General Travel Advice

Travel 36 Remedy Kit

Here is a partial list of what you can treat with your travel 36 Kit:

To purchase a Travel 36 Kit please click here.

General Advice
AN INTRODUCTION TO HOMEOPATHY
Although it was first described by Hippocrates 2,500 years ago, Homoeopathy as it is practiced today evolved 200 years ago. The word comes from the Greek and means similar suffering. This refers to the central philosophy that a substance that can produce symptoms in a healthy person can cure those symptoms in a sick person. For example a person suffering from hayfever, might be given a remedy prepared from an onion, because a healthy person chopping an onion usually experiences watering eyes and irritation. However, the substances are given in minute doses to avoid unwanted side effects, making them safe to use even in situations where conventional drugs would be dangerous or inadvisable (e.g. during pregnancy, when treating infants).
There are two important laws that you need to follow to use Homoeopathy successfully:
THE LAW OF SIMILARS states that we must match the symptom picture of an illness or injury to the symptom picture of the medicine. To help you do that this leaflet includes a Mini Materia Medica section that describes, briefly, the symptom picture of 36 frequently needed remedies. It is a very good habit to always check the complaints against this to make sure the description fits.
THE LAW OF THE MINIMUM DOSE states that we must only use as little of a medicine as possible to stimulate the body’s own healing mechanism. When we do give a medicine we should give one dose (in this case one small pill) and wait to see what relief it brings. If things begin to improve we should leave the case alone. We should only give another dose if the case stops improving before a full recovery is reached or if symptoms return (i.e. the case relapses). Giving the body more medicine than it needs will not improve or speed up the action of the medicine, if anything it may stop the medicine from being effective.
OTHER FACTORS TO CONSIDER:
ANTIDOTING
Certain substances are known to antidote certain homoeopathic medicines in some people. It is therefore advisable to avoid these substances if possible: Coffee (including decaffeinated), mint (notably in toothpaste), camphor, menthol and eucalyptus (often found in vapor rubs and cold remedies).
Keep remedies in a cool dark place away from strong smells (and small children).
TAKING THE MEDICINES
Homoeopathic medicines are delicate and need careful
handling. Touch them as little as possible. Shake one pill into the lid of the glass vial and put it onto the palm of the person taking the medicine. From the palm it should go straight into the mouth and be allowed to dissolve under the tongue. Put it into a clean mouth, if possible half an hour before or after having anything to eat or drink, cleaning your teeth or smoking. Obviously this does not apply in an urgent emergency where it should be given as soon as possible. Although you can crush and dissolve remedies in water and sip them, do not swallow the pill down with water, tea or coffee.
SAFETY FIRST
Serious injuries and illnesses should never be treated without seeking expert advice. Use your instincts and common sense, if you are worried call for help first, and then give the appropriate remedy whilst you are waiting for help to arrive. If symptoms show no improvement or return always seek professional help. A qualified homoeopath may be needed to treat the underlying weakness in the patient's constitution. If you already see a homoeopath regularly, please discuss self-prescribing with them.
Immunization
Immunizations and conventional anti-malarial drugs are contra-indicated for pregnant women and young babies. Those allergic to antibiotics may also be allergic to Polio immunization. It is not advisable to have immunizations for Meningitis or Typhoid if you are suffering from flu or any other inflammatory illness. If you take steroids, have cancer or HIV+ status, have a history of allergies or weakened immunity you should not have Yellow Fever immunizations. A small number of countries require a certificate proving that you have had this treatment (see T4), but a doctor's letter, stamped by your local health authority may be accepted instead. Check with the embassy concerned. If you do not fall into any of the above categories, as with any medical treatment, it is advisable to consider the effectiveness of immunization and the risks or benefits it will involve. Whether you decide to choose immunization is entirely your decision. The aim of this leaflet is to assist you in making an informed choice.
Useful addresses and phone numbers:
THE PROS:
Public Health Laboratory Service
61 Colindale Avenue London NW9 5EQ (UK)
Tel: 0181 200 6868 / Fax: 0181 200 7868
Ask for a free copy of T4.

HMSO Book Shop Tel: 0171 873 9090(UK)
Three relevant publications:
"Immunization against Infectious Disease" published by Department of Health (1992).
"International Travel and Heath - Vaccination Requirements and Health Advice (WHO 1994) "published by World Health Organization.
"Health Information for Overseas Travel "available from summer 1994, published by Department of Health.(UK)
MASTA - Medical Advisory Service for Travelers Abroad.
Tel: 0891 224100 (Premium rate service)(UK)
Based at the London School for Tropical Diseases, MASTA operates a pay-line. Leave details of your planned travel itinerary (there is no limit to the number of countries you can include) together with living conditions (i.e. tourist class/native) and they will send you a detailed computer print out on risks/ recommended immunizations. The computer is up-dated daily with information from the Foreign and Commonwealth Offices.
THE CONS:
What Doctors Don’t Tell You4 Wallace Road London N1 2PG (UK)
"The WDDTY Vaccination Handbook" Price £4.95
The Society of Homoeopaths
2 Artizan Road Northampton NN1 4HU (UK)
"The Case Against Immunizations "by Richard Moskowitz. Price £2.00
FURTHER READING:
"The World Travellers' Manual of Homoeopathy" by Dr. Colin
B. Lessell. Price £16.95. Published by The C.W. Daniel Company ISBN 0-85207-242-2.
"A Handbook of Homoeopathic Alternatives to Immunisation" by Susan Curtis. Price £5.99. Published by Winter Press.
ISBN 1- 874581--02

General Advice for Travelers
Prevention is better than cure:
Contaminated water
Don’t drink it; chill your drinks with ice made of it; brush your teeth with it; swim in it.Food
Don’t eat fruit (unless it can be peeled) or raw food (unless you can wash it in pure water). Every night and morning: 2 tsp. of cider vinegar or Honegar in spring water offers good gastrointestinal protection and helps prevent diarrhea. It’s not homoeopathic, but it works.Insects and Snakes
Don’t get bitten! Wear long sleeves / trousers; use a repellant; use a net; don’t walk bare-foot in high-risk areas. Take particular care at dusk.Sun
Respect it, particularly if you aren't used to it. Sunburn can make a miserable start to your trip and sunstroke can be literally fatal.
Dehydration
In hot climates drink plenty of pure water. If you can tolerate it add half a teaspoon of salt (or commercial dehydration salts) to each liter of liquid consumed. Dark urine is a warning sign. Increase to one teaspoon per half liter. Drink every hour for at least six hours. Urine should be pale yellow. Seek medical assistance immediately if you are concerned.

OTHER USEFUL PRODUCTS
Creams or Ointments:
Arnica - can be used externally on unbroken skin. Never use on broken skin as it can irritate. Reduces bruising and swelling.
Calendula - the "homoeopath's antiseptic". Use on cut, broken or sore skin. A wonderful healing balm.
Urtica Urens - very soothing on hot, itchy skin caused by minor burns, sunburn or allergic reactions to insect bites and stings.
Pyrethrum spray - a homoeopathic insect repellant.
Lemon grass essential oil - another useful insect repellant. Burn it in your room or rub into skin mixed with a base oil or sun tan oil.
Bach flower remedies:
Rescue Remedy - A combination of five flower remedies, used to reassure and calm those who have had bad experiences or accidents. In many, many situations you can give this immediately, whilst you consider which remedy is most appropriate.
Honeysuckle - A great remedy for homesickness.

What you can treat with your Travel 36 Kit