Homeopathy for the Traveler

I used to travel a lot for work. I enjoyed the opportunity to experience different cities and countries, but the years of business travel to take a toll. When I started to feel periodic claustrophobia in a plane, I knew I needed to find help. I decided to explore natural solutions. Using a combination of homeopathy, flower essences and acupuncture points I became a happy traveler once more!

There are so many factors involved in travel - from food poisoning to constipation, jet lag to heatstroke, anxiety to altitude sickness – just to name a few! Homeopathy has something to offer for all these symptoms and more. This blog will cover some of the essential remedies you will always want to take with you. Classic food poisoning symptoms of nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea which are usually worse during the night respond beautifully to Arsenicum. For overindulgence in stimulants or alcohol Nux-vomica quickly relieves.

For occasional constipation that is related to travel Lycopodium is very effective. To prevent jet lag Arnica is one of the best all round remedies to take immediately before, during and after a long flight. Other main remedies include: Cocculus and Phosphoric Acid for exhaustion and loss of sleep, and Gelsemium for the 5D’s: drowsy, dull, droopy, dizzy, dumb, dull (malaise). To relieve fluid retention, swollen ankles, Natrum-Mur 6X tissue salts as needed. Apis works well in acute oedema.

One of my great “finds” was Donna Eden’s book Energy Medicine . Her section on energy meridians for jet lag is very comprehensive. I bring two pages from this book on all my flights. A few taps on two meridians every two hours and I do not get jet lag – even on long hauls to India! For anxiety related to feelings of claustrophobia and associated panic states, Argentum nitricum. I used to put a couple of pellets in a ½ full water bottle and “success” and sip as needed. Having Rescue Remedy on hand was also helpful. A few drops of this flower essence created by Dr. Edward Bach can instantly relieve a wide variety of panic states. Another very calming remedy is Aconite.

Taken soon before or during travel it can settle the most panicky individual. Homeopathic Borax works for the specific fear of downward motion (landing). For travellers to the mountains two remedies should always be with you: Agaricus is the number one remedy in case of frostbite, Coca is number one for altitude sickness. If you are traveling by sea Tabacum is the top remedy for sea sickness. Taken before embarking, it can work wonders. If your sea sickness is better when your eyes are closed then Petroleum will be the remedy of choice. And if you are experiencing dizziness in conjunction with seasickness than Conium will help to settle your symptoms.

And the number one remedy for homesickness with insomnia? Capsicum.