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Sunburn and dehydration? Are you prepared?

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Most of us love summer – after all, the warm season brings plenty of sun, light and welcome warmth. However, you must now take care not to get too much of a good thing. And if it does happen, a well‑stocked home medicine kit can provide quick and reliable help.

Even a short time in the sun can cause sunburn, especially on very sensitive skin. The following three homeopathic remedies have proved useful for sunburn on many occasions. Choose the appropriate remedy and give it every three hours until the symptoms improve. For mild sunburn, doses can be given at longer intervals.

Cantharis C30 is the first‑choice remedy for sunburn. It is used for sunburn accompanied by intense burning of the skin that is relieved by cold applications. In fact, this remedy should be the first thought for any kind of burn. The rule of thumb is: the stronger the burn, the more frequently the remedy should be administered. For severely sunburned skin, it is best to take a high potency (i.e. a C200). The frequency of dosing depends on the degree of pain, swelling and other accompanying symptoms. Again: the more severe the symptoms, the more frequently the remedy should be taken.

Urtica urens C30 – for burns accompanied by a stinging or prickling sensation.

Belladonna C30 – for very red sunburns, usually accompanied by strong throbbing or pulsating in the skin. This remedy is used for sunburned skin that is VERY INTENSELY red and feels hot.

The Schuessler salts Ferrum phosphoricum D6, Kalium muriaticum D6 and Kalium sulphuricum D6 can be given in addition to the chosen single remedy. Each Schuessler salt should be taken at most three times daily for three days. Again, the severity of the symptoms must be taken into account.

Externally, sunburn can be relieved with aloe vera gel. If you have a fresh aloe vera plant at home, you can rub the skin directly with the cut side of a leaf! Alternatively, you can soothe the skin with a vinegar bath (add 1 cup of vinegar as a bath additive to a tub of lukewarm water). Or rub in coconut oil or unsalted butter. In my family, coconut oil is the absolute favourite.

 

You should also be prepared for possible fluid loss. Drink regularly and sufficiently! Ideally, take a balanced mix of water and electrolytes, which you can also drink preventively. The following recipe not only tastes great, but also avoids the additives and flavourings commonly found in sports drinks.

16 Bioplasma tablets

1/4 cup probiotic yoghurt or kefir

1/4 to 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice

Maple syrup or honey to taste

1 teaspoon sea salt

1/2 cup coconut milk (optional)

Put all the ingredients into a large container (it should hold about 3–4 litres of liquid) and fill with ice‑cold water. Stir well afterwards. The drink has a slightly sweet‑sour and very refreshing taste. Stir well before drinking!

If, despite all precautions, significant fluid loss does occur, you can compensate for it with the following homeopathic remedies. Take the appropriate remedy every 15 minutes until the symptoms ease. Afterwards the remedy should be given at 1–4 hourly intervals until a clear improvement is observed.

Chinchona officinalis C30 (China) – Helps with exhaustion due to fluid loss. Accompanying symptoms are bloating, headaches, and a tender scalp and flushed face. Patients often describe a feeling as if they had sand in their eyes and a buzzing in the ears.

Phosphoricum acidum C30 – Indicated for mental and physical exhaustion, apathy and listlessness, accompanied by a pale face and hollow‑eyed appearance. If the patient also passes milky, cloudy urine and often staggers, Phosphoricum acidum is the right remedy.

 

It is always worthwhile to start the summer with a well‑stocked homeopathic medicine kit. That way you can handle all emergencies and enjoy your holiday time with peace of mind!

 

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This article was published on www.joettecalabrese.com

Photos: Shutterstock.com - © Csaba Deli, Fotolia.com - © Sergey Tokarev

 

Keywords: Sunburn, Dehydration
Remedies: Cantharis C30, Urtica urens C30, Belladonna C30, Ferrum phosphoricum D6, Kalium muriaticum D6, Kalium sulphuricum D6, Chinchona officinalis C30 (China), Phosphoricum acidum C30

Joette Calabrese