Stay healthy on holiday

25-07-2008This Month 25th Jul 14:45

Many of us spend all winter looking forward to a summer break, only to be struck down with sunburn, tummy bugs and insect bites as soon as things heat up, well not any more!

Thanks to the help of The UK’s leading Ayurvedic expert, Dr Prasanna Kerur from the Ayush Wellnes Spa in Jersey, everyone can stay happy and healthy this summer. As well as standard western medicine, it is very useful to know a few natural tips from Ayurveda, the oldest natural healing system known to mankind, which can offer many preventative and curative measures in line with nature.

Stomach Cramps

To aid digestion and prevent digestive upsets mix a teaspoon of ground cumin and fennel seeds with a bit of fresh ginger in warm water.

If you develop diarrhoea on holiday try taking half a teaspoon of ground nutmeg in honey and warm water two to three times a day.

Drink plenty of lime water with salt and a bit of sugar to replenish the lost fluids. Fresh Pomegranate juice is also very beneficial.

Cumin, fennel and ajwain seeds in warm water will reduce discomfort in the stomach by eliminating wind and bringing the appetite back.

Sunburn/Sunstroke

If you suffer sunstroke try drinking a tablespoon of fresh lime juice in half a pint of water, mixed with two teaspoons of honey to provide instant results. Dr Prasanna says:

“Having sunstroke means your body has lost electrolytes and fluids. The lime helps your body absorb the water and electrolytes faster. Honey is a good source of fructose and the best way to get sugar into the system.”

Sunburn can be quite irritable and dangerous too. Dr Prasanna recommends applying Sandal wood paste mixed with rose water to bring the inflammation down instantly and to apply cooling coconut oil.

Insect Bites

Mosquitoes can be a real nightmare when you are in the tropics but if you apply talcum powder mixed with a bit of Neem powder all over the exposed skin it will help to keep the mosquitoes away. The same is very beneficial on the site of the bite as well to reduce itching, pain and redness.

Also a thin application of coconut oil mixed with a couple of drops of Lavender and Neem oil can help to keep mosquitoes away. Dr Prasanna says:

“Neem contains a compound called Sallanin, which deters insects. If a brave bug bites through these defences then Neem also stops the bites itching. You can buy Neem repellents and creams in pharmacies.”

Prickly Heat

Prickly heat rashes are common when you are in hot and humid regions.

Shower twice daily applying mild essential oils like Sandalwood or Lavender to your body and cold water is preferable to hot.

Dehydration

It is essential to keep replenishing the fluids lost during a hot summer day and Ayurveda recommends using Limewater with a bit of salt and sugar, fresh fruit juices, dates juice squeezed into water.

Sarasparilla juice in water a popular India herb mostly available everywhere and Garcinia juice in water and a yogurt drink to combat thirst, heat and dehydration.

It is also essential not to shock the bodily systems by drinking very cold beverages soon after hot sun exposure.

 

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