Travel Survival

Summer holidays can pose their own health challenges, but with a little preparation minor health problems can be avoided or nipped in the bud. Weleda pharmacist Evelyn Liddell offers advice on how to stay healthy on holiday.

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Anxious travellers

Not all of us feel relaxed at the thought of travelling to far-flung places. If you are an anxious or apprehensive traveller, rest assured, there are many homeopathic remedies available that may help reduce your symptoms.

Each person experiences anxiety and apprehension in their own individual way and symptoms can range from blind panic and trembling, to moderate unease or ‘butterflies in the stomach’.

•  Aconite 30C (125 tablets) is useful for fear, palpitations, or trembling that can come on suddenly.

•  Argent Nit 30C (125 tablets) is ideal for settling those stomach churning ‘washing machine’ feelings in their tummy, a craving for sweet things, and nervous diarrhoea.

•  Gelsemium 30C (125 tablets) is helpful for a slow building anxiety and a feeling of paralysis, such as stage-fright or being frozen to the spot.

After considering which symptoms most resemble your own, and deciding on the best remedy, suck two tablets daily when symptoms first appear, increasing this to three times daily if necessary.

Coping with jet-lag

The long haul traveller may also find jet-lag a problem, resulting in fatigue, lethargy, poor concentration and dizziness.

To reduce or avoid jet lag, one tip is to increase your fluid consumption, avoiding alcohol. Secondly get as much sunlight and exercise after arrival as possible.

Homeopathic remedies can also be helpful:

•  Arnica 6C and Cocculus 6C (both 125 tablets). From the day before to 3 days after the flight, suck two tablets, of each remedy, every 4 hours. If the flight is overnight, try to get some sleep on the plane. Understandably this in itself can often pose quite a challenge in the cramped cabin conditions!

•  Avena Sativa Comp Drops (25ml) may help as they are designed for tackling occasional sleeplessness. Try 10-20 drops in water half an hour before settling down for a sleep.

Travel sickness and nausea

Travel sickness can ruin any journey. Useful remedies to pack for nausea include:

•  Cocculus 6C (125 tablets) can be used to counter the symptoms of travel sickness.

•  Calming Melissa Comp (25ml) is another alternative to combat nausea and occasional diarrhoea. For adults, take 10-20 drops in water every hour as required, up to 8 times per day; for children (8-12 years), take half the adult dose. Remember to keep well hydrated when dealing with sickness and diarrhoea, and seek medical help if symptoms continue for more than 24 hours or worsen.

Flight savers

Treat yourself to some Lip Balm (4g). This will go a long way to prevent dry and cracked lips caused by air conditioning on the plane.

Do you suffer from a stuffy nose whilst flying? Rhinodoron Nasal Spray (20ml) is a moisturising isotonic solution containing organic aloe vera gel, and effectively relieves dry, congested nasal passages. Suitable from 3 months and over and for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding means most of the family can benefit.

Limited space? No problem

No matter what size of luggage I use, subconsciously I think I see this as a challenge and always manage to overfill it. Thankfully, Weleda has come to the rescue with a selection of miniature medicines and travel size bodycare.

•  Calendolon Ointment (6ml) contains healing calendula for cuts and grazes.

•  Combudoron Spray (30ml) is a handy size bottle which comes to the rescue for insect bites and stings with its soothing properties.

•  Citrus Deodorant (30ml) this refreshing handy spray is perfect for revitalising when going on a long journey. The citrus aroma cools both your body and your mind.

•  Skin Food (30ml) is fast becoming a desert island must-have due to its versatility for face and body, day or night, and now comes in a new travel size. Not only does Skin Food smell divine, it excels at replenishing thirsty skin blasted by drying air conditioning or exposure to natural elements, whether blistering hot or icicle cold.

Just shows that you can be well prepared for travel survival without carrying an extra suitcase.

As with all medicines, always read the label and consult your doctor if symptoms persist.

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