralysis. You feel completely exhausted and every body part feels heavy - even your eyelids

Diarrhoea

• Arsenicum album: Sudden diarrhoea and vomiting, with burning pains. Feels chilly, restless and exhausted. Thirst for frequent sips.

• Podophyllum: Gurgling stomach with explosive, smelly stools. Bites and stings

• Apis: Great swelling, hot, red, throbbing and burning/stinging pains. Restlessness and no thirst. Better for cold applications.

• Ledum: For puncture wounds and black eyes. Pains are sticking, tearing and throbbing. Area is swollen, blue and cold. Better for cold applications.

Sunburn

Calendula spray/cream or gel

For mild sunburn, apply externally.

• Urtica Urens: Mild sunburn with itching.

• Cantharis: Painful with possible blistering.

Sunstroke

• Glonoinum: First remedy for sun stroke. Agonizing congestive headache after exposure to sun and heat. Hot face and cold extremities, irritability and confusion. Pounding pain, compare to Belladona.

• Belladonna: Bursting, throbbing headache with fever. Hot, dry skin after over-exposure to the sun.

• Gelsemium: Drowsiness, headache in back of head, no thirst, weakness, comatose and useful for sun stroke.