We are traveling with our family. What remedies should we take?

Common ailments that arise while  traveling and camping  respond well to homeopathic treatment. When my family and I travel, I like to bring a limited selection of remedies that can take care of the most problems that could arise. Firstly, I bring remedies that would be useful as a mini first-aid kit: minor accidents, cuts or bruises. In addition, I want to be prepared for a fever, cold or food poisoning.

The following list contains some of the remedies that I carry with me. Choose the ones that pertain to you and your family's need the next time you travel. Read the Materia Medica below the list for more information on each remedy.

Accidents/Injuries
Arnica Montana

Bee Stings
Apis mellifica
Ledum palustre

Burns, Minor Sunburns and Skin Irritation
Calendula officinalis cream (or ointment)

Colds/Fevers/Flus
Aconitum napellus
Belladonna

Diarrhea
Arsenicum album

Food Poisoning
Arsenicum album

Fussy Baby
Chamomilla

Insect & Tick Bites
Ledum palustre
Apis mellifica
Tick Bite Balance I (Prevention during Tick Season)
Tick Bite Balance II (Following a Tick Bite)

Nausea/Vomiting
Arsenicum album
Nux vomica

Nervousness/Panic
Aconitum napelllus

Jet Lag
Arnica montana (jet lag with feelings of muscle soreness and ache)
Nux vomica (jet lag with stomach upset and nausea)

Overeating and Drinking
Nux vomica

Puncture Wounds
Ledum palustre

Tick Bites
Tick Bite Balance I (Prevention during Tick Season)
Tick Bite Balance II (Following a Tick Bite)

Remedy Profile (Materia Medica in alphabetical order)

 
Aconitum napellus   (Aconite) is useful for the feeling of anxiety and panic from an accident or frightening or shocking events. This person is nervous, agitated and can't sit still. This remedy can really be used during an S.O.S.! Aconite is useful for the early stages of an intense fever that comes on suddenly. Often the child or adults goes out on a windy day and, a short time later, comes down with a fever. Aconite will typically be effective for a fever that's accompanied by anxiety, restlessness and a thirst for cold drinks.

Apis is well known for the effects of a bee's sting. There is burning, stinging, along with excessive swelling, puffiness and redness. The person feels better in open air, uncovering, and with cold application or ice. For emergencies, see immediate medical attention.

Arnica is the first medicine to use for any injury. Often the person says, 'I'm okay.' Arnica is useful for: bruises, swelling, muscle soreness, sprains and strains, falls and blows, overexertion from lifting, sports, or work. In addition, Arnica is useful for post-operative swelling, dental procedures and after childbirth. I keep this in my purse with me everyday!

Arsenicum is for nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. This can be the result of food poisoning or traveler's diarrhea. There can be abdominal cramps along with chills. The mood is anxious, restless and the person doesn't want to be left alone.

Belladonna is also useful during the early stages of a sudden fever. However, a person who responds to Belladonna radiates heat and may have a flushed face and a throbbing feeling, as well as delirium and a lack of thirst. Homeopathic Belladonna along with all homeopathic remedies, are safe and non-toxic.

Calendula can be found in the store as a cream, gel, tincture, spray and ointment. Calendula is a remarkable healing agent to be applied locally. It is useful for open wounds, scrapes, minor burns and sunburns.

Chamomilla is useful for pain, including teething and colic in babies. A child who is in a "chamomilla state" is obviously unhappy and uncomfortable. Very angry, irritable, impatient, contrary. Also can be inconsolable, crying, screaming and arching his or her back. Asks for something, then refuses it.

Ledum is well-known as an acute remedy in bites, stings and wounds. Ledum is also known use in puncture wounds (for example after stepping on a nail). The person feels better from ice cold applications or bathing. For tetanus prevention see the local doctor immediately.

After drinking or eating too much, Nux vomica is a wonderful choice. It can help calm the feeling after indulging in stimulants, coffee, wine and heavy or rich food. Useful for heartburn, constipation and jet lag. There can also be nausea with vomiting.

Tick Bite Balance I  is taken preventively during tick season to strengthen the body in case there is a tick bite. Tick Bite Balance II helps the body respond after a tick has bitten you (your child) or your animals.  Following a tick bite, also consult your practitioner.