Summer is known as the one of the hottest season of the year. It begins from mid of March and last in mid of July. Mostly people catch heat stroke, dehydration, diarrhoea, stomach ache and other diseases while proper protection have not been taken such as fluid intake, balanced diet, hygiene, etc.

Here's what one should keep in mind during summers for better health:-

1. Drink plenty of water:- We should drink about 8 to 10 glasses of water throughout  the day to stay away from dehydration and stroke. Don’t forget to carry a bottle with yourself. while stepping out, especially during the day time.

2. Eat more fruits and vegetables:- A good source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that make our body hydrated, nourished and electrolyte balanced. They  keep diseases at bay such as diabetes, cancer, heart problems, etc.

3. Boost immune system:- By having citrus fruits, ginger, turmeric, garlic, broccoli, etc we should strengthen immune system to protect from various diseases during summer.

4. Save yourself from direct sun:- We should avoid being outside between morning 11 am to evening 3 pm, at the time when sun rays become straight. They can cause skin irritation like dermatitis.

5. Enjoy indoor foods:- Eating homemade food will help you to stay away from food poisoning. 

6 .Always wear cotton clothes:- Due to their cooling effect and easy breathing ability they are best to wear during summer. Avoid synthetic clothing as it can cause itching and skin irritation or bacterial infection.

Homeopathic treatment for summer problems

SUNBURN

1) Urtica urens. Indications for use are redness and intense burning heat with a violent itching; or a stinging, pricking quality. The burnt skin resembles a rash with little white bumps. This remedy originates from Stinging Nettle.

2) Cantharis. The skin is red with very painful burning, rawness, and smarting, and is better from cool applications that the person doesn’t want to take off. This is our main first-aid remedy for any type of burn.

3) Causticum. This remedy is for more serious burns that blister and ooze or for the ill-effects of old burns. Topical applications can be very soothing to a burn

4) Aloe Vera plant. Peel off the outer thin layer of one of the leaves, applying the gelatinous interior directly to the burn.

5) Calendula or Hypericum tincture diluted in water, 1 to 10 parts. Apply cool compresses to the sunburned skin, refreshing them frequently as they warm up against the skin.;

HEAT EXHAUSTION

Sun exposure during very hot weather can also bring on the added risk of heat exhaustion, when a person becomes dehydrated from lack of water, excessive sweating, overexertion, and/or consuming alcoholic beverages. Symptoms include pallor, cold and clammy skin, excessive sweating, increased pulse and breathing, weakness, dizziness, nausea, headache, and muscle cramps.

1) Veratrum album corresponds to the above common symptoms of heat exhaustion.

2) Cuprum Metallicum may be indicated if muscle cramping is predominant.

3) Magnesium Phosphoricum is indicated when abdominal or leg cramps predominate.

4) Gelsemium is characterized by dullness, dizziness, and drowsiness. The face is hot and dusky red, the head is congested, with a feeling of emptiness or weakness in the stomach, along with the characteristic nervous, shuddering chill. The person is worse with motion and wants to lie down quietly.

SUNSTROKE/ HEATSTROKE

If heat exhaustion goes untreated, heatstroke may follow, which is a life-threatening condition in that the body cannot regulate its own temperature. Sweating may cease, and the body temperature can rise to  40ºC/104ºF or higher, with a rapid and strong pulse. Sunstroke presents with dry skin, a hot head, and a severe headache. The person may be vomiting, confused, convulsing, or unconscious. If you suspect heatstroke, simple measures to provide additional comfort and rest should be taken before you even select a homeopathic remedy. Move the person to a cool place, remove clothing, and sponge down with cool water. Administer the indicated remedy while awaiting medical assistance. Knowing the symptoms of the following remedies will help you to differentiate between them.

1) Belladonna. Characteristically, of sudden onset, with a hot and flushed-red face, while the rest of the body (or just the hands and feet) is chilled or cold. The severe, throbbing, right-sided headache is worse from jarring, motion, light, or noise, and better from cold applications or bending the head backward. The pupils are dilated, and the person seems to be in a stupor.

2) Glonoinum. Presents with a violent, pounding, or throbbing headache, with visible pulsation of the carotid artery along with a bounding pulse. The headache is worse from applying cold water and bending the head backward, and better from elevating the head. The skin is hot and dry, with a flushed, bright-red face and bulging eyes. There is a heavy, confused, drowsy state, with vertigo and dizziness as well as frequent urination.

3) Carbo vegetabilis. The person becomes weak and faints or collapses as a result of the heat exhaustion. He is cold and clammy, with marked nausea and diarrhea after exposure to heat and sun. Needing air and wanting to be fanned are the guiding

4) Natrum Carbonicum. A good overall remedy if there are no clear modalities, and often works when others don’t. Sensitive to sunstroke, and for repeated sunstroke or the chronic effects of sun exposure. Severe headache from the least sun; weakness after walking in the sun; confusion and vertigo after exposure to the sun.

5) Gelsemium. A flushed face and headache, with the characteristic trembling and weakness.

Rest for at least 24 hours after sunstroke or heat exhaustion. Hydration and electrolyte replacement to replenish fluid levels internally are very important. And because of increased susceptibility in the future, special attention should be paid to keeping the susceptibility in the future,special attention should be paid to keeping the head covered. Prevention is the best cure. Stay in the shade during the most intense heat of the day, drink plenty of water, moderate your exercise routine, and avoid alcoholic beverages.head covered. Prevention is the best cure. Stay in the shade during the most intense heat of the day, drink plenty of water, moderate your exercise routine, and avoid alcoholic beverages.

Disclaimer: This article is written by the Practitioner for informational purposes only. Users must not view the content as medical advice in any way. Users are also required to ’NOT SELF MEDICATE’ and always consult a practicing specialist before taking any medicines or undergoing any treatment. Practo and the Practitioner will not be responsible for any act or omission by the User arising from the User’s interpretation of the content.