Travel
Worldwide travel is now commonplace, and homeopathic remedies can help with all kinds of related ailments such as travel sickness, jet lag, upset tummy and insect bites. There are homeopathic alternatives to travel vaccinations and anti-malarial drugs. I recommend an Ainsworths First Aid kit, and offer an appointment to discuss your travel plans. Based on your individual concerns, I can provide a collection of remedies carefully selected to suit you and your destination. I also stock a very popular jet lag combination remedy to alleviate sickness, dehydration, disorientation and insomnia. Contact me to place an order.
Mosquitoes
I am often asked for suggestions on how to avoid mosquito bites. Mosquitoes are more than a nuisance; their bites can cause serious complications including the transmission of diseases such as malaria, yellow fever, encephalitis, and West Nile Virus. While there are many ways to deter mosquitoes from biting you, some are more toxic than others. The following is a selection of ways to deter these pests. Anecdotally, some strategies work for some people but not others. All of them involve some effort and persistence!
Mosquito nets are essential in an area where mosquitoes are rampant. Wearing long sleeved and long legged clothing may offer some protection, but not if it is thin enough to be bitten through. Trousers tucked into socks and boots may deter mosquitoes from biting that popular area around the ankles. Any chosen repellant needs to be applied all over, including under the clothes, and reapplied regularly.
Repellants that work internally
- Avoid bananas - mosquitoes love them! There is something about the way we process the banana oil that attracts biting females.
- Take 100mg of Vitamin B complex daily. Start before your trip.
- Add half a teaspoon of vinegar to your water bottle.
- Eat a teaspoon of Marmite daily.
Repellants that work externally
Research has shown that essential oils do work against mosquitoes, and that products containing Deet are not necessarily better.
- Avoid any sweet/floral smelling skin products, perfumes or deodorants.
- Vicks Vaporub is a natural, inexpensive repellant.
- Use citronella soap.
- Mix citronella essential oil with a base oil, such as olive or almond (add enough to make the oil smell quite lemony when you apply it to your skin). Geranium, lemon eucalyptus, lemongrass, tea tree, grapefruit and lavender are all good oils to mix in with the citronella.
- Skin So Soft by Avon is a body moisturiser that many people swear by.
- Buzz Away is another natural product made from essential oils.
Treating bites and wounds
I recommend Insect Bite tincture from Ainsworths. It is not available for web order, but it can be ordered by telephone or purchased from their shop. Apply frequently to relieve itching and prevent sepsis.
To read a fascinating and inspiring article about research into the use of homeopathic remedies as prophylactic for malaria, visit www.a-r-h.org/Publications/Journal/BackIssues.htm