Homeopathy for HEAT EXHAUSTION
With hotter and longer summers for many of us across the world, now more than ever it feels important to have solutions to the more frequent occurrences of heat exhaustion and sunstroke that more and more people are experiencing.
First and foremost is prevention, so limiting time in the direct sun at the hottest times of the day and hydration is key - check out my blog on the ultimate, easy, economical homemade hydrating drink.
And here are my top 6 remedies for heat exhaustion:
Glonium:
Heat exhaustion characterised by bursting, throbbing headache, pain may be constant or come in waves, heaviness in head but my be worse from laying head on pillow. The face is ordinarily red and flushed but may alternate to being pale at times. Sweaty skin even when out of hot weather. Chilliness following flushes of heat, may look like the start of a fever or illness. Better from cold things, cold application, lying still. May feel mentally confused with dizziness.
Belladonna:
Headache coming on from sun exposure, comes on into the afternoon or early evening, hammering and throbbing headache which is worse light, noise and for lying down. Skin is hot, red and dry and eyes can be red with dilated pupils. Very sensitive, may cry out with pain. Jerky movements, spasms or cramps can appear when trying to rest or in sleep. Urinary symptoms of retention or more frequent urination can also appear after sun exposure. Generally there is a great sensitivity and rapid and changing moods and pains.
Gelsemium:
A great flu remedy it can also be used for heat exhaustion with a similar picture of weakness, unlike the above remedies which have a more violent and rapid onset, Gelsemium can feel weak, trembly, dizzy and even numb after too much sun. I find this particularly useful in people who are sensitive in their everyday lives and too much heat and sun overwhelms their system. If there is a headache it is dull and heavy, with characteristic achiness and heaviness behind the eyes. They feel chilly and are better after urinating.
Nat Carb:
This is a brilliant remedy for those who often get headaches during or after exposure to sun. Headaches can be pulsating and extend into and around eyes, the head feels too large and heavy. Headaches are often accompanied or alternate with digestive complaints such as nausea, cramping and or sour belching. People needing this remedy may feel emotionally worse after sun exposure, sun and intense heat can increase anxiety, worry, sadness or grief.
Bryonia:
Headaches and dyspepsia during summer heat. Following time in the sun they will feel extremely dehydrated with dryness of mouth, tongue and throat and their lips may be cracked and split. The headache is throbbing and worse from any movement at all including opening eyes or turning head. They will feel better for complete rest, quiet, being left alone, pressure on the painful part and cold drinks and applications. They can feel nausea or even vomit when trying to get up and move around.
Phos Ac:
This is a greta remedy specifically for dehydration, when someone has not drunak enough after being in the sun and it causes a weak, depleted mentally fatigued state. I find this remedy useful for people who are worse after the sun, but already have a tenedency to beocme overwhelmed by a lot of work or thinking. They may have been exhausted or recoveirng from an illness or period of intense work when they go on holiday and then the sun pushes them into a fatigued state rather than making them feel better. There is heaviness of limbs, droopy eyelids and a mental apathy. they will feel better for short naps and may crave refreshing things and fizzy drinks.
There are many other remedies including; Pulsatilla, Lachesis, Ant Carb, Nat Mur, Sol, Psorinum and Veratrum that may feel worse in the sun or develop symptoms following heat or sun exposure, the above are just a few I use regularly in practice and life.
Maybe I will do another blog covering some of the others soon!
If you have a chronic condition that worsens in the sun or summer, or you have a general tendency to feel worse following sun exposure or during the summer, it’s worth seeing a homeopath who can tailor homeopathic treatment to fit you as an individual and your unique symptoms.
Get in touch to book a free chat if you are interested in how homeopathy could help you or your family.
