Don't let the summer get you down

Summer is all about bright sunshine and holidays but it also brings with it many health issues. Exposure to excessive heat causes loss of fluids and a rise in body temperature. This may occur at any age but is most common in babies and elderly people.

Nature has a way of protecting us and our body tells us to adapt to environmental changes. Simple solutions through homeopathy are listed here with a few tips.
Sunburn: Exposure to the afternoon sun can lead to sunburn, where the skin turns red and painful. Applying a sunscreen lotion before stepping out of the house would be helpful. Wear full-sleeved clothes. Avoid the sun between 11 am and 3 pm.
Belladonna — 3 pills taken 4 times a day —  is a good remedy to soothe the skin. Natrum carb 30 is also good for sunburn.

Heat exhaustion: This can occur when one is overexposed to the sun. The symptoms include feeling faint, profuse sweating, low blood pressure, headache and nausea. The person needs to drink salt water frequently. Fruit juices are also helpful.
Glonoine is a useful remedy for heatstroke, especially when one suffers from throbbing headaches. Gelsemium can be taken when there is excessive weakness.
Summer diarrhoea is usually caused by water contamination. Avoid eating out and stay away from cut fruits and fruit juices made with suspect water. Ars alb is a good remedy, and so is Croton tig.

Exposure to heat and sun can cause blinding headaches that last for several hours. Using sunglasses while going out is a good idea. Drink plenty of fluids before going out and carry a bottle of water with you. Avoid going out in the sun immediately after you wash your hair. Homeopathic medicines like Natrum carb, Natrum mur, Glonoine, Belladona, Gelsemium are useful to control such headaches. If the headache persists, consult your doctor.

Another common ailment that affects people, especially children, during summer is prickly heat. This is characterised by small eruptions all over the body with itching and burning sensations. Avoid synthetic clothes. Loose fitting cotton clothes help the skin to breathe. Kali bich is a good remedy to reduce these eruptions. Sulphur and Psorinum are also effective remedies for prickly heat.

Nose bleeds are common during summer. They may be an indication of weak nasal mucosa or septum. This condition is more common in children than in adults. Wash your head and face with cold water and lie down with your head propped up on pillows.  Medicines like Arnica, Ipec, Bryonia, Millefolium, Belladona are useful in acute nose bleeds.
Another major concern for people during summer is skin tan or hyperpigmentation. This occurs due to increased production of melanin. The skin looks blotchy and uneven. This is not a major health issue but a cosmetic concern. Avoid using perfumes while going out in the sun as it could irritate the skin. A detailed evaluation with a homeopathic physician is suggested. Application of lime juice or raw potato paste on the affected part helps in lightening the skin.

Cool fundas
Tips for a healthy summer:
— Drink plenty of fluids
— Include salads and fruits in your diet
— Avoid oily and greasy food
— Take a cold shower twice a day
— Wash your face often with cold water
— Wear loose fitting, cotton clothes to help the skin breathe
— Use sun screen while going out
— Use sun glasses to protect eyes from the harsh rays of the sun
— Exercise regularly